The Ultimate Guide to COLD-WATER Scuba Diving

May 31

Published on 4/25/25

When most people think of scuba diving, they picture clear, warm, tropical waters teeming with bountiful corals, schools of colorful reef fish, and endless sunshine! I know this well, having spent many years diving on the reefs of Hawaii, Fiji, Australia and Belize. But after moving to the Pacific Northwest, I was faced with a stark contrast: cold, murky waters and long, wet winters. My first instinct was to shy away from diving in these conditions, assuming that it wouldn't compare to the tropical reefs I had grown so fond of (and studied!). Besides, I’m a fair-weather diver … I don’t like being cold!

However, after months of diving in the temperate waters of the Salish Sea, I quickly realized that cold water scuba diving offers experiences I never could have imagined! Yes, the water is chilly. And YES, it requires some extra preparation and equipment. BUT the rewards are absolutely worth it! From uncrowded dive sites to unique marine life in otherworldly locations; cold water diving is a totally different, yet equally thrilling adventure! If you’re an ocean lover, don’t let the cold deter you—temperate (or arctic) diving could be your next great adventure!

Let's dive in!

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In this guide, we'll discuss:

Perks of cold-water diving
World-class cold dive destinations
Comfort, safety and preparation considerations of cold diving
Getting dry-suit certified: the training process and setting expectations
Buying your first drysuit
- Top drysuit brands
- Getting the right fit
- Cold-water dive equipment overview
- Dive accessories
Dive etiquette and conservation tips

Why Dive in cold water?

1. Unique Marine Life

While tropical reefs are famous for their vibrant biodiversity, cold-water diving has its own special draw; unique marine life that are under-represented, under-appreciated or completely overlooked in mainstream dive culture.

Imagine encountering curious seals, playful sea otters, undulating skates, resting dogfish, or the elusive sixgill shark - all species that are primarily found in cold water! Cold water regions are also home to some of the largest and most sought-after invertebrates on Earth, like the intelligent Giant Pacific Octopus, sprawling king crabs, delicate nudibranches, waving anemones and other unique creatures that thrive in the cold, green seas of the world!

2. Less Crowded Dive Sites

One of the greatest advantages of cold water diving is the lack of crowds (both above and below the surface)! Tropical dive sites are often packed with tourists year-round, especially in popular resort destinations! Additionally, the accessibility of warm-water scuba diving combined wth a greater public desire to explore coral reefs typically draws more inexperienced divers. Cold-water diving, on the other hand, tends to attract smaller groups of passionate, experienced divers—meaning you’ll often have entire dive sites to yourself! This not only creates a more peaceful and intimate underwater experience for you, but also increases your chances of wildlife encounters, uninterrupted photography, and a deeper connection to your surroundings.

3. Diverse Ecosystems: Kelp Forests, Rocky Reefs, eelgrass beds, and More

Cold-water environments support ecosystems completely different from those found in the tropics. Instead of coral reefs and mangroves, you’ll dive among towering kelp forests, rugged rocky reefs, waving eelgrass beds, gardens of anemones and freezing glacial-melt fjords. These habitats provide shelter for countless species and offer an otherworldly atmosphere. Kelp forests in particular are fast-growing, s that support entire food webs, and the play of light through the kelp canopy is absolutely breathtaking!

4. Excellent Visibility in the Right Seasons

Contrary to popular belief, cold water doesn’t always mean murky conditions. In fact, cold-water diving can offer excellent visibility, particularly in the late-fall and winter months when plankton blooms are reduced. Glacial-fed lakes, temperate seas, and Arctic and sub-arctic regions can sometimes exceed 30 meters (100 feet) of visibility. With proper planning, you can time your dives to enjoy crystal-clear conditions—and capture them in stunning underwater photography!

5. A Greater Sense of Adventure

Cold-water diving often comes with a bit more challenge—whether it’s donning a drysuit, diving in remote locations, affordability of equipment, or simply adjusting to new environments. But that challenge also brings a greater sense of accomplishment and adventure, right? Cold-water divers are explorers by nature, venturing into lesser-known environments that many divers overlook. Whether you're descending beneath ice, swimming through kelp, or exploring a wreck cloaked in anemones, cold-water diving invites you to embrace exploration and push your skills to the next level.

