moderate
4–6 hours total including pool orientation and open water dives
Moderate physical fitness required, comfortable swimming skills necessary
Stay warm while diving the chilly waters of the Pacific Northwest with Exotic Aquatics’ Dry Suit Specialty course. Learn vital cold-water dive skills on Bainbridge Island and open new underwater horizons.
Focus on dry suit buoyancy and trim during pool sessions; it’s key for safe open water dives.
Puget Sound conditions can vary quickly, so always verify forecasts and tide charts before diving.
Thermal undergarments beneath the dry suit are vital to staying comfortable during dives in cold water.
Expect lower visibility in Puget Sound; carry a reliable dive light for safety and enhanced observation.
Bainbridge Island has a rich maritime heritage, historically used by Coast Salish tribes and later as a steamboat hub.
Local dive operators promote sustainable practices including minimizing disturbance to fragile marine habitats and proper gear rinsing to avoid invasive species.
Provides insulation beneath the dry suit to maintain warmth in cold water.
fall specific
Protects hands from cold and rough surfaces during chilly Pacific Northwest dives.
winter specific
Minimizes heat loss from the head, crucial in cold water immersion.
fall specific
Helps improve visibility underwater, especially during low-light or murky conditions.
all specific