Channel Reef
Why dive here
With 35+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, orcas and seals & sea lions - Channel Reef offers some of Pacific Northwest's richest reef diving. Water ranges 7-17°C, warmest July, August, September.
Channel Reef in the Pacific Northwest can be a moody dive, but it often delivers. We’ve found the currents here can be a real factor, so pick your slack tide wisely. Once you're down, though, the rock walls are home to some impressive giant octopus – keep an eye out in the crevices, they blend in well. You'll likely spot Dungeness crabs scuttling across the bottom and, if you're lucky, a Spotted Ratfish gliding by. It’s a site for divers who appreciate the subtler beauty of a colder water dive and don't mind a bit of a current challenge.
Safety Notes
Cold water this month (avg 11°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Reviews for Channel Reef
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Channel Reef
Channel Reef Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Channel Reef, sourced from NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: 9449880 - Friday Harbor, WA (27km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
11°C
53°F · Range: 9.6–11.4°C
Air Temperature
11°C
51°F
Current Speed
3.16 cm/s
Direction: E (108.4°)
Salinity
23.61 PSU
Wind Speed
1.8 m/s
3.5 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1018.3 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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