6. Become a More Skilled Diver

Diving in cold water requires greater awareness of equipment, buoyancy, exposure protection, and dive planning. Over time, these conditions help you hone your skills and become a more confident, capable diver! Navigating cold environments, dealing with strong currents, using a drysuit, or planning dives around tides and visibility windows all build experience that improves your diving overall—no matter where in the world you go.

Top Winter Diving Destinations:

Cold-water diving opportunities span the globe—from temperate coastlines to icy poles! Here’s a quick look at some of the BEST regions to explore beneath the surface:

North America:

From the kelp forests of Monterey Bay and California’s Channel Islands to the thriving marine ecosystems of Puget Sound and Vancouver Island in British Columbia, cold-water diving in North America offers everything from giant Pacific octopus, sixgill sharks, and historic shipwrecks!

Northern Europe:

Explore Iceland’s Silfra Fissure, where divers can drift between tectonic plates in crystal-clear water, or head to Norway’s fjords for orcas, Arctic wall dives, and WWII wrecks. The UK also offers remarkable cold-water wrecks, seal encounters and basking shark sightings!

Southern Australia & New Zealand:

Southern Australia is home to giant cuttlefish and leafy sea dragons, while New Zealand’s Poor Knights Islands and Fiordland provide epic diving through volcanic arches, kelp forests, and fjords teeming with life.

South America:

Dive along Patagonia’s rugged coast in southern Argentina for the chance to see penguins, sea lions, and orcas. Cold, nutrient-rich waters here support dramatic marine interactions and unique wildlife encounters.

South Africa:

South Africa’s coastal waters combine nutrient-rich upwelling zones with thriving kelp forests. In Cape Town, dive alongside sevengill sharks and fur seals, or experience the seasonal sardine run—one of the ocean’s most thrilling predator-prey events.

Polar Regions:

For true expedition diving, Antarctica and the Arctic circle deliver unmatched experiences—think diving under icebergs, meeting leopard seals, or admiring penguins in near-freezing waters! An ultimate bucket list adventure!

Looking for more in-depth travel recommendations and planning tips? Be sure to check out my full article on Top 12 Cold-Water Dive Destinations Worth Traveling For for detailed descriptions, travel advice, and the best times to dive in each region!

Preparing for Temperate & Polar Diving:

1. Gear Up for the Cold

Diving in winter means you’ll need some specialized gear. The water is cold, and you'll want to ensure you're as comfortable as possible to enjoy your dive. Here are some essentials:

Drysuit vs. Wetsuit: While wetsuits are perfect for tropical conditions, drysuits are a must for cold-water dives. They keep you dry by creating an air pocket around your body, which helps to insulate you from the chilly water.
Thermal Layers: For extra warmth, add a layer of thermal undergarments beneath your drysuit. This extra layer is key to staying warm, especially during long dives or surface intervals.
Thicker Gloves, Hood, and Boots: Keep your extremities protected with thick gloves, a neoprene hood, and warm boots to prevent heat loss and to ensure comfort in the cold water.
Heated Gear: If you're diving in extreme conditions, consider a heated vest or dry gloves to provide extra warmth and comfort.

2. Equipment Maintenance:

Cold-water diving places extra stress on your dive gear, so it’s essential to maintain your equipment. Make sure your regulators are cold-water-rated to prevent them from freezing during the dive. Always have your gear checked and serviced by a certified dive center or qualified scuba equipment specialist before cold-water diving to ensure everything is in top working condition.

3. Personal Preparation:

Keeping warm on the surface is just as important as staying warm underwater. Before and after your dive, change into warm clothes immediately and bring a thermos filled with something hot—tea, coffee or hot chocolate can work wonders after a cold dive! Keep your energy up with healthy snacks and drink plenty of water to maintain your body’s heat regulation.

