Skip to content
Diving Hubs
Washington diving. Backdrop for the Diving Hubs Washington dive shop directory

Scuba Diving · Washington

Scuba Diving in Washington

Dive 25 dive shops and charters across Washington. Maps, hours, contact info, photos, and verified operator profiles, all in one place.

North Cascades, the Olympics, and 3,000 miles of saltwater coastline.

Updated

View 25 dive shops and chartersGet listed free

Highest rated

Scuba Diving in Washington by Google rating

Ranked by Google rating, then by number of reviews, across the 23 of 25 dive shops and charters in Washington with 10 or more Google reviews. A blank cell means we do not have that detail yet.

NameCityDivingRating
Seattle Dive ToursSeattle5.072 Google reviews
Argonaut DivingEdmonds4.959 Google reviews
Underwater Sports IncFederal Way4.948 Google reviews
Jade Scuba AdventuresPort Orchard4.928 Google reviews
Yss DiveShelton4.8165 Google reviews
Exotic Aquatics Scuba and KayakingBainbridge Island4.886 Google reviews
Eight DivingDes Moines4.865 Google reviews
Thunder Reef Divers IncVancouverReef4.859 Google reviews

All listings

25 dive shops and charters in Washington

All states

On the map

Dive shops in Washington

Everything we have mapped in Washington, on one map. Tap anything for its details.

Loads the full map of Washington. We leave it off by default so the page opens fast on mobile data.

About Washington

Washington state offers a distinctive cold-water diving experience, primarily centered within the vast inland waters of Puget Sound and the intricate archipelago of the San Juan Islands. This region, sheltered from the open Pacific, presents a dramatic underwater landscape characterized by rocky reefs, kelp forests, and nutrient-rich currents. Divers here explore a vibrant ecosystem teeming with unique Pacific Northwest marine life, including giant Pacific octopuses, wolf eels, lingcod, and a diverse array of nudibranchs. The dive infrastructure supports this unique environment, with numerous dive shops providing gear, training, and guided excursions from shore and boat.

The diving in Washington is known for its incredible biodiversity and often challenging conditions, requiring specific equipment and training. Most diving occurs from shore access points or via charter boats operated by local dive shops, which are concentrated in cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Everett, and extend north towards Bellingham and the San Juan Islands. Liveaboards, while less common than in tropical destinations, do offer multi-day expeditions to more remote sites within the San Juan Islands, providing access to strong current dives and pristine, untouched reefs.

Unlike tropical destinations, Washington diving demands drysuit proficiency due to consistently cold water temperatures throughout the year. Visibility can range significantly, influenced by tides, plankton blooms, and recent rainfall, but often rewards divers with breathtaking clarity, especially in deeper, less disturbed areas. The dive sites themselves are incredibly varied, ranging from easily accessible shore parks like Edmonds Underwater Park to advanced boat dives on artificial reefs and historic wrecks scattered across the sound and strait. Planning involves careful consideration of tides and currents, which are significant factors in many popular dive locations.

Quick facts

Dive shops and charters listed
25
Best season
June through October

Trip guide

Know before you go in Washington

Federal permits, lotteries and timed-entry reservations in Washington, from Recreation.gov.

Confirm current requirements with the agency that sets them before your trip. Rules and fees change every season.

  • Diver Down Flag Requirements

    Washington law requires divers to display a diver down flag whenever diving from the surface. The flag must be at least 12x12 inches for boat diving and 20x24 inches for shore diving, visible from all directions, and indicate the presence of divers within 100 feet in rivers and lakes, and 200 feet in ocean waters. Vessels must maintain a safe distance.

  • Boater Education Card

    Anyone operating a motorboat with 15 horsepower or greater in Washington state, born after January 1, 1955, is required to carry a Boater Education Card. This applies to dive boat operators, including those chartering boats. Visitors should verify requirements if operating their own vessel.

