Saxe Point - Pacific Northwest

Saxe Point is one of those shore dives we keep coming back to when we’re in the area, a solid pick for a relaxed afternoon. The entry is easy, just a gentle slope into the water from the park, which we always appreciate when hauling gear. Once you’re in, it’s a gentle drift along the rocky bottom, mostly at depths around 10 to 15 metres. We love exploring the nooks and crannies here; there’s always a Red Rock Crab peeking out or a Sunflower Star slowly making its way across the rocks. You’ll often spot Blackbelly Eelpouts tucked away, and the Shoalgrass beds sway with the gentle current, creating a nice habitat for smaller critters. Keep an eye out for Pigeon Guillemots diving overhead – we’ve seen them torpedoing past underwater a few times. Visibility can swing, but on a good day, it’s a pleasant 8 to 10 metres. This site really suits divers looking for a chill dive without the fuss of a boat, offering consistent chances to see some classic Pacific Northwest invertebrates and fish without feeling like you’re battling the elements. It’s our favourite kind of easy dive.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.423332, -123.418335
Type
shore
Maximum Depth
5-20m

Marine Protected Area: Lime Kiln Lighthouse Voluntary No-take

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 Saxe Point

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 Saxe Point

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