Race Rocks - Great Race - Pacific Northwest

The Space Race (Russian: космическая гонка, romanized: kosmicheskaya gonka, IPA: [kɐsˈmʲitɕɪskəjə ˈɡonkə]) was a 20th-century competition between the Cold War rivals, the United States and the Soviet Union, to achieve superior spaceflight capability. It had its origins in the ballistic missile-based nuclear arms race between the two nations following World War II and the onset of the Cold War.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.299282, -123.532760
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
15-30m

Marine Protected Area: Lower Dungeness

Best Time to Dive in Pacific Northwest

The warmest water temperatures in Pacific Northwest occur in August, averaging 16.5°C (up to 15.6°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 6.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 7.1°C (air: 6.3°C)
  • February: 6.9°C (air: 4.5°C)
  • March: 7.7°C (air: 6.6°C)
  • April: 9.5°C (air: 8.7°C)
  • May: 12.0°C (air: 11.7°C)
  • June: 14.0°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • July: 15.7°C (air: 14.9°C)
  • August: 16.5°C (air: 15.7°C)
  • September: 14.3°C (air: 14.0°C)
  • October: 11.4°C (air: 10.5°C)
  • November: 8.8°C (air: 7.4°C)
  • December: 7.7°C (air: 5.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Pacific Northwest

Nearest Dive Centres to Race Rocks - Great Race

Marine Life in Pacific Northwest

Home to 38 recorded species including 18 reef fish, 7 crabs & lobsters, 3 whales & dolphins, 2 sharks & rays, 2 clams & mussels, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Race Rocks - Great Race

Based on average water temperature of 11.0°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 11°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Race Rocks - Great Race?
The typical diving depth at Race Rocks - Great Race ranges from 15 to 30 meters. This depth profile allows divers to explore various sections of the reef, offering different perspectives on the underwater environment.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see when diving at Race Rocks - Great Race?
While Race Rocks - Great Race is identified as a reef dive site, the provided data does not specify particular marine life species divers can expect to encounter. For general information on marine species found in similar reef environments, please consult our comprehensive wildlife database.
How challenging is the Race Rocks - Great Race dive site, and what skill level is recommended for divers?
The Race Rocks - Great Race dive site is classified as intermediate in difficulty. This rating suggests that divers should possess a solid foundation in diving skills and experience. It is recommended for certified divers who are comfortable with potentially challenging conditions.
When is the best time of year or day to dive at Race Rocks - Great Race for optimal conditions and visibility?
The available data does not provide specific information regarding the best time of year or day to dive at Race Rocks - Great Race for optimal conditions and visibility. We advise checking local dive reports and forecasts closer to your planned dive date for the most current information. For general guidance on dive planning, you can visit our when to dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended for diving at Race Rocks - Great Race?
Given that Race Rocks - Great Race is an intermediate dive site, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is highly recommended. While no specific certifications are mandated in the data, additional training in areas like deep diving or drift diving could enhance safety and enjoyment at this site.
What are the typical current conditions at Race Rocks - Great Race, and how do they impact diving?
The provided data does not include details about the typical current conditions at Race Rocks - Great Race or their specific impact on diving. As with any intermediate dive site, divers should always be prepared for varying currents and consult with local dive operators for real-time updates before entering the water.