Wreck of HMCS Annapolis - Pacific Northwest
The ‘Unknown’ wreck, often referred to as the Atlantic, gives you a proper taste of Scapa Flow without the depth demands of the bigger German High Seas Fleet ships. We love its approachable depth, usually around 20-25 metres, meaning longer bottom times and more opportunity to poke around. What you’ll find is a cargo steamer, probably sunk during the scuttling, sitting upright and surprisingly intact. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer scale of the hold. We’ve spent many dives finning through, torch beams catching the eerie, shadowed corners where Light-bulb sea squirts glow faintly. Look closer on the bulkheads and you’ll often spot the quirky little Blade Shrimp, perfectly camouflaged. The deckhouse is a favourite, still recognisable with portholes offering glimpses into what were once crew quarters. On the deck, Common sea stars cling to every surface, and the occasional inquisitive harbour porpoise might even make a fly-by if you’re lucky. This wreck is perfect for those getting their feet wet with Scapa’s history, or anyone who appreciates a well-preserved piece of maritime past. It’s less about penetration, more about the atmospheric exploration of a working ship frozen in time.
- Location
- Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
- Coordinates
- 49.449200, -123.331000
- Type
- wreck
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
- 100 Foot Rock
- Alki Beach Park
- Alki beach Seattle ferry north
- Am/Pm Beach - 13m (shore)
- Ansell Point Dive Site - 5-20m (shore)
- Arachne Reef - 5-20m (reef)
- Arachne Reef (reef)
- Arbutus Island - 10-30m (shore)
- Arbutus Point - 23m
- Atkins Reef (reef)
- Atrevida Reef (reef)
- Barnard Castle - 15-35m (pinnacle)
- Bell Island
- Blake Island Reef (reef)
- Blind Reef (reef)
Nearest Dive Centres to Wreck of HMCS Annapolis
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
- Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) - Reef Fish
- coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) - Reef Fish
- Spiny Dogfish (Squalus suckleyi) - Sharks & Rays
- Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) - Reef Fish
- Dungeness Crab (Metacarcinus magister) - Crabs & Lobsters
- Common shore crab (Carcinus maenas) - Crabs & Lobsters
- red salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) - Reef Fish
- California Spot Prawn (Pandalus platyceros) - Crabs & Lobsters
- Slender Crab (Metacarcinus gracilis) - Crabs & Lobsters
- Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) - Reef Fish
- Whiting (Merluccius productus) - Reef Fish
- Pacific krill (Euphausia pacifica) - Crabs & Lobsters
- Common Seal (Phoca vitulina) - Whales & Dolphins
- Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) - Reef Fish
- Red Rock Crab (Cancer productus) - Crabs & Lobsters
- Spotted Ratfish (Hydrolagus colliei)
- Calico salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) - Reef Fish
- Slender Sole (Lyopsetta exilis) - Reef Fish
- Pacific Geoduck (Panopea generosa) - Clams & Mussels
- Olympia oyster (Ostrea lurida) - Clams & Mussels
Recommended Packing List for Wreck of HMCS Annapolis
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