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Deception Pass
 Whitbey Island, WA
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Entry Type: Shore
Bottom Composition: Sand/Rock
Aquatic Life: Plenty To See
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Winter: Under 50°F/10°C
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This site is located at the north end of Whidbey Island and the
narrow cut has some of the highest currents around, up to 8 knots easily.
Directions: from the north (I-5 just north of Mount Vernon)
head south on SR20 until passing over Deception Pass Bridge onto Whidbey
Island. Once on Whidbey Island, take the first right turn into Deception Pass
State Park. Next take another right turn into the North Beach area. Park in the
upper parking lot. From the South, head North from Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island
on SR 20. Just before reaching the bridge turn left into Deception Pass State
Park. Next take a left into the North Beach area. Park in the upper parking lot
and gear up there (restrooms nearby,) packing your equipment down to the beach.
(I’m guessing it’s a downhill football field and a bit.) Remember that the park
opens on April Fools Day and closes right around October 1st (usually).
Deception Pass is the best advanced (or intermediate with
guide) site that I have visited in Washington State. Having enjoyed it three
times from both sides, the steep walls feature acres of colorful filter feeders
as well as nice populations of big fish. For shore divers, the site is only
really safe a few times a month when the slack tides are long. Divers new to
the site would be wise to consult Anacortes Dive Shop for advice or in water
guidance, or at least someone who has been diving there multiple times. Pack
your equipment down to the beach. Once slack starts, enter the water close to
the rocks on the right side of the beach. This tiny cove is somewhat protected
even on a flood current. Orient your compass to mark your return course and
make your descent." The walk down to the beach is pleasant and the small
cove starting-point is spectacular. Look out for salmon fishermen in season.
The cliff to your right is the one you’ll be diving along. It starts out in a
beautiful garden, then passes three pillars, eventually ending in a series of
pinnacles if the slack allows you that far. Usually, a nice tour to the third
cliff pillar results. Slack is sometimes hard to gauge here, so get to the
beach early and watch the floating debris and ducks. It’s easy to start off too
late. In any case, the little garden at the end of the dive is a great place to
spend some time if you get carried back early. It’s pleasant and safe even with
some current. The site is exceptional for invertebrates, filter feeder, ling
cod, nudibranchs, grunt sculpins and all types of greenling. It is covered in a
variety of colorful marine life.
http://opticalocean.blogspot.com/2005/04/deception-pass-bridge.html
http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/USA_West/Washington/Deception_Pass/index.htm