Arbutus Island - Pacific Northwest

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.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.706670, -123.435000
Type
shore
Maximum Depth
10-30m

Marine Protected Area: Kellett Bluff Voluntary No-take

Best Time to Dive in Pacific Northwest

The warmest water temperatures in Pacific Northwest occur in August, averaging 16.5°C (up to 15.6°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 6.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 7.1°C (air: 6.3°C)
  • February: 6.9°C (air: 4.5°C)
  • March: 7.7°C (air: 6.6°C)
  • April: 9.5°C (air: 8.7°C)
  • May: 12.0°C (air: 11.7°C)
  • June: 14.0°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • July: 15.7°C (air: 14.9°C)
  • August: 16.5°C (air: 15.7°C)
  • September: 14.3°C (air: 14.0°C)
  • October: 11.4°C (air: 10.5°C)
  • November: 8.8°C (air: 7.4°C)
  • December: 7.7°C (air: 5.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Pacific Northwest

Nearest Dive Centres to Arbutus Island

Marine Life in Pacific Northwest

Home to 38 recorded species including 18 reef fish, 7 crabs & lobsters, 3 whales & dolphins, 2 sharks & rays, 2 clams & mussels, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Arbutus Island

Based on average water temperature of 11.0°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 11°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories