Brant Reef - Pacific Northwest

Snapper Ledge is one of those places we keep coming back to in the Keys, even with all the other options. It’s not about grand, dramatic drop-offs here. Instead, you get this beautiful, sprawling reef, mostly in the 15-20 meter range. We love it because it’s a masterclass in subtlety. You might be watching a barred hamlet eye you suspiciously from a gorgonian, or tracing the delicate fronds of pillar coral, which we think are particularly stunning here. The name isn't just for show, either. We’ve seen kingfish darting through schools of French grunt, and the way they flash silver in the sun is always a treat. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, like the rusty gobies tucked into crevices. This site really rewards a slow, deliberate dive. If you're looking for big pelagics, you might be disappointed, but if you appreciate a healthy, active reef system with plenty of nooks to explore, Snapper Ledge will definitely deliver. It's a fantastic spot for photographers too, especially on a sunny afternoon when the light penetrates just right.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
49.158320, -123.677240
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
10-25m

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 Brant Reef

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 Brant Reef

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