  • Marine Protected Area Rules

    Several areas within Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands are designated as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) or no-take zones. These areas have specific regulations regarding fishing, harvesting, and disturbing marine life. Divers must adhere strictly to these rules to preserve the fragile ecosystems. Always consult local charts and signage.

  • Shellfish and Fishing Licenses

    While most divers observe marine life, those wishing to harvest shellfish or fish during a dive must possess a valid Washington State recreational shellfish and seaweed license or a fishing license, respectively. Specific regulations, seasons, and catch limits apply and vary by species and location. Verify with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

01What kind of marine life can I expect to see in Washington?
Washington's cold waters host an incredible array of marine life. Divers frequently encounter giant Pacific octopuses, wolf eels, various nudibranchs, lingcod, rockfish, and crabs. You might also spot sea lions, seals, and occasional porpoises, especially in the San Juan Islands.
02What are the typical water temperatures and visibility?
Water temperatures generally range from 45–55°F (7–13°C) throughout the year. Visibility is variable, often ranging from 15–50 feet (4.5–15 meters), but can sometimes exceed 80 feet (24 meters) in winter or specific locations. Plankton blooms can reduce visibility, particularly in spring and early summer.
03Do I need a drysuit to dive in Washington?
While technically possible to dive in a thick wetsuit, a drysuit is highly recommended and almost standard for diving in Washington due to the consistently cold water. It provides superior thermal protection and allows for longer, more comfortable dives. Many dive shops require drysuit certification for boat charters.
04What is the best time of year to dive in Washington?
Summer (June-August) generally offers the warmest water and most consistent visibility, making it popular. Fall (September-November) can also be excellent, with good visibility and fewer crowds. Winter (December-February) often brings the best visibility, though with colder water temperatures.
05Are there many wreck dives in Washington?
Yes, Washington has several notable wreck dives, particularly in Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Many of these are artificial reefs, such as the USS Scylla or the Boeing 727, intentionally sunk to create marine habitats. There are also historic wrecks, often at deeper depths and subject to strong currents.
06Is Washington diving suitable for beginner divers?
Washington offers sites suitable for various experience levels. Some shore dives, like Edmonds Underwater Park, are excellent for beginners. However, many signature sites involve deeper depths, currents, or require drysuit experience. It is recommended that beginners gain comfort in colder water and consider advanced certifications before exploring more challenging locations.

When to go

Season by season in Washington

Spring (March-May)

Spring brings gradually improving visibility as plankton blooms begin to subside, though water temperatures remain quite cold. Dive shops increase their charter schedules, and popular sites become more accessible as daylight hours extend. Drysuit diving is essential.

Summer (June-August)

Summer typically offers the best and most consistent visibility, along with the warmest water temperatures, though still requiring drysuit protection. This is the peak season for diving, with full charter schedules, numerous training courses, and busy dive sites. Liveaboard options are most prevalent.

Fall (September-November)

Fall often provides excellent visibility as water temperatures begin to drop and plankton levels decrease. Crowds thin out compared to summer, offering a more serene diving experience. Dive shops continue regular operations, and many consider this a prime season for exploring deeper sites.

Winter (December-February)

Winter features the coldest water temperatures but can also deliver spectacular visibility, often the best of the year. While fewer dive shops operate regular charters, dedicated local divers embrace the clear, crisp conditions. Specific training for challenging winter conditions is advisable.

Free tools

Your free outdoor toolkit

View all tools
Dive SitesBrowse community-mapped reefs, wrecks, and walls with depth, conditions, and what you will see.
Wetsuit GuideThe water temperature at any dive site this week, and what each published thickness chart says to wear.
Gear ChecklistsPrintable, save-as-you-go packing lists. Tick items off and pull them up on your phone.
Maintenance SchedulesPick your equipment and get its full service schedule. Add your usage to turn intervals into dates.
Dive ClubsBrowse local clubs with meeting info and how to join, or start your own for free.
Everything MapListings, trails, spots, clubs and public land on a single full-screen map. Switch layers on and off, then tap any point for the details.