Diving the Pacific Northwest
Diving the Pacific Northwest is diving in cold, emerald green waters. This area is home to a spectacular diversity of marine life, where you’ll find the Giant Pacific octopus, the largest of its species in the world, the Wolf Eel, the Pacific Whiteside dolphin, and the enormous Puget Sound King Crab.
Tides and currents can be complex in the Pacific Northwest. Learning the differences between Stand Water Time (high/low tide) and Slack Water Time (zero current) is important. You should also be aware of rip tides, down drafts on walls, and back eddies within coves.
Best time to dive
Diving in the summer is good because it’s warmer, both underwater and on the surface. The best visibility is during the spring and fall. The most popular diving months are March, April, September, and October
Visibility
Visibility averages 5 to 50 feet.
Water temperatures
Water temperatures average between 45 and 52 °F.
Weather and climate
The weather is very mild. During the summer, the temperature ranges from 60 to 80 F and in the spring and fall, you can expect the temperature to range from 40 to 70 F. This area gets a lot or rain throughout the year.
Language
English
Passport/Visa requirements
U.S. entry: Canadians do not require a visa, only a valid passport or a birth certificate or citizenship certificate if arriving directly from Canada. Valid passports are required for all other nationalities. Visas are required for many nationalities. You should check current requirements before traveling as requirements can change very quickly. Visitors must have return or onward tickets and the necessary documents for further travel.
Canadian entry: Although a passport is the ideal identification, U.S. nationals do not require a passport to enter Canada if holding other identification to establish citizenship, such as a birth certificate and at least one photo ID card. European passport holders do not require a visa. A valid passport, a return ticket, and sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependents are required. International travelers may require a visa to enter or transit Canada. You should check current requirements before traveling as requirements can change very quickly.
Currency
U.S. Dollar – Get exchange rates at http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Electrical current
110 volts AC, 60 cycles. Plugs are mainly the two, flat-pin type, though three-pin plugs are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter, which can be purchased in most major departure airports.
General information
The Northwest region is bound by the Pacific Ocean to the west, passes over the Rocky Mountains and extends east to the Great Plains. The heart of the Northwest is the states of Washington and Oregon and Canada’s British Columbia.
Map
Get a map of the Pacific Northwest area from WorldAtlas.com.
Get another Pacific Northwest area map from WorldAtlas.com.