Getting Trained for Drysuit Diving:

If you’re planning to take the plunge into winter diving, a drysuit certification is a crucial step for your safety, comfort, and overall enjoyment. Drysuit diving is a completely different experience compared to wetsuit diving, and it requires specific training to master. Without proper knowledge and skills, you could face challenges that range from mild discomfort to serious safety risks (including death, so take it seriously!).

Why Drysuit Training is Essential

By investing time in proper training, you’ll not only gain confidence in your drysuit skills but also open up a world of new diving opportunities! Cold-water diving can be an unforgettable experience, but it’s important to be well-prepared to handle the unique challenges it presents. Here are a few key skills you’ll learn during a drysuit certification course:

1. Adjusting Buoyancy

Unlike wetsuits, which rely on the compression and expansion of neoprene for buoyancy control, a drysuit uses compressed air from your tank to maintain warmth and buoyancy. During training, you'll learn how to use the drysuit’s inflation and exhaust valves to maintain neutral buoyancy throughout your dive. Proper buoyancy control is essential to avoid uncontrolled ascents or descents.

2. Maintaining Balance and Trim

While diving, air inside the drysuit can shift as you move, which can affect your balance and trim (horizontal positioning) underwater. In training, you’ll practice managing air distribution in the suit to prevent it from air pooling in unwanted areas (like your feet, which will turn you upside-down!) and maintain a stable position in the water column.

3. Preventing Suit Squeeze

A drysuit creates an air-tight seal around your body to keep you … well, dry! Without proper inflation, the external water pressure can cause the suit to “squeeze” your body, leading to discomfort, injury, or even (you guessed it) death. Your training will cover how to manage this by adding just the right amount of air to your suit.

4. Emergency Procedures

Drysuit diving introduces unique scenarios that come with extra equipment, such as a runaway ascent due to excessive air in the suit or equipment malfunctions. Certification courses teach you how to recognize and safely handle these situations.

Why Certification is Required

Most dive shops will NOT sell or rent you a drysuit unless you can provide proof of certification. This policy isn’t just about liability—it’s about ensuring your safety and competency as a diver. Drysuit diving requires specific skills and familiarity with the equipment, and a certification proves that you’ve been trained to handle these challenges.

Additionally, if you’re renting a drysuit, getting certified ensures that you understand how to properly fit, adjust, and care for the suit. Ill-fitting or poorly maintained gear can compromise your dive (imagine your suit filling with freezing cold water if seals are poorly maintained!), damage the equipment (costly for you and/or the dive company), and even put you at risk (suit squeeze and uncontrolled descents/ascents).

How to Get Certified

Getting certified is straightforward and usually involves a combination of classroom sessions, confined water training, and open-water dives. Here's what to expect:

1. Classroom or Online Learning

Learn the basics of drysuit mechanics, buoyancy control, and safety considerations. This may include a lesson(s) and a written test to ensure you understand the theory. Depending on the certifying organization, there may be digital learning options available; others may only offer in-person courses.

2. Confined Water Dives

In a pool or shallow water, you’ll practice using the drysuit in a controlled environment. This is where you’ll get comfortable with managing buoyancy, handling air shifts within the suit, and using the suit’s valves. Your instructor is there to demonstrate techniques and answer questions to support your learning process.

3. Open Water Dives

Once you’re confident in a confined setting, you’ll complete a few open-water dives to demonstrate your new skills. These dives will simulate real-world scenarios and help you apply what you’ve learned during the classroom and confined water sessions! Once completed (successfully, of course!), you'll receive a certificate verifying your competency in drysuit diving!

Drysuit Alternatives

If you’re interested in trying temperate diving but aren’t ready to commit to buying a drysuit, check with local dive shops for alternatives. Many locations offer drysuit rentals alongside certification courses, allowing you to test the experience before investing in your own gear.

Depending on your intended destination, you may also consider a double “farmer john” wetsuit setup, which can provide 5-9mm neoprene on the extremities and double that at your core!

NOTE: this strategy is only viable above certain temperatures. Talk with your local dive shop to determine what is smart and safe!

