|
Alki Pipeline
 Seattle, WA
|
Max Depth: 36-40ft/11-12m
Average Viz: 5-10ft/2-3m
Entry Type: Shore
Bottom Composition: Sand
Aquatic Life: Might See Something
|
Rating: 3.60 by 5 divers
Spring: Under 50°F/10°C
Summer: Under 50°F/10°C
Fall: Under 50°F/10°C
Winter: Under 50°F/10°C
|
|
|
|
Alki Pipeline is a shore accessible salt water dive site, located in Seattle, WA. This dive site has an average rating of 3.60 out of 5 from 5 scuba divers. The maximum depth is 36-40ft/11-12m. The average visibility is 5-10ft/2-3m.
For a change of pace from the other Alki dive sites, try the Pipeline. You may find an octopus in the rubble, as well as most other marine life found in the area!
Location: Intersection of Beach Dr SW & 63rd Ave SW, Seattle, King, Washington 98116 enter off of Richey Viewpoint
This site can be current sensitive [light to moderate]. Lots of life to see and much swimming involved. Winds are bad for this site since it is shallow [the end of the pipeline is 35’-40’ deep]. Street parking. No restroom/facilities on site.
One website indicates there can be "a lot" of boat traffic at this site. I presume in the summer, so diver beware.
Plan to dive it when conditions are calm at slack before ebb [use Alki Pt tides and current NOAA site]. Plan to splash 45 minutes before slack.
Driving to the end of 63rd Street, you’ll find Constellation Marine Park Preserve, known locally as The Alki Pipeline for it’s old street run off pipe that is buried in rock and runs far out from shore.
This is a delightful small pocket park along the west side of Alki Point that has nice sculptures and artwork and a ramp down to the water. It is somewhat wheel chair accessible, however driftwood is usually piled up making final water access difficult. There are no facilities there other than some benches.
The long pile of rock leading south along the old pipeline is visible from shore. It is marked at the far south west end with a small buoy. Enter the water carefully so as not to trip on numerous rocks and old slabs of concrete littering the water. Swim out a little way before descending. Most of the pipeline is in 15-25’ of water, so surface swimming is not necessary to preserve your air. It is an excellent dive for beginners to try out their buoyancy skills and for photographers to find numerous subjects.
The dive is along the rocky area, now turned marine preserve, covering the pipe. It is loaded with all sorts of beautiful anemones, crab and rockfish. Hiding among the broad leaf kelp are many varieties of nudibranchs and other invertebrates. It is a long, extensive area, and it may be better to enjoy it on the long swim back.
You’ll finally reach what seems like the end, with not much in front of you but sand and perhaps some resident lawn gnomes. Take a compass bearing due south and swim out straight; the pipe is buried in that area and will come out into another rocky area about 50 yards further out. This is a good place to look for bright orange sea pens. On a sunny day the white sand is quite bright, making the dive seem almost tropical.
You’ll come to the next area of reef, which is usually the best for fish. The end of the pipe is there in about 35-40’ of water, covered in white Plumose Anemones and hundreds of kelp crabs.
Swim back before too long and take your time discovering bright anemones, sea cucumbers and starfish.
This site is quite exposed to wind and waves. The Pipeline in particular should be dove during slack flood at Alki Point, in calm conditions with no chance for southerly winds to kick up chop, as it is very shallow and waves can build uncomfortably. There can be a lot of boat traffic, divers should bring a dive flag with them.
There are lots of great restaurants, cafes and places to eat both across from Alki Beach and on California Avenue near The Junction.
(cmjstealth 11/6/2019: Removed stuff about junkyard which is separate dive site in different location. Removed dead "more info" link)