This is the first cove past Salty's restaurant (1936 Harbor SW) at Alki.
This is a popular site to hold Open Water I classes, and for good reason. The cove is protected from winds and the currents are minimal here. The entry is very easy and the slope drops steadily to 130ft, so there is no surface swimming.(Always a big plus). There is more silt here than there is at Alki Cove 2 so watch your buoyancy. Around the site are some logs laying on the bottom with a lot small sea critters on them. Look carefully and maybe you will find a grunt sculpin (this is the site where I saw my first one). As you enter the water towards right in about 25ft water is a metal structure, reminiscent of a large barrel, that is full life.
The condo dwellers and the 'powers to be' in West Seattle are definitely not what you would call diver friendly. Many condo dwellers, now that they have paid a fortune for the view, want everyone to go away, including the divers. At one point the West Seattle power mongers got a sign put up stating that 'Diver's must sweep sidewalk after diving'. Why just divers and not all of the other people that walk in the sand and then back across the sidewalk? Make sure you don't give them anything for real to complain about. For instance, taking your wet suit off in full view when all you have as an under garment is your birthday suit. When you do business in West Seattle, mention to them that you are a diver. Maybe we will starting getting more appreciation.