Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Portland, Oregon, United States
1. Cape Falcon Marine Reserve
A protected marine reserve offering diverse marine life including sea lions, seals, and various fish species. Ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.
- Rich Marine Life: Abundant marine life provides a unique underwater experience.
- Protected Area: Marine reserve status ensures the conservation of marine ecosystems.
- Accessible Beach Entry: Easy access to the ocean for water activities.
2. Cannondale Beach
A lesser-known diving spot offering opportunities to see octopuses, seals, and a variety of fish. Ideal for experienced divers.
- Hidden Gem: Offers an unique, less crowded experience.
- Experience Level: Ideal for more experienced divers due to strong currents and depth.
- Unique Marine Life: Offers a chance to encounter unique marine life like octopuses.
3. Washburne State Park and Beach
Offers shallow waters perfect for snorkeling, along with a shipwreck site to explore.
- Shallow Waters: Ideal for beginners and snorkelers.
- Shipwreck Exploration: Provides a unique underwater historical experience.
- Family-Friendly: Shallow waters make it safe and enjoyable for families.
4. Nehalem Bay State Park
Offers a protected estuary ideal for snorkeling, with opportunities to see various fish species and sea stars.
- Protected Estuary: Ensures the conservation of marine ecosystems.
- Ideal for Snorkelers: Shallow waters make it perfect for snorkeling.
- Wildlife Viewing: Offers opportunities to see various fish species and sea stars.
5. Oswald West State Park
Features a rocky coastline ideal for scuba diving, with opportunities to see various fish species and sea lions.
- Rocky Coastline: Provides unique underwater landscapes.
- Marine Life: Offers opportunities to see various fish species and sea lions.
- Experience Level: Ideal for more experienced divers due to strong currents and depth.
6. Bob Straub State Park
Offers a calm bay perfect for snorkeling, with opportunities to see various fish species and crabs.
- Calm Waters: Ideal for beginners and snorkelers.
- Marine Life: Offers opportunities to see various fish species and crabs.
- Family-Friendly: Shallow waters make it safe and enjoyable for families.
7. Cape Lookout State Park
Features a rocky coastline ideal for scuba diving, with opportunities to see various fish species and seals.
- Rocky Coastline: Provides unique underwater landscapes.
- Marine Life: Offers opportunities to see various fish species and seals.
- Experience Level: Ideal for more experienced divers due to strong currents and depth.
8. Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area
Offers a protected estuary ideal for snorkeling, with opportunities to see various fish species and sea stars.
- Protected Estuary: Ensures the conservation of marine ecosystems.
- Ideal for Snorkelers: Shallow waters make it perfect for snorkeling.
- Wildlife Viewing: Offers opportunities to see various fish species and sea stars.
9. Baskett Beach State Park
Offers a sandy beach perfect for snorkeling, with opportunities to see various fish species and crabs.
- Sandy Beach: Provides a comfortable underwater experience.
- Marine Life: Offers opportunities to see various fish species and crabs.
- Family-Friendly: Shallow waters make it safe and enjoyable for families.
10. Neahkahnie Mountain Beach
Features a rocky coastline ideal for scuba diving, with opportunities to see various fish species and seals.
- Rocky Coastline: Provides unique underwater landscapes.
- Marine Life: Offers opportunities to see various fish species and seals.
- Experience Level: Ideal for more experienced divers due to strong currents and depth.
11. Arcadia Beach
Offers a sandy beach perfect for snorkeling, with opportunities to see various fish species and crabs.
- Sandy Beach: Provides a comfortable underwater experience.
- Marine Life: Offers opportunities to see various fish species and crabs.
- Family-Friendly: Shallow waters make it safe and enjoyable for families.
12. Haceta Beach
Features a rocky coastline ideal for scuba diving, with opportunities to see various fish species and seals.
- Rocky Coastline: Provides unique underwater landscapes.
- Marine Life: Offers opportunities to see various fish species and seals.
- Experience Level: Ideal for more experienced divers due to strong currents and depth.
13. Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve
A protected marine reserve offering diverse marine life including sea lions, seals, and various fish species. Ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.
- Rich Marine Life: Abundant marine life provides a unique underwater experience.
- Protected Area: Marine reserve status ensures the conservation of marine ecosystems.
- Accessible Beach Entry: Easy access to the ocean for water activities.
14. Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
Features a rocky coastline ideal for scuba diving, with opportunities to see various fish species and seals.
- Rocky Coastline: Provides unique underwater landscapes.
- Marine Life: Offers opportunities to see various fish species and seals.
- Experience Level: Ideal for more experienced divers due to strong currents and depth.
15. Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
Offers a protected bay perfect for snorkeling, with opportunities to see various fish species and crabs.
- Protected Bay: Ensures the conservation of marine ecosystems.
- Marine Life: Offers opportunities to see various fish species and crabs.
- Family-Friendly: Shallow waters make it safe and enjoyable for families.