Best Snorkeling Places Around Seattle

by CaliCase Team on May 01, 2023

Are you an avid snorkeler looking for the best spots to explore in the Seattle area? Look no further than these eight top-notch snorkeling destinations! From artificial reefs to natural rock formations, each location offers a unique and immersive underwater adventure. Get ready to spot a wide variety of marine life, from curious little sculpin fish to giant Pacific octopuses. And once you're done snorkeling, you can soak up the sun and relax on the beaches or explore the nearby hiking trails. So grab your snorkeling gear and get ready to dive into some of the most breathtaking underwater sights in the Seattle area!

You can also explore the Best Snorkeling Places in the USA or if you plan to drive south to enjoy warmer weather, don't miss our Best Snorkeling Places in California!

 

 

Alki's Beach

Alki's Beach

If you're looking for a top-notch spot to strap on your snorkeling gear, you can't go wrong with Alki's Beach.
First of all, the water offers good visibility from 5 to 20 feet during the summer months, so you'll have no trouble spotting the curious little sculpin fish, alabaster nudibranchs, and Dungeness crabs that move through the eelgrass.
Plus, there's a wrecked place called the "Junkyard." Keep in mind that it is not recommended for snorkelers to access it. The "Junkyard" is an area of the beach where many sunken vessels, debris, and other hazards are located. This area is not maintained or marked as a designated snorkeling area, and it can be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers or snorkelers. You can read the complete rules and regulations from the Seattle Government. Still, it's home to all sorts of marine life and makes for an incredible underwater adventure. Just be careful not to get too close to the sharp edges!
But even if you're not into wrecks, there's still plenty to see. Alki's beach has a diverse range of underwater terrain, from sandy stretches to rocky outcrops. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a seal or sea lion swimming by.
And let's not forget about the beach itself. With its soft sand and stunning views of the Seattle skyline, Alki's Beach is the perfect place to relax and soak up some rays after a long day of snorkeling.

 

Edmonds Underwater Park

Edmonds Underwater Park

Image Source: Edmonds Park Website

Located just north of Seattle, Edmonds Underwater Park boasts an incredible array of marine life, including octopuses, wolf eels, rockfish, and more. With over 27 acres of underwater terrain to explore, you'll be sure to have an unforgettable adventure.
One of the best things about Edmonds Underwater Park is its accessibility. You can easily access the park from the shore, making it a great destination for snorkelers of all skill levels.
But what really sets Edmonds Underwater Park apart is the unique underwater features that you won't find anywhere else. The park features a sunken oil rig, a helicopter, and even a train car! These man-made structures have become havens for a variety of marine life, and offer a truly unique and immersive snorkeling experience.

Here is a map made with a sonar that catalogs all the underwater attractions of Edmonds Underwater Park.

 

Saltwater State Park

Saltwater State Park

Located in Des Moines, Washington, Saltwater State Park boasts some seriously stunning underwater sights that are just waiting to be explored.
First off, the park has not one, but two artificial reefs that were created to provide a habitat for marine life. You'll see a wide variety of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures going about their daily business. It's like you're swimming in your very own aquarium!
But that's not all. The park's waters are also home to some amazing natural rock formations that make for some seriously cool snorkeling spots. And because the water is relatively shallow, you can get up close and personal with all the marine life that calls this place home.
And let's not forget the park itself. With its sandy beach, grassy picnic areas, and plenty of hiking trails, Saltwater State Park is the perfect place to spend a whole day with family and friends.

 

Sund Rock Conservation Area

Sund Rock Conservation Area

Image Source: Sund Rock Marine Preserve

The water clarity at Sund Rock is seriously impressive. You can see clear as day for up to 50 feet! That means you'll get to see all the incredible marine life without any murky water getting in the way.
And speaking of marine life, there is an absolute ton to see at Sund Rock. From colorful sea stars to octopuses, to rockfish and even giant Pacific octopuses, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, the area is known for its impressive kelp forests, which make for an absolutely stunning snorkeling experience.
But what really sets Sund Rock apart is the conservation efforts being made to protect this underwater wonderland. The area is carefully monitored and maintained, so you can enjoy your snorkeling experience knowing that you're helping to preserve this beautiful ecosystem.

 

Three Tree Point

Three Tree Point

Three Tree Point has some seriously amazing underwater sights to explore with a teeming marine life. You're likely to see all sorts of colorful fish, crabs, starfish, and even some larger creatures like seals and sea lions. It's like an underwater zoo, but better, because you get to be a part of it!

The water at Three Tree Point is also incredibly clear, which makes for excellent snorkeling conditions. You'll be able to see everything around you with crystal-clear visibility. Plus, the water temperature is generally pretty mild, which means you can snorkel comfortably without a wetsuit (although it's always a good idea to check conditions and dress accordingly).

Finally, the setting itself is just beautiful. The rocky shoreline, the towering trees, and the view out to the islands in the distance all make for a stunning backdrop to your snorkeling adventure.

 

Titlow Beach

Titlow Beach

If you're looking for a fun and unique underwater adventure, you definitely need to check out Titlow Beach! This place is an absolute dream come true for snorkelers of all skill levels, with crystal-clear waters that are just begging to be explored.

One of the things that makes Titlow Beach so special is the incredible variety of marine life that you can find here. From colorful schools of fish to playful seals and even octopuses, you'll be amazed by the sheer diversity and beauty of the underwater world. The best part is, the waters are usually calm and gentle, making it easy to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures.

Another reason why Titlow Beach is such an awesome spot for snorkeling is its easy access. The beach is conveniently located and there are plenty of facilities nearby, so you can easily spend an entire day snorkeling, sunbathing, and enjoying all the other fun activities this area has to offer.

But perhaps the most compelling reason to visit Titlow Beach is the stunning natural scenery. The beach itself is absolutely gorgeous, with soft white sand, picturesque cliffs, and sparkling blue waters that stretch out as far as the eye can see. And once you slip beneath the surface, you'll discover a whole new world of beauty and wonder that you never even knew existed.

 

Seacrest Park Cove

Seacrest Park Cove is a total hidden gem for snorkeling enthusiasts.

First off, the water is crystal clear, which means you can see all the underwater beauty without any murkiness getting in the way. And trust us, there's a ton to see - colorful fish, starfish, crabs, you name it! Plus, there are these awesome rock formations that make for a seriously cool underwater landscape.

But the real kicker? The underwater statue of a giant octopus. That's right, you can swim right up to this massive and super realistic looking sculpture and snap some seriously epic underwater photos.

Not to mention, the cove is relatively sheltered, which means you won't have to worry about getting tossed around by big waves or anything like that. And if you're lucky, you might even spot some seals lounging on the rocks nearby.

 

Keystone Jetty

You'll see all sorts of colorful fish, crabs, and sea stars at Keystone Jetty.
The jetty itself is also super interesting to explore. It's made up of huge boulders and concrete blocks that have been placed there to break up the waves and create a calm area for boats. But for us snorkelers, it means we have an awesome underwater playground to explore!

You can read the reviews of the people who have been at Keystone Jetty.
One of the coolest things about Keystone Jetty is the artificial reef that's been created by all the blocks and boulders. This has created a diverse ecosystem for marine life to thrive, so you'll see a lot of different species in one spot. And because the jetty is sheltered from the current, you'll have plenty of time to admire them all!
But the best part? You don't need to be an experienced snorkeler to enjoy Keystone Jetty. The water is relatively shallow, and there are plenty of sandy areas to take a break if you need to. Plus, there are usually a lot of other people around, so you'll have plenty of support if you need it.

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