Keystone Jetty!
Near the Keystone Ferry: a jetty and abandoned pilings hide octopus and more.
Site Description
Keystone Jetty, as it is commonly called (it's more officially called Fort Casey Underwater State Park), is located on Whidbey Island just south of Keystone Ferry Terminal. It's actually two dive sites in one: the actual jetty and the abandoned dock pilings.
Look for ling cod, cabezon, and kelp greenling. Plumose anemones, tube worms, and nudibranchs. Rrockfish, kelp greenling and crab. The occasional wolf eel or octopus too. Also expect to see fishers and fishing line. While Keystone is a marine preserve, some fishing is allowed.
Water Conditions
Temperature: 45 degrees F in winter to 52 degrees F in summer
Depth: About 65 feet at the end of the jetty. About 30 feet on the outside of the pilings.
Visibility: Ranges from 10 to 50 feet
Hours
8:00 AM to dusk (state park hours)
Parking
As of this writing, Lot requires $5 for parking (state park fee)
Surface Amenities
Rest rooms
Coin-operated hot showers
Outdoor cold shower (summer only)
Picnic tables with BBQ stands
Signs describing underwater life
More Info
Shore Diving's Above Water Park Pictures
Dive Training Magazine's Description
Northwest Shore Dives by Stephen Fischnaller available in the store.
For additional information about this dive site, call the shop (425-747-8842); come in and talk to one of us; or e-mail a dive master.
Dive Safely
Diving Hazards Be aware of current, ferry traffic, boat traffic, fishing line, and kelp.
Current is fast and somewhat erratic. Best time to dive is when current is slack and the exchanges are low. (Ask a dive master if you need help reading tide and current tables.)
If you get caught in current, the current usually slows the deeper you go. Use rocks for handholds. Duck behind large boulders to get a break from the current.
Keystone is a ferry landing (north of the jetty or breakwater) so there is lots of ferry traffic. Keep well away from ferry traffic and if you do get swept into the ferry lane, stay deep until you are clear of the ferry lane. Surface on the other side of the ferry landing and walk back to the park.
Surface chop due to southeast winds can make entry tricky.
People fishing can tangle divers in their lines (sometimes intentionally). Bring a knife.
Dive Safely
This dive site review is for informational purposes only. Silent World does not guarantee (and is not liable for) your safety when you dive at this site. Be a responsible diver:
Dive within your limits
Plan your dive
Know how the weather and tides will affect your dive
Dive with a buddy
Practice out-of-air and other emergency procedures
Directions
SR-520 North to I-405
North I-405 to SR-525 (Mukilteo Speedway)
SR-525 to Mukilteo-Clinton Ferry
Continue on SR-525 (West)
Left to Port Townsend Ferry and Fort Casey State Park
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes driving from Silent World plus an hour long ferry ride
Mukilteo-Clinton Ferry Schedule
Map to Keystone Ferry Terminal