Virtue Rock - Pacific Northwest

Virtue Rock. Now there's a dive that sticks with you. We love a good pinnacle, and this one, rising out of the Pacific Northwest gloom, definitely delivers. The real draw here, for us, is the sheer density of invertebrate life. You drop down, and it's like a soft, living carpet covering the rock, a vibrant green from the sea lettuce, dotted with green sea urchins clinging to every crevice. Keep an eye out for the big skates cruising by, almost blending into the low visibility, and the quick scurry of red rock crabs as you approach. For those who appreciate the smaller stuff, the shrimp are incredible. You'll spot Arctic Eualid and Yellowleg Pandalid shrimp tucked away, and the gray shrimp often blanket the sandy patches around the base. It’s a site that rewards a slow, deliberate dive, really looking into the nooks and crannies. We've found the best time to really enjoy Virtue Rock is on a slack tide, otherwise, you'll be working pretty hard against the current, and you'll miss half the action. It's a dive that suits those who appreciate the subtle beauty of a temperate water environment, where the sheer abundance of life creates its own kind of spectacle.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.417847, -123.254074
Type
pinnacle

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 Virtue Rock

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 Virtue Rock

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