Steering Reef

Best months: Aug–Oct

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 - Steering 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

Steering Reef, tucked away in Nova Scotia, offers a cool-water dive that feels distinctly Canadian. We find ourselves finning over kelp forests, a thick, swaying canopy where Atlantic cod often drift through, and the smaller snake blennies dart amongst the fronds. Keep an eye out for lumpsuckers clinging to the rocky substrate, they’re always a fun find. The visibility here can vary, but on a good day, the light filtering through the kelp creates a dramatic scene, perfect for divers looking for something a bit different from the usual tropical fare.

Safety Notes

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

Today06:1717:3311h 16m daylightGolden hour 16:54

Reviews for Steering Reef

Conditions

Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Steering Reef

Steering Reef Ocean Conditions

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