Top Drysuit Brands for Cold-Water Diving

One of the biggest gear investments for cold-water scuba is a quality drysuit. A drysuit keeps you warm and sealed off from frigid water, and it’s essential for diving comfortably in temperate and arctic regions. The following drysuit brands are among the most recommended worldwide for their performance, quality, and cold-water suitability:

DUI (Diving Unlimited International) –

A renowned U.S. brand known for durable, customizable suits. DUI has long been known for offering made-to-measure options and rugged drysuits favored by professionals. Their suits (like the CLX and FLX series) are praised for a mix of durability and flexibility, allowing divers to swim comfortably while the suit endures tough conditions.

Santi –

A Polish brand considered top-tier among serious divers. Santi’s high-end trilaminate suits (e.g. the E.Lite and E.Lite+ series) are built tough where needed and flexible everywhere else. They feature quality seals, smart design (such as flex panels and optional custom colors), and are popular for cold-water and technical diving.

Fourth Element –

Based in the UK, Fourth Element makes the Argonaut drysuit line, known for its breathable trilaminate material and Kevlar-reinforced panels for durability. Fourth Element suits are often praised for their comfort and innovation (they even offer a 3D body scan for custom fit!). They’re considered “top tier” suits alongside Santi and Waterproof.

Waterproof –

A Swedish brand whose name says it all. Waterproof’s D1X, D7X, and other models are highly regarded for rugged build and cold-water performance. For example, the Waterproof D7X Cordura drysuit (formerly D7 Pro) uses tough materials but remains flexible, and many divers love the easy-change silicone seals (SiTech system) that come standard.

Bare –

A Canadian company, Bare produces drysuits like the X-Mission and Aqua-Trek series which are popular among recreational and technical divers. Bare’s suits are known for quality craftsmanship and reliable cold-water insulation, and their trilaminate suits (like the Bare X-Mission Evolution) often rank among the best for technical diving. Bare also offers entry-level neoprene drysuits that are budget-friendly yet warm.

Otter –

Hailing from the UK, Otter specializes in custom drysuits beloved by many cave, wreck, and cold-water divers. Otter’s Cordura and Britannic trilaminate suits are built to withstand harsh conditions. They may not be as flashy as bigger brands, but experienced divers often report Otter suits lasting for years of heavy use.

Apeks/Aqua Lung –

The well-known scuba equipment manufacturers also produce reputable drysuits. The Aqua Lung Blizzard Pro (neoprene) and Fusion series (hybrid design under the Apeks name) are frequently reviewed as solid mid-range cold-water suits. They might not have the prestige of a Santi or DUI, but they offer good value and dependable performance for new drysuit divers.

Other –

(Other notable brands include Hollis (maker of the DX-300X trilaminate tech suit), Ursuit (a Finnish brand known for rugged commercial-grade suits), and Seaskin (a custom budget-friendly drysuit UK brand). Each has its fan base, but the brands above are consistently top-rated by cold-water divers and professionals.)

Choosing the Right Drysuit: Tips & Tricks

Selecting a drysuit involves several important decisions. Fit and comfort are paramount, but you’ll also need to consider the suit’s material, seals, and features like zippers and insulation. Below are detailed tips and tricks to help you choose the perfect drysuit for cold-water diving:

Prioritize Size & Fit:

A drysuit should fit snugly but not too tight. You need room for insulating undergarments, but the suit shouldn’t have excessive bagginess that makes buoyancy control difficult. Ensure you can bend your arms and knees freely and reach valves/zippers without restriction. If you’re tall, short, or outside “standard” sizes, consider custom tailoring or suits with adjustable features (like telescopic torsos) to get a proper fit. Remember, the most important factor is fit – a well-fitted suit will keep you warmer and make diving easier.

