Skinners Reef

Best months: Aug–Oct

Protected Area

Scallop Buffer Zone (SFA 24)

Why dive here

With 77+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and jellyfish lake - Skinners Reef offers some of Nova Scotia's richest reef diving. Water ranges 1-17°C, warmest August, September, October.

Best timeAug–Oct

WetsuitA 7mm wetsuit with a hood

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Jellyfish Lake · 77+ species recorded

Water1-17°C · warmest August, September, October

CharacterReef dive

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Skinners Reef, off the coast of Nova Scotia, is a surprisingly active spot if you know what to look for. It's not the vibrant coral you might picture, but more a rocky reef system, a cool water ecosystem with its own kind of beauty. We've seen American lobsters here, big ones, tucked into crevices, and schools of Atlantic tomcod flitting through the kelp. Keep an eye out for harbour porpoises surfacing nearby; they’re regular visitors. It’s a good choice for divers who appreciate the subtler side of marine life and don't mind cooler temperatures.

Safety Notes

Cold water this month (avg 15°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

Today06:2117:3611h 15m daylightGolden hour 16:56

Reviews for Skinners Reef

Conditions

Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Skinners Reef

Skinners Reef Ocean Conditions

Monthly averages for Skinners Reef, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (44.6, -63.5) (0km away)