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Log This Dive

Atkins Reef

Forget what you think you know about Pacific Northwest diving. Atkins Reef, in the chilly, green embrace of British Columbia’s waters, isn't about tropical colours. It's about life, raw and abundant, thriving in depths that often feel more like outer space than an ocean. We love Atkins for its sheer, unapologetic wildness. Dropping down, you're immediately hit by the dramatic topography. Think sheer walls adorned with giant plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying like ghostly flowers. Look closer, and the rock walls are a mosaic of red sea urchins, their spines sharp against the darker rock. We've often found ourselves hovering, watching schools of juvenile salmon, maybe chinook or calico, darting through the kelp forests that frame the deeper sections. This isn't a dive for the faint of heart or those expecting 30-meter visibility. The surge can be noticeable, especially closer to the surface, and the water is always cold. But for divers who appreciate dramatic landscapes and a truly robust ecosystem, it’s a revelation. Keep an eye out for common seals zipping past, and if you’re lucky, a spotted ratfish might glide by, its long tail trailing behind. Our favourite moments here are often spent just hanging in the current, observing the sheer density of life – the grey shrimp scuttling over sponges, the sheer number of blue mussels clinging to every available surface. It’s a stark reminder of the ocean’s enduring power.