Swordfish Island - Pacific Northwest

Swordfish Island always feels like a proper adventure. Getting there usually means a boat ride through some choppy water, but the reward is worth it. We love dropping into the kelp forests here, especially on a sunny day when the light filters down through the fronds, creating this ethereal green glow. It’s cool and calm once you’re down there, and the giant octopus population is simply incredible. We’ve found ourselves just watching one for twenty minutes, mesmerized by the way it flows over the rocks. Beyond the octopuses, keep an eye out for the California spot prawns, often tucked into crevices, and the surprisingly graceful big skates gliding across the sandy patches. Up top, the birdlife is equally impressive; we often spot Bald Eagles circling overhead while preparing to dive. Our best tip? Go on a slack tide, if you can time it. The currents here can pick up, making it a bit of a workout, but on a calm day, it’s a truly peaceful dive. This spot suits divers who appreciate a cooler water environment and a chance to really observe individual creatures rather than just speed through.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.310238, -123.582580
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
15-40m

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 Swordfish Island

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 Swordfish Island

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