scubaalaska

         Southeast Alaska has some of the best scuba diving in the United States.

SCALLOP AND DUNGENESS CRAB DIVING

               Scallops and dungeness crab are usually available year around. To the right, a fruitfull catch of scallops and king crab for some of our divers.

                Divers from outside Alaska my purchase 1-day, 3-day, or 14-day nonresident sport fishing license for $10, $15, or $30 respectively.

                This will allow them to catch up to 5 dungeness crab and 5 sea bass (rockfish) per day. Scallops also can be harvested in limited quantities.

                You may have noticed that king crab is not listed above. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, king crab season is closed to nonresident sport fishermen.

Wreck Diving

PRINCESS SOPHIA(brief History)

            One of the most popular wrecks in the area is the "Princess Sophia" (127 KB) that went up on Vanderbilt Reef one stormy night in late October, 1918 just 35 miles northwest of Juneau (left).

            Because the shipwreck is in the middle of Lynn Canal, it is sometimes difficult to find a good enough day to dive in that area. For this dive we recommend that you be a fairly experienced diver. During the winter, the winds can approach 75+ mph, the seas can reach well over 15 feet, and the current on the surface can run in excess of 4 knots (upper 20 feet). It's days like this that prevent us from diving here.

            Even 2+ foot waves can be extremely treacherous for the average diver. Don't be discouraged! There are more than enough safety precautions in place. Some of these include a floating safety line running from the anchor line, along the boat, and off the stern approximately 200 feet. There is also a sizable manned skiff readily available for picking up anyone that is outside the safety line's reach. Additionally, there are standby divers trained in dive rescue, as well as Oxygen and first-aid onboard.

            As you descend down the anchor line, you will notice that the water is unusually clear. The visibility can sometimes reach 100 feet.

           Upon reaching the upper end of the captivating shipwreck at 65 feet, you can gaze upward to see the sea bass and pacific cod swimming like christmas tree ornaments above you. This provides spearfishermen with plenty of things to do.

           Fish and plant life are abundant all around the wreck. You may opt to penetrate the open area, or swim along the top and sides. The stern of the ship sits in approximately 120 feet of water.