Thorndike Shoal
Why dive here
With 58+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, blue whales, humpback whales, orcas and seals & sea lions - Thorndike Shoal offers some of Alaska's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 5-15°C, warmest July, August, September.
Thorndike Shoal up in Alaska, it's not your typical tropical getaway. We’re talking cold water, but that means a different kind of magic. We've seen some impressive big skates here, flat against the seabed, and the giant octopuses are always a treat if you can spot them tucked away. Keep an eye out for guillemots diving through the water column, hunting alongside you. It's a spot that suits divers who appreciate the raw, wild side of the ocean, where the species list leans heavily towards the rugged and the unique, rather than the colourful. Come prepared for the chill, and you'll find something genuinely special.
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 Thorndike Shoal
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Thorndike Shoal
Thorndike Shoal Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Thorndike Shoal, 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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