Pass Island

Recommended type of dive: Boat

How to dive this site: Before attempting to dive this site, consult the staff at Whidbey Island Dive Center or a knowledgeable person with experience in diving here. You will need to accurately predict a preferably lengthy slack tide. The longest slack tide of the year might be only 20 minutes, which isn't long. You'll need to have your equipment ready and be "on station" 30 minutes before predicted slack and be prepared to wait until slack is visible, which may be up to 30 minutes later. The best diving here is usually at slack before an ebb tide. Once slack has started, enter the water on the western side of the island near the kelp bed where you will be somewhat proected from the proceeding ebb tide and boat traffic coming through the passage.

It is possible to anchor your boat off the west side of Pass Island or land a small inflatable/kayak. For best results use a live boat to facilitate your pick up after the dive.

A fantastic dive can be had by entering the water on the south side of the island and then heading west towards the protected side. You will need to have your boat drop you off, as it is impossible to anchor inside the passageway. You will also need to navigate by compass because of a shelf at roughly 100', which extends a ways past the protected area to the west. If you do not use a compass, you will wind up out in the middle of nowhere and may have to swim against the current to get back or ascend in an area of fast moving boat traffic. HAZARD: It is recommended that you bring two flashlights on this dive as it can be dark as night below 60'.

Directions to the site: GPS Coordinates: N. 48 24.438 W. 122 40.355

From Anacortes and other places north - Take SR20 South over the Deception Pass Bridge and turn left onto Cornet Bay Road. Follow it to the public boat launch past the park ranger station. Launch your vessel here and head west towards the bridge.

From Oak Harbor - Take SR20 North to Deception Pass State Park, turn right onto Cornet Bay Road and follow it to the public boat launch past the park ranger station. Launch your vessel here and head west towards the bridge.