Whytecliff Park Dive Site - Pacific Northwest

Whytecliff is one of those places we always enjoy revisiting, even when the viz isn't playing along. It's a proper PNW shore dive, and it’s a good one to get comfortable with the local conditions. The main draw here is the steep wall that drops down past 30 metres, covered in colourful anemones and sponges. You’ll spot a ton of different shrimp species if you look closely – the California spot prawns are particularly chunky – along with Dungeness crabs scuttling over the rocks. We often find giant octopuses tucked into crevices, usually peeking out with one curious eye. It's a site that rewards patience and a slow pace. You might be drifting past a rock, thinking it’s just a rock, then a Blackbelly Eelpout wiggles out. Our favourite is probably the coho salmon runs in late summer, seeing them dart past in the gloom is a real treat. Entry can be a bit tricky over the barnacle-covered rocks, especially at low tide, so good boot soles are a must. We’d suggest hitting it on a slack tide for the easiest dive, as currents can pick up. It’s perfect for divers who appreciate the subtle beauty of cold water and aren't afraid of a bit of an entry scramble.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
49.371708, -123.291610
Type
wall
Maximum Depth
15-35m

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 Whytecliff Park Dive Site

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 Whytecliff Park Dive Site

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