Revision 8/24/2009 9:19 PM
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Deception Pass
 Whitbey Island, WA
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Entry Type: Shore
Aquatic Life: Plenty To See
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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