How deep is Smitty's Cove?

Smitty's Cove has a depth range of 3–30.5 metres (10–100 feet). Check the dive site page for current conditions and any depth-specific guidance before planning your dive.

Can beginners dive Smitty's Cove?

Smitty's Cove is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. A Open Water (drysuit experience recommended) certification or equivalent is suggested. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive Smitty's Cove?

The best time to dive Smitty's Cove is typically October through winter 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 Smitty's Cove?

Divers at Smitty's Cove in United States commonly report sightings of Nudibranchs, Giant Pacific octopus, Wolf eel, Lion's mane jellyfish, and Rockfish. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

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IntermediateShore entry

Smitty's Cove

Alaska, United States

Open Water suggested3–31 m depthShore entry

Smitty's Cove at a glance

Smitty's Cove is a intermediate shore dive site in Alaska, United States with depths of 3–30.5 m (10–100 ft). The best time to dive is typically October through winter for best visibility. Divers commonly see Nudibranchs, Giant Pacific octopus, and Wolf eel. Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 3h ago

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Tap a factor for its source and model point

Site hazards: Cold water (drysuit conditions), reduced visibility in summer from plankton bloom and glacial runoff, occasional boat traffic, entanglement on sunken debris

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

No dive windows in this week’s forecast — no stretch of daylight hours scored favorable or moderate for this site.

First light 12:07 · Sunrise 13:17 · Sunset 6:45

Source: Open-Meteo marine · graded 3h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

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.

What Divers Say

Known for: Nudibranchs, Rockfish, Sea stars

Best time: October through winter for best visibility

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

Best months, historically

No seasonal history for this site yet — historical marine data is still being aggregated.

Marine life seen at this site

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

Species seen here

NudibranchsCommonly seen
Giant Pacific octopusOccasionally seen
Wolf eelOccasionally seen
Lion's mane jellyfishSeasonal
RockfishCommonly seen
Sea starsCommonly seen
Kelp crabCommonly seen

Fills & rentals nearby

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

Site details

Smitty's Cove is the classic Alaska shore dive, located in Whittier on Prince William Sound about an hour from Anchorage via the Anton Anderson tunnel. The protected cove holds a collection of sunken features including a train car, an old pier, an airplane, WWII-era debris and artificial reef structures (cement reef balls and pyramids), all hosting dense invertebrate life. Anchorage dive shops use it year-round for training, with the best visibility (up to 70 ft) in fall and winter.

muckshorewreck

Cold water (drysuit conditions), reduced visibility in summer from plankton bloom and glacial runoff, occasional boat traffic, entanglement on sunken debris

Reviews

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