

Best for intermediate divers, 2-27m, shore entry, strong current.
Skyline Wall is a marine site in Puget Sound featuring a wall and reef structure that drops from 2 to 27 metres. The topography includes a kelp forest and seagrass beds in shallower sections. Divers encounter Northern Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals, Giant Pacific Octopuses, Wolf-eels, and Kelp Pipefish, alongside various crabs, shrimp, and nudibranchs. Conditions include strong currents and visibility ranging from 5 to 10 metres. Water temperatures remain between 8 and 9 degrees Celsius, requiring thermal protection. Shore entry requires navigating a surf break. Divers should manage entanglement risks within the kelp and time entries around slack water to mitigate the strong currents.
48.49210, -122.68767
Wait for the water to slow down significantly as seen from shore, then swim out to where the kelp sticks furthest into the channel and wait for the current to stop.
Long swim across a large sand flat to reach the kelp beds. Avoid the back-eddy closer to shore by swimming further out into the channel.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 27m
Visibility
5-10m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
8-9°C
Current
Strong
Typical Dive
50 min
Divers frequently encounter Northern Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals, and Kelp Pipefish. Other species recorded include Giant Pacific Octopuses, Wolf-eels, various crabs, shrimp, and nudibranchs like the White-lined Dirona.
No, this site is rated for intermediate divers due to the strong currents, surf entry, and the need to manage entanglement risks in the kelp forest.
The site features a wall dropping from 2 to 27 metres, with an average depth of 25 metres.
This is a shore entry site. Divers must navigate a surf break, so a confident exit plan is necessary before entering the water.
While the site is primarily a dive location, the shallow seagrass beds and kelp forest are present. However, the strong currents and surf break make it challenging for snorkelling.
Diving at Skyline Wall in Anacortes requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A drysuit recommended is recommended for diving at Skyline Wall in Anacortes. Water temperatures range from 8°C to 9°C.
Skyline Wall in Anacortes can have strong currents. Advanced experience with drift diving and current navigation is recommended.
Visibility at Skyline Wall in Anacortes typically ranges from 5 metres to 10 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.