Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Seattle, United States
1. Kelly Inner Harbor
A protected marine sanctuary offering clear waters for exploring diverse marine life.
- Rich Marine Life: Home to seals, octopuses, and various fish species.
- Protected Sanctuary: Preserves and protects marine ecosystems for future generations.
- Clear Waters: Offers excellent visibility, enhancing the underwater viewing experience.
2. Edmonds Underwater Park
An artificial reef with sunken ships and structures providing habitats for marine life.
- Artificial Reef: Created to support the growth of coral and marine life.
- Sunken Ships: Offers unique exploration opportunities for divers.
- Clear Waters: Provides good visibility and an enriched diving experience.
3. Candidate Park
A popular spot for snorkeling with a shallow depth, perfect for beginners.
- Shallow Depth: Ideal for learning and practicing basic scuba diving skills.
- Accessible Location: Easy to reach by land and offers a convenient diving experience.
- Variety of Marine Life: Inhabits a diverse range of marine creatures, from starfish to seals.
4. Mukilteo Beach
Offers tidal pools for snorkeling, providing close-up views of marine life.
- Tidal Pools: Allows easy access to the underwater world.
- Close-Up Views: Enables divers to observe marine life up close.
- Beautiful Beach: Offers scenic landscapes and relaxation opportunities post-dive.
5. Whidbey Island
Home to Deception Pass State Park with numerous diving spots.
- Numerous Dive Sites: Variety of locations catering to all levels of divers.
- Scenic Landscape: Beautiful islands and dramatic cliffs create a breathtaking backdrop.
- Marine Life Diversity: Inhabits a wide range of marine species, including seals and octopuses.
6. Port Townsend Marine Science Center
A research institution offering educational diving experiences.
- Educational Experience: Learn about marine ecosystems while enjoying the dive.
- Research Opportunities: Contribute to scientific research on local marine life.
- Diverse Marine Life: Explore various species of fish, sea stars, and crustaceans.
7. Olympic National Park
Offers lake diving opportunities for exploring freshwater marine life.
- Freshwater Diving: Experience a different underwater environment.
- Scenic Beauty: Explore the park's breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.
- Unique Marine Life: Discover freshwater species like cutthroat trout and lake trout.
8. Point Defiance Park
Offers a protected cove for diving and snorkeling.
- Protected Cove: Provides calm waters and a safe environment.
- Variety of Marine Life: Explore diverse marine life in the cove.
- Recreational Facilities: Enjoy other park amenities, like picnic areas and trails.
9. Capitol State Park
Features a protected reef with abundant marine life.
- Protected Reef: Supports the growth of coral and various marine species.
- Clear Waters: Offers good visibility for an enriched diving experience.
- Recreational Activities: Enjoy other park activities, like hiking and picnicking.
10. Saltwater State Park
Offers a variety of dive sites for both beginners and advanced divers.
- Variety of Dive Sites: Catering to all levels of experience.
- Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful saltwater inlets and forested areas.
- Marine Life Diversity: Discover a wide range of marine species, including seals and octopuses.
11. Juanita Beach Park
Offers shallow waters perfect for snorkeling and beginner diving.
- Shallow Waters: Ideal for learning and practicing basic scuba diving skills.
- Accessible Location: Easy to reach by land and offers a convenient diving experience.
- Variety of Marine Life: Inhabits a diverse range of marine creatures, from starfish to seals.
12. Fort Casey State Park
Offers a pier for shore diving and snorkeling with clear waters.
- Shore Diving Pier: Allows easy access to the underwater world.
- Clear Waters: Provides good visibility and an enriched diving experience.
- Historical Sites: Explore the park's historical fort and bunker facilities.
13. Eagle Harbor
Features a sunken shipwreck for advanced divers to explore.
- Sunken Shipwreck: Offers unique exploration opportunities for advanced divers.
- Clear Waters: Provides good visibility and an enriched diving experience.
- Scenic Harbor: Enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and cityscape.
14. Seattle Aquarium
Offers a unique diving experience in their underwater dome exhibit.
- Underwater Dome Exhibit: Dive among various marine creatures, like octopuses and seals.
- Educational Experience: Learn about marine ecosystems and conservation efforts.
- Urban Location: Conveniently located in the heart of Seattle.
15. Puget Sound
A large, natural harbor offering diverse dive sites for all levels.
- Numerous Dive Sites: Variety of locations catering to all levels of divers.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and city skyline.
- Marine Life Diversity: Discover a wide range of marine species, including seals, octopuses, and fish.