Drysuit Material – Trilaminate vs. Neoprene:

The two main drysuit constructions each have pros and cons:

Trilaminate (Membrane) Drysuits:

Made of three-layer fabric (a waterproof membrane sandwiched between protective layers), trilam suits have no inherent insulation. You stay warm by wearing fleece or Thinsulate undergarments underneath. Trilams are lightweight, dry quickly, and allow you to vary your undergarments for different water temperatures. They tend to be a bit roomier (more air space inside) and very versatile – great if you’ll dive in both cool and slightly warmer waters by changing your insulation layers. Modern trilams use durable fabrics (sometimes with Cordura or even Kevlar reinforcements) for toughness.

Neoprene Drysuits (Compressed/Crushed Neoprene):

These suits use neoprene material (similar to wetsuits) but often compressed or “crushed” to reduce buoyancy. Neoprene drysuits provide some insulation on their own – the material itself keeps you warmer than a shell trilam would. They have a closer fit with less air space (making them feel less bulky and more streamlined underwater). Crushed neoprene suits are also very durable and resistant to tears. The trade-off: neoprene suits can be heavier, more buoyant (you’ll carry extra weight to counteract), and slower to dry between dives. They shine in very cold, consistent conditions where maximum warmth is needed, whereas a lighter trilam is preferred by many divers who travel or dive a range of temperatures.

Seal Type – Latex vs. Neoprene vs. and Silicone:

Drysuit seals at the neck and wrists keep water out, and keep you dry! You have a few options:

Neoprene Seals:

Soft and warm against the skin, neoprene seals can be more comfortable for some. They often require folding the seal inward to form a tight seal – a bit fussy to get right. Neoprene is quite a durable material and tolerates exposure to sun/oils better than latex. However, a neoprene seal usually isn’t as completely watertight as latex; a well-fitted neoprene seal does work, but slight movements might let a trickle in. Many cold-water divers like neoprene because it doesn’t feel as cold on the neck and it can last many years.

Latex Seals:

Latex rubber seals are extremely effective at keeping water out – they’re stretchy and form a tight gasket on your neck and wrists. Latex provides an excellent watertight seal, but some people find it less comfortable (it can tug hair or irritate skin slightly). Latex also degrades over time (UV light, ozone, and even sunscreen can deteriorate it), so expect to replace latex seals every few years. The upside is they can often be trimmed for a custom fit and are very reliable when maintained.

Silicone Seals:

A newer option, silicone seals are similar to latex in look/feel but even stretchier and often hypoallergenic. They tend to be very comfortable (softer on the skin) and maintain a great seal. The catch: silicone on its own cannot be glued to a suit, so most silicone seals are part of a modular ring system – meaning you can easily swap a torn seal in minutes, but the ring adds a bit of bulk. Silicone is less prone to degradation than latex, though it can tear more easily if mishandled. Many divers love silicone for the comfort and the convenience of quick changes (no need to send your suit in for seal replacements).

HOT TIP: If you have the option, replaceable seal systems are worth considering. They allow you to use latex or silicone seals that snap into a ring. This way you can carry a spare seal on a dive trip and avoid aborting a whole trip due to a ripped neck seal – just swap in a new one yourself!

Entry Zipper (Front vs. Back):

Drysuits come in either front-entry (self-donning) or back-entry styles:

FRONT-ZIP SUITS have a diagonal or across-the-chest zipper you can usually zip yourself; this is ideal if you often dive without a familiar buddy to help, or simply want independence getting in/out of your suit.

BACK-ZIP SUITS have the zipper across the shoulders on the back – these typically require a buddy’s help to open/close, which can be a drawback for some. However, back-entry suits sometimes feel a bit less cumbersome in front and can be very robust.

Consider zipper material: Traditional brass zippers are very strong but need wax and care to avoid corrosion, whereas newer plastic zippers are lower maintenance and flexible but can break over time. Both types work well as long as you follow the manufacturer’s care instructions (e.g. wax metal zips, keep them clean of sand).

Boots, Gloves & hoods (Exposure Protection on Extremities):

Cold water will quickly chill your hands and feet before anything else, so pay attention to the extremity protection options:

Integrated Boots vs. Socks:

Drysuits either have attached boots or soft socks on the feet. Built-in boots are convenient – your feet go directly into the rugged drysuit boots, which are sized to your suit. This is simple and great for divers who do a lot of shore entries or boat decks where foot protection is a plus. The downside is sizing: if you have very large or very small feet relative to your height, off-the-rack suits might not fit perfectly.

