In this article, we thought discussing scuba diving in Portland would be interesting. But did you know that in the United States, there is more than one city named Portland? So, let’s talk about scuba diving in both Portland, Oregon, and Portland, Maine!
Scuba diving in Portland, Oregon, gives you an opportunity to do a bit of lake diving as well as heading into the ocean to dive. You are getting the best of two worlds here.
Whereas if you are going to scuba in Portland, Maine, you can prepare yourself to see some neat Atlantic wildlife. On this coast, you will experience predominately shore diving, which not only saves you money but also allows you to decide when, where, and how!
Below, we are going to discuss a couple of different aspects of scuba diving in the two Portlands. We will talk about where to dive first, covering the “go-to” locations. Then we will run down what kind of marine life you might see while diving.
Related Posts On Beginner SCUBA Diving:
A Tale of Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon, is situated in the Pacific Northwest, approximately 60 miles (97 km) east of the Pacific Ocean. This is the location where the Columbia River and the Willamette River converge. No matter what, it will be a drive to get to dive sites, but you are driving through some of the most beautiful terrains to get there. So consider it part of the adventure!
Where to SCUBA Dive Around Portland, Oregon
Many dive locations are along the coast, but you can also dive lakes in the Cascadia Mountains. It was tough to narrow it down, but here are three spots to check out:
1. Clear Lake
- Approximately 2 hours southeast of Portland, along Hwy 26.
- If you desire there is a campground on the lake where you can pitch a tent at
- 2 main dive areas;
- main pool – home of the sunken forest (trees that were submerged when lava dammed up the river) and,
- north pool – considered a quintessential dive location due to the huge springs of water that come out from the bottom of the lake
- Visibility of more than 100ft
2. Barview Jetty County Park
- Approximately 1.5 hours west of Portland, taking hwy 6 west to hwy 101 north
- Excellent opportunity to fish for crab, lingcod, rockfish, and more
- 3 jetty entrances; inner, middle, and north – with a campground available if you want to spend more than one day exploring and fishing
- Strong currents – more appropriate for experienced divers
3. Fogarty Creek Kelp Forest
- Approximately 2.25 hr drive from Portland; best to map this route
- One of the few sites a person can access a kelp forest without a boat
- Conditions are typical of the ocean and can be unpredictable
What will you see?
Oregon has some incredibly fascinating geology. Not only does Portland sit on top of an ancient (and dormant) volcano, but it is only 50 miles (80 km) from Mount St. Helens. This means you can see the active volcano on a clear day! In the lakes, you will have the opportunity to check out how erupting volcanos changed the landscape, but you can also swim with schools of fish and check out underwater spring systems.
On the coast, there are many locations to go spearfishing for crab, ling cod, and other fish. Plus, this coastline is a migratory path for various species of whales, orcas, and porpoises.
A Tale of Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine, is located across the country from Portland, Oregon. This time, we are going to talk about a Portland that is situated right on the coast! This city is well known for several reasons – not the least being scuba diving with the lobster. Unfortunately, you cannot collect these lobsters yourself, but never fear; Portland is well-known for its excellent restaurants. Here is a link to Tripadvisor with a list of restaurants to try out while you are in the city!
Where to SCUBA Dive in Portland, Maine
This is a really interesting historical area of the country. Here are 3 diving locations that every scuba diver should swim, if they are in this region:
1. Saco Bay Biddeford Pool
- Popular shore entry site with very easy access
- Protected from surge – appropriate for all levels of divers
- Several pools to explore
2. Portland Headlight
- Best to dive a high tide for easier entry
- Crab and starfish can often be seen along the rocks in this area, and if you look closely, you may see lobsters swimming around along the sandy bottom
3. Ship Cove
- Lots of parking, porta-potties on site, picnic tables for convenience
- Park is open from sunrise to sunset, and no dive flag is required
- Entry is easiest at high tide but is doable in low tide if careful; use the right side of the beach for a more gradual slope
- Two dive paths to head along; along the righthand side are lots of ledges and crevices for marine life to hide in. To the left, you will be underneath the Battery Keyes – and discover plenty of sea stars, and a stronger current
What Creatures Live in the Atlantic Shores of Maine?
Predominantly, you will be seeing invertebrates while diving in this area. This is one of the most popular regions for lobster, crab, starfish, scallops, and oysters. This coast is also home to beautiful cold-water fish such as cod, tuna, and various sharks. You may be swimming with seals depending on where you decide to get in the water. They are a protected species in Maine, so if you encounter them, please do not try to interact!
In Conclusion
As both of these locations are pretty far north of the equator, it will be a chilly experience without the correct equipment. Diving in a 7mm wetsuit in the summer months is appropriate. A dry suit is a must if you are venturing into the water during the spring, fall, or winter. The weather in these two locations is reasonably predictable for North America. It is warmer in the June – Sept months and colder in the other months of the year. For more information about wetsuits, check out our article “Do You Have to Wear a Wetsuit While SCUBA Diving?“.
So, as you can see, scuba diving in Portland is entirely possible! And these are two places to head off and dive that is not especially common. What stories you can tell at your next family dinner!
Happy diving
