Oregon

Courtesy of over 300 miles of coastline, and an endless trail of gorgeous freshwater lakes, the Pacific Northwest region of the United States - Oregon offers arguably the most eye-catching rugged landscapes on the continent. Remnants of ancient volcanos reach skyward from beneath the ocean’s surface. Diving on the Oregon coast offers the chance to see red snapper, sculpin, and octopus. Steamer clams, butter clams, scallops, Dungeness, red rock, and hermit crabs make a home near the jetty areas, and the offshore reefs have cold-water anemones and sponges, with some divers lucky enough to spot sea lions and orca whales.

Divers visiting Oregon’s largest city Portland can reap the rewards of the clear spring waters surrounding nearby Mount Hood and the nutrient-rich diving in Puget Sound. Most of the shore diving in Oregon is found off the central coast, from Newport to Florence. May to September tends to be the best months for diving the coast with the summer and early fall weather conditions providing the least amount of rain.

Location: Oregon, US.

Best Time To Dive: May to September.