Cannon Beach, Oregon, is a picturesque coastal town that offers a unique and thrilling diving experience for adventurous scuba enthusiasts. From the iconic Haystack Rock to the rugged shores of Ecola State Park, this region boasts a diverse array of dive sites that cater to divers of all skill levels. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the captivating Dives Spot in Cannon Beach Oregon, providing you with the essential information to plan your next underwater exploration.
Haystack Rock: A Kelp Forest Odyssey
Situated just offshore from the charming town of Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock is a renowned dive site that attracts divers from around the world. This impressive rock formation, standing tall at 235 feet, is surrounded by a vibrant kelp forest teeming with marine life. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of species, including colorful nudibranchs, sea stars, and even the occasional harbor seal or sea lion.
Dive Conditions and Considerations
- Location: Offshore from Cannon Beach
- Depth: Shallow water at high tide, with a maximum depth of around 30 feet
- Conditions: Rough surf, strong currents, and limited visibility
- Difficulty: Suitable for experienced divers due to the challenging conditions
To ensure a safe and enjoyable dive at Haystack Rock, it’s crucial to plan your dive carefully, check the weather and tidal conditions, and have the necessary experience and equipment.
Ecola State Park and Indian Beach: Surf Diving and Surge Exploration
Closer to the shoreline, Ecola State Park and Indian Beach offer a unique diving experience with their own set of challenges. These shore dive sites are known for their strong currents, rough surf, and limited visibility, making them a true test for experienced divers.
Dive Conditions and Considerations
- Location: Cannon Beach
- Depth: Varies, with some areas reaching depths of 30-40 feet
- Conditions: Strong currents, rough surf, and limited visibility
- Difficulty: Requires experience with surf dives and strong currents
Divers exploring Ecola State Park and Indian Beach should be well-versed in navigating surge and shore entries, as the conditions can be quite demanding. It’s essential to plan your dive carefully and have a solid understanding of the local tides and weather patterns.
Other Nearby Dive Sites
While Haystack Rock and Ecola State Park/Indian Beach are the primary dive sites in the Cannon Beach area, there are several other noteworthy locations within a short drive:
Depoe Bay
- Dive Sites: Government Mound, Boiler Bay, North Point
- Accessibility: Boat or shore access
Florence
- Dive Site: North Jetty Dive Park
- Description: A concrete-walled channel with abundant marine life
These additional dive sites offer divers the opportunity to explore different underwater environments and expand their diving experiences in the Pacific Northwest.
Diving Conditions and Considerations
Diving in the Cannon Beach region, and along the Oregon coast in general, presents a unique set of challenges that divers must be prepared to face. From the cool water temperatures and limited visibility to the strong currents and rough surf, it’s essential to have the proper gear and experience to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive.
Water Temperature and Visibility
- Water Temperature: The waters off the Oregon coast are typically cool, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the mid-50s Fahrenheit, depending on the season.
- Visibility: Visibility can be quite limited, often ranging from 10 to 30 feet, due to the nutrient-rich waters and occasional plankton blooms.
Currents and Tides
- Currents: Strong currents are common in the Cannon Beach area, particularly around Haystack Rock and the shore dive sites.
- Tides: Divers must be mindful of the tidal patterns and plan their dives accordingly to minimize the impact of strong currents.
Gear and Experience
- Gear: Divers should be equipped with a drysuit or a well-insulated wetsuit, as well as other cold-water diving gear to stay comfortable and safe.
- Experience: The challenging conditions in the Cannon Beach region require a high level of diving experience, particularly for shore dives and dives around Haystack Rock.
Resources and Guides
To help plan your diving adventure in Cannon Beach, Oregon, there are several resources and guides available:
- Oregon Dive Sites: A comprehensive website with information on various dive sites throughout Oregon, including the central coast and Cannon Beach.
- Northwest Dive Club: A forum where divers share their experiences and provide advice on diving in the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon and Washington.
- Scuba Diving Guides: Articles and guides on scuba diving in Oregon, including tips on dive conditions, safety, and popular dive sites.
By familiarizing yourself with these resources and following the necessary safety precautions, you can ensure a thrilling and memorable diving experience in the captivating Dives Spot in Cannon Beach Oregon.
References:
– ScubaBoard. (2003). Has anyone dove Haystack Rock… – ScubaBoard. Retrieved from https://scubaboard.com/community/threads/has-anyone-dove-haystack-rock.29486/
– Oregon Dive Sites. (n.d.). Oregon Dive Sites – Information on SCUBA diving sites throughout Oregon. Retrieved from https://www.oregondivesites.com
– Northwest Dive Club. (2008). Has anyone dove at Cannon Beach, ORegon? – Northwest Dive Club. Retrieved from https://nwdiveclub.com/viewtopic.php?t=5448
– Scuba Diving. (2022). Exploring the Underwater Splendors of Oregon | Scuba Diving. Retrieved from https://www.scubadiving.com/exploring-underwater-splendors-oregon
– Reddit. (2022). Oregon dive locations : r/scuba – Reddit. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/scuba/comments/s86cmq/oregon_dive_locations/.