Ten Mile Point - Pacific Northwest

Ten Mile Point. Now this is a spot we keep coming back to. Forget those stories about the Pacific Northwest being all gloom and low visibility. On a good day, and you do need to pick your days here, Ten Mile Point offers something truly special. We love the drift along the wall, usually starting north and letting the current carry you. Keep your eyes peeled for those sneaky Snake Pricklebacks tucked into crevices, their bodies almost camouflaged against the rock. What really sets it apart for us are the invertebrates. You'll often find Horned Shrimp clinging to the hydroids, and if you’re patient, the elusive Arctic Eualid Shrimp can be spotted too. It’s a macro photographer's dream, honestly. We’ve spent entire dives just hovering, watching Red Rock Crabs scuttle across the seafloor, or finding tiny California Spot Prawns tucked into anemones. The kelp forests sway gently, filtering the light into ethereal shafts, and when the light is just right, the whole place shimmers. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration and a keen eye, perfect for divers who appreciate the subtle beauty of temperate waters.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.455612, -123.266010

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 Ten Mile 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 Ten Mile 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