Arbutus Island

Best months: Sep–Jan

Protected Area

Kellett Bluff Voluntary No-take

Why dive here

With 35+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, orcas and seals & sea lions - Arbutus Island offers some of Pacific Northwest's richest shore diving. Water ranges 7-17°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeSep–Jan

WetsuitA drysuit

Marine lifeHumpback Whales, Orcas and Seals & Sea Lions · 35+ species recorded

Water7-17°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterShore dive · max 10-30m

Arbutus Island is one of those spots where you really feel the Pacific Northwest in your bones. We love how the kelp here just explodes out of the deeper water, climbing all the way to the surface, its fronds swaying like a slow-motion curtain. Drop down into that forest and you’re immediately enveloped in a world of green and gold light. Look closely on the rocks for the almost iridescent flash of a Blackbelly Eelpout, a real treat to spot, and we often see gangs of Shiner Perch darting through the stalks. Our favorite part has to be the chance encounters. We’ve had a couple of unforgettable moments with curious giant octopus here, always a thrill when those big eyes turn to look right at you. The Sweet Potato Sea Cucumbers add a splash of unexpected color against the muted tones of the reef, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a Big Skate cruising the seafloor. It’s not a drift dive, so you can really take your time and explore. This place is perfect for divers who appreciate the subtle beauty of temperate waters and don't mind a bit of a hunt for the smaller, more unusual critters. Just remember your hood; that PNW chill is no joke.