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Fortunately, Whidbey Island has some of the best dive sites around. Keystone Underwater Park in Central Whidbey is one of the most popular shore dives around. It’s located on the other side of a rocky jetty from the Coupeville-to-Port Townsend ferry dock and is positively teeming with life. There’s schooling perch, tube snouts, a plethora of crab, a cascading wall of anenomes and — if you’re lucky — a wolf eel or octopus. Other popular shore and boat dives include the Possession Point Ferry Wreck, the Langley Tire Reef, Strawberry Point and Ebey’s Landing. There’s also Deception Pass, a legendary dive site where currents are strong and divers should use caution. For equipment, lessons and good advice, visit Whidbey Island Dive Center in Oak Harbor. Check out www.whidbeydive.com or call 360-6751112. OTHER STUFF
For those with their own watercraft, both islands have a legion of small boat ramps and public beach access points which can be found with a simple web search. Public beaches are great clamming hotspots as well — Grasser's Lagoon on Central Whidbey attracts people from as far away as Bellingham.
Whidbey News Group photo
Each year visitors and residents take to the waters in hopes of striking it rich with their crab pots. For complete list, visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/beaches/MapArea/08 Whidbey Island is also home to what some hail as Puget Sound's best place to surf. Located at Fort Ebey State Park, the spot breaks best on a west northwest swell.
Finally, for those looking to duck the waves, Central Whidbey is renowned for it's diving. Keystone Underwater Park, which includes "The Jetty" and "The Pilings," is recommended for divers of all skill levels, though beginners should only attempt them at slack tide.
green, golf carts and cart storage, knowledgeable professionals, lessons, men’s and women’s associations, tournaments and events. Golf and Social memberships available.
9 holes of scenic, and challenging par-3 golf. Dogs are always welcome on our course, so bring out your furry friend to join you for your round. We are open dawn to dusk and run the course on the honor system, so be sure to bring cash or check to pay for your golf. 9/18 Holes Weekday: $9/$14, 9/18 Holes Weekend or Holiday: $10/$15, Driving Range Tokens: $3 (Available at Critters and Co. Pet Store at Ken’s Corner – Directions Here)
HOLMES HARBOR GOLF COURSE
USELESS BAY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Private, 18-hole, par-72 course Country Club Drive, Langley 360-321-5960 www.uselessbaygolf.com A private Club featuring one of the Northwest’s finest 18-hole golf courses. An all-weather, year-round golfing facility on Whidbey Island, the course utilizes the foliage, topography, and natural water hazards of the Island. With par for men a 72 and par for women 74, players of all abilities will be challenged and charmed by the quality golf offered in this beautiful setting. Useless Bay Golf Course offers a full service golf pro shop, driving range, practice putting
ISLANDER 2016 › Whidbey & Fidalgo
Public, 18-hole, Par-64 course 5023 Harbor Hills Drive, Freeland 360-331-2363 www.holmesharborgolf.com Spectacular Water views are everywhere. Recently reopened and in great shape. Challenging level of play for beginners to pros for all ages. Summer lessons available. Winter Rates are $25 on weekdays with Cart. Summer Rates are $32 on Weekdays with Cart
ISLAND GREENS GOLF COURSE AND RANGE Public, 9-hole, Par-3 course 3890 French Road, Clinton 360-579-6042 www.whidbeyislandgreens.com Island Greens is about community Conveniently located on South Whidbey Island, Island Greens is an amazing par 3, 9 hole golf course, that has been called one of the best courses of it’s type in the state. Come visit Island Greens, for a fun day of golf. We offer the only public driving range on South Whidbey Island, plus
WHIDBEY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Private, 18-hole, par-72 course Fairway Lane, Oak Harbor 360-675-5490 www.whidbeygolfclub.com
The course is private yet allows public play after 1 p.m. during peak season. Formerly the Whidbey Golf & Country Club, the club shortened its name this year to try to eliminate the misconception that the public couldn’t play there. The club now offers a variety of memberships. Carved out of an old dairy farm, the course is surrounded by woods and sprinkled with spectacular water hazards. No. 10 is a scenic, intimidating, 442-yard, par-4 hole with water on both sides of a narrow fairway. PAID ADVERTISEMENT
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