Willis Point - Pacific Northwest

Willis Point gives us a classic Pacific Northwest dive, not for the faint of current. We often hit it as a drift, timing slack tide just right to avoid being swept past the wall. The real action here is the sheer density of shrimp. Seriously, the sheer number of California spot prawns, sidestriped, and plain Pacific glass shrimp clinging to the rock face, particularly when there’s herring spawn around, is just wild. It’s like the wall itself is alive and wiggling. We’ve seen sooty shearwaters diving from above, chasing the same baitfish that attract the pink salmon and chinook. Keep an eye out for spiny dogfish cruising the deeper sections, and if you’re lucky, an orca pod might even pass through the area, though that’s a lottery ticket. This spot is definitely for divers comfortable with colder water and, more importantly, with strong currents. Our favourite time to dive Willis Point is early morning, right before the boat traffic picks up.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.578335, -123.484985
Type
shore
Maximum Depth
10-25m

Marine Protected Area: Kellett Bluff 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 Willis 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 Willis 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