Is Shrine of St. Therese a shore dive or a boat dive?

Shrine of St. Therese is a shore dive — you can enter from land. The entry is recorded as a rocky scramble. The entry area is recorded as moderately exposed to surge. Basic facilities are recorded at or near the site, and cell service is recorded as good. Entry details and parking notes, where known, are listed in the access section of this page.

Can beginners dive Shrine of St. Therese?

Shrine of St. Therese is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Access is from shore, with the entry recorded as a rocky scramble. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive Shrine of St. Therese?

The best time to dive Shrine of St. Therese is typically Fall through spring for best visibility. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Shrine of St. Therese?

Divers at Shrine of St. Therese in United States commonly report sightings of Kelp greenling, Sea star, Nudibranch, Steller sea lion, and Giant Pacific octopus. Kelp greenling, Sea star, Nudibranch, and Steller sea lion are recorded as common sightings, while Giant Pacific octopus is reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

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IntermediateShore entry

Shrine of St. Therese

Alaska, United StatesDirections

Open Water suggestedShore entry7mm or semi-dry + hood typical

Shrine of St. Therese at a glance

Shrine of St. Therese is an intermediate shore dive site in Alaska, United States. Typically most favorable Jun–Aug · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Kelp greenling, Sea star, and Nudibranch. Recent reports put the water around 14°C (56°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 13h ago

0.3 mwaves — under half a meter expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 14°C · seasonal avg 12°C

Site hazards: Cold water, large southeast Alaska tidal range, currents around the island, slippery rocks on entry

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Sat

Fri7:00–20:00

Sat7:00–20:00

Sun7:00–20:00

Mon7:00–20:00

Tue7:00–20:00

Wed7:00–15:00

Thu—

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:40 · Sunrise 6:21 · Sunset 19:30

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 1.0 km from site · graded 13h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

Dived here today — did the forecast match?

What Divers Say

Known for: Kelp greenling, Sea star, Nudibranch

Best time: Fall through spring for best visibility

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

Jan96%4°C0.4 m
Feb98%3°C0.3 m
Mar96%4°C0.4 m
Apr100%5°C0.2 m
May98%8°C0.2 m
Jun100%12°C0.1 m
Jul100%16°C0.1 m
Aug100%16°C0.1 m
Sep97%12°C0.3 m
Oct95%9°C0.3 m
Nov96%6°C0.4 m
Dec94%4°C0.5 m

April, June, July, and August havetypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.

Data updated June 2026

Site details

The Shrine of St. Therese, about 22 miles north of downtown Juneau on Glacier Highway, is the city's best-known shore dive and freedive site. A rocky causeway connects the shore to Shrine Island, and the surrounding rocky reef supports giant Pacific octopus, crabs, nudibranchs and frequent in-water encounters with Steller sea lions. The site sits on Catholic shrine grounds within the Tongass National Forest setting, and visitors are asked to be respectful of the property.

reefshore

Cold water, large southeast Alaska tidal range, currents around the island, slippery rocks on entry

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