Marchand Reef
Why dive here
With 58+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, blue whales, humpback whales, orcas and seals & sea lions - Marchand Reef offers some of Alaska's richest reef diving. Water ranges 5-15°C, warmest July, August, September.
Diving Marchand Reef in Alaska feels like stepping into a cold-water secret garden. It's a place where the light filtering through the giant kelp creates an eerie, beautiful glow. You’ll weave between the swaying fronds, keeping an eye out for the shy Shortspine thornyheads nestled among the red soft corals or a cruising Spotted Ratfish. Sunflower stars cling to the rocks, bright against the muted greens and browns, while Red Rock Crabs scuttle across the seabed. This site is a great pick for divers who appreciate the unique beauty of temperate waters and don't mind a bit of chill.
Safety Notes
Cold water this month (avg 11°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Marchand Reef
Marchand Reef Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Marchand Reef, 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
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