Neoprene socks + separate rock boots is the alternative. Suits with soft socks let you wear a separate scuba boot or even athletic shoes over them. Socks accommodate a wider range of foot sizes (one sock size fits many), which is useful for custom fitting. They also make the suit easy to turn inside out for drying/repair. Just be careful never to walk around in only the drysuit socks – you’ll wear holes in them quickly. If you go with socks, you’ll need to purchase rock boots or sturdy dive boots to wear over them, which also give better ankle support and traction.

Gloves:

For truly cold water (< 10 °C/50 °F), dry gloves are a game-changer. Standard wetsuit gloves (5mm or 7mm neoprene) can work, but your hands may still get wet and eventually cold. Dry gloves attach to your drysuit (usually via ring systems at the wrist seals) to keep hands completely dry. This allows you to wear insulating liners (e.g. wool or Thinsulate gloves) inside the sealed gloves. Many cold-water divers prefer dry gloves for longer dives or near-freezing conditions – warm hands make a big difference in comfort.

If your suit doesn’t come with a dry glove system, you can often add one aftermarket. Alternatively, thick neoprene mitts (3-finger mittens) are the next best thing if you want to keep it simple, though your hands will still eventually get wet. Choose what suits the temperatures you’ll dive in and your dexterity needs (dry gloves can be a little clumsy until you get used to them).

Hood:

Almost all cold-water divers use a neoprene hood (separate from the drysuit). Ensure you have a 5mm or 7mm hood that fits snugly around your face. Some drysuits include an attached hood or a warm-neck collar – a neoprene collar on the suit that the hood tucks into, which greatly reduces cold water flushing around your neck. This is a nice feature for added warmth.

Comfort and Other Features:

Little extras can make a drysuit even more enjoyable for cold dives:

Suspenders:

Many drysuits include internal suspenders or braces. These help hold the suit up around your waist on the surface (so it doesn’t sag or become a tripping hazard if you take the top half off between dives) – very handy for boat dives or walking around between dives.

Pockets:

Storage pockets (usually on the thighs) are extremely useful for cold-water divers, who often carry extra equipment like backup masks, SMBs, wet notes, dive lights, etc. Most drysuits either come with dual cargo pockets or offer them as an add-on. Think about what you might carry and ensure you have at least one good-sized pocket. You can often customize pocket size/placement on higher-end suits.

Knee/Elbow Pads:

Reinforced knees (and sometimes elbows/butt) are good for durability. Cold-water diving can involve rocky entries or wreck penetration, so robust padding protects your suit in high-wear areas.

Vent Valves:

All scuba drysuits have an inflator valve (typically on the chest) and an exhaust valve (usually on the upper left arm) to add or release air. Ensure these are well-placed and high-quality. Some brands let you choose the valve brand (e.g. SiTech vs Apeks valves); both major brands are reliable, but placement (e.g. rotating shoulder dump valve) can affect your comfort. Make sure you can reach and operate the exhaust valve easily to fine-tune buoyancy.

P-Valve (Optional):

If you plan very long dives (technical, cave, deco dives in cold water), a p-valve is a device that allows you to, ahem … relieve yourself in the drysuit. This is an advanced feature (requires special undergarments and training/experience to use hygienically). Recreational divers in cold water typically don’t need this, but it’s worth noting as a customization for those pushing dive duration. Many expeditions or hardcore cold divers swear by having one. If you don’t get it now, you can often add one later if needed.

Thermal layers:

Finally, once you’ve chosen your drysuit, invest in good thermal base layers. A drysuit on its own doesn’t keep you warm – it only keeps you dry. You’ll want thermal layers (fleece one-piece jumpsuits, Thinsulate undersuits, or similar) appropriate for the water temperature. Don’t skimp on your hands, feet, and head insulation either; the right gloves, thick socks, and hood liner will massively improve your comfort.

