Escape Reefs
Why dive here
With 58+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, blue whales, humpback whales, orcas and seals & sea lions - Escape Reefs offers some of Alaska's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 5-15°C, warmest July, August, September.
Diving Alaska always feels like a proper adventure, and Escape Reefs gives you a taste of that wild, cold-water magic. It's less about vibrant corals and more about the intricate, rugged beauty of the northern Pacific. We’ve found the real show here is often closer to the reef itself – think colourful Spiral Bryozoan colonies clinging to the rock, and the sheer number of crustaceans like Roughpatch Shrimp and those hefty Dungeness Crabs scuttling about. Keep an eye out for foraging Pacific herring, and if you’re lucky, a Spotted Ratfish gliding by in the deeper sections. It's a spot that rewards slow, observant diving, perfect for those who appreciate the subtle details of a truly unique ecosystem.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 11°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Reviews for Escape Reefs
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Escape Reefs
Escape Reefs Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Escape Reefs, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (57, -135.4) (0km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
11°C
51°F · Range: 8.5–12.8°C
Air Temperature
8°C
47°F
Wind Speed
6.44 m/s
12.5 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1007.9 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
Plan & book
Ways to dive Alaska, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in AlaskaPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Alaska.
Search stays in AlaskaDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near Escape Reefs
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.