wall

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Whytecliff Park Dive Site

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.