Winter Diving Safety Tips

1. Understand Cold-Water Risks

Diving in cold water comes with its own set of risks, but these can be mitigated with preparation. Hypothermia and cold shock are real concerns, so know the signs and always dive with a buddy. If you're new to cold-water diving, consider getting additional training on top of your certification to ensure you're fully prepared for cold conditions.

2. Dive Planning

Plan your dives accordingly to avoid spending too long in the cold water. Shorter dives are often better, especially if you’re body is not accustomed to cold-water diving. Be sure to check your dive tables and dive computer, and carefully monitor your time underwater. Remember, you typically move slower when cold!

3. Surface Considerations

Exiting the water in cold or frozen conditions can be tricky, especially if you’re diving from icy docks or slippery rocks. Have a plan in place for easy entry and exit, and always have a surface-support person who can assist you if needed.

REMEMBER: Practice with your new drysuit (take a specialty course or do a pool session) before hitting that cold open water – it takes some time to learn buoyancy control with the extra air in your suit, but once mastered, you’ll be all set to safely enjoy the chilly depths!

Scuba Diving Etiquette & ocean conservation

When diving in cold environments, it’s important to practice good dive etiquette:Scuba diving in cold-water environments comes with a responsibility to protect the fragile ecosystems that exist there. By following responsible diving practices, you can ensure these underwater wonders remain for future generations. Here are key conservation tips tailored to cold-water diving (and really, all diving):

Perfect Your Buoyancy & Finning:

Cold-water sites often have silty bottoms or fragile invertebrates (like soft corals and sponges) that can be damaged by a bump or a silt-out. Maintain good buoyancy control and avoid making contact with the bottom or reef. In kelp forests and eelgrass beds, practice streamlined finning to prevent kicking the delicate strands – you don’t want to break off a kelp stalk or stir up sediment that smothers the living residents. Diving in thick kelp? Stay below the canopy and use your compass to navigate. If you get tangled, pause and slowly unwind yourself or have your buddy help – don’t panic or yank, as that can tighten a knot or rip the plant.

Look, But Don’t Touch:

Cold waters are home to incredible animals like giant octopuses, harbor seals, sea stars, etc. Observe them from a respectful distance and never grab, harass, or try to ride marine life. For example, an octopus might extend an arm out of curiosity – that’s fine, but don’t poke into its den or pull it out for a selfie. Many animals in colder regions, like nudibranchs or wolf eels, have protective mucous coatings that human touch can remove, leading to infections. Keep your equipment tucked in and streamlined to avoid bumping or snagging on anything. And absolutely do NOT collect souvenirs – taking home that pretty seashell, urchin test, or a coral fragment might be tempting, but those provide habitat where they are. In many areas (like marine parks or preserves in Puget Sound), it’s also illegal to take artifacts or specimens!

Respect the Locals:

If you’re lucky enough to dive near big, charismatic creatures (sea lions, whales, sharks), enjoy the experience but don’t chase or crowd them. In places where seals and sea lions are known to interact with divers (e.g. Hornby Island in BC, or Monterey in California), let them control the interaction. These curious pinnipeds often zoom up and might nibble your fins – that’s on their terms. You should refrain from actively approaching a resting animal or charging after one that’s swimming away. For protected species like whales, many regions have additional rules: ex. do not approach whales within a certain distance, even underwater. Always follow local wildlife interaction guidelines. Remember, harassing marine mammals is illegal in many countries. Keep a safe distance and enjoy seeing animals exhibit natural behaviors.

Follow Local Regulations & No-Take Zones:

Before diving a new cold-water site, check if it’s within a marine protected area or sanctuary. For instance, parts of the Puget Sound are designated Octopus Protected Areas – no hunting or collecting of octopuses allowed (and indeed, why would you – they’re far more valuable alive for all to admire!). Some California MPAs restrict removal of abalone, urchins, etc. National marine sanctuaries may also prohibit artifact removal from wrecks. Learn the rules of the site and always dive within them. Spearfishing or gathering shellfish/lobsters might be popular in some cold regions, but ensure foraging or hunting is permitted and sustainable if you partake – and never in a reserve. When in doubt, just take photos and leave everything untouched.

