Cooper Reef

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 - Cooper Reef offers some of Pacific Northwest's richest reef 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

CharacterReef dive

Cooper Reef might not be a household name, but for those of us who dive the Pacific Northwest regularly, it’s a site we always try to fit in. We’re talking about a classic PNW wall dive here, usually done as a drift. Drop in on a slack tide, or just after, and let the current carry you past walls absolutely covered in life. You’ll see sea cucumbers everywhere, the big sweet potato kind, clinging to every surface, and we often spot green and red sea urchins nestled into crevices. Keep an eye out for the resident shiner perch, they hang around in decent schools, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the roughpatch shrimp. It’s a site that feels wild and untamed. The light can get moody down there, a beautiful, muted green, which really makes the reds and oranges of some of the invertebrates pop. We love hitting this site early on a clear morning, when the surface light still penetrates a bit more. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, looking into every nook. If you enjoy a good drift and the unique biodiversity of cold water, Cooper Reef is a solid choice.