Be Kelp-Conscious:

Kelp forests are the “rainforests of the sea” – crucial for carbon sequestration and as habitat for countless species. Please, treat them with care. That means don’t hold onto kelp fronds to stabilize yourself, don’t cut or remove kelp (some divers take souvenirs – not cool), and try not to entangle it in your gear. If you do accidentally rip out a piece while untangling, it’s not the end of the world, but minimize damage by moving slowly and deliberately. On the surface, if you need to swim through kelp, push it aside gently and never use your boat propeller in a kelp bed (kayak or surface swim instead to the dive spot). Many places in the PNW and California are working to protect or restore kelp – as divers, we can help by not adding to the kelp’s challenges!

No Feeding or Baiting:

Unlike tropical tourist spots where fish-feeding sometimes (unfortunately - it shouldn’t happen there either) happens, in cold water you might be tempted to feed that cute seal or use bait to lure a wolf eel out. Resist the urge! Feeding marine life can make them dependent on or aggressive toward humans, and the food (like frozen bait fish) might introduce disease or be nutritionally inappropriate. Enjoy natural interactions and keep wildlife wild!

NOTE: The one exception might be sanctioned scientific feedings or controlled baited dives (like some shark dives), but those are done under permits and with expertise.

Surface Interval Stewardship:

Cold-water dive sites often lack the tourist infrastructure of tropical sites – you might be on a lone shore or a small boat. Be sure to take all your trash back with you. Even small things like candy wrappers or plastic water bottles can easily blow into the ocean and harm wildlife. If you see ocean rubbish, collect it. Many cold-water divers are proud to be marine debris warriors – doing impromptu clean-ups of fishing line, old bottles, or trash they encounter. (If it’s safe to remove and not an interesting historical artifact, of course.) Packing out litter and even joining organized dive clean-ups helps keep your local dive sites pristine.

Cold-Water Specific Concerns:

Be mindful of any unique local environmental issues. For instance, in some alpine lakes or sensitive freshwater springs (yes, there is cold “high altitude” diving!), wearing gloves is discouraged because of the potential to break delicate bacterial mats or stir sediments – check local guidance. In polar diving, never approach or stand between wildlife and their escape to water (e.g., don’t get between a seal and the hole it needs to dive into) – that’s basic safety for you and the animal. And in areas with kelp or algae blooms, understand that what you put on your skin or gear (sunscreen, chemical residues) can affect these organisms – consider using ocean-safe, biodegradable products, even in cold water.

Support Conservation Initiatives:

Consider patronizing dive operators and organizations that practice and promote eco-friendly diving. For example, some Washington and BC charters participate in programs to remove invasive species (like Atlantic salmon or invasive european green crabs) or to monitor species populations – you can sometimes volunteer in these efforts. If visiting a national marine sanctuary or park, opt for a “Blue Star” or environmentally certified dive operator when possible. Little choices like using eco-friendly defog (or just baby shampoo) instead of glycerin-based defog that can harm aquatic life, or rinsing gear well to avoid transporting invasive species between sites, all make a difference.

Spread Ocean Education:

Finally, share your passion for cold-water wonders with others! The more people appreciate that kelp forests and rocky reefs are as worth protecting as coral reefs, the more support we build for their conservation. As a cold-water diver, you might become an ambassador for these under-appreciated ecosystems. Contribute to citizen science projects like tracking sunflower sea star populations, or reporting marine mammal sightings, and educate non-divers about the amazing life beneath the chilly waves. By diving responsibly and enthusiastically, you’ll inspire others to care about these wild, cold places.

Final thoughts

Cold-water scuba diving offers a whole new way to experience the ocean! While the cold can be a challenge, it’s also part of the adventure that makes diving so special. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or someone just starting out, winter diving is an experience you won’t want to miss! So, pack your gear, embrace the chill, and head out to experience a world few divers get to see!

Happy (cold) diving!