Cottam Reef
Why dive here
With 35+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, orcas and seals & sea lions - Cottam Reef offers some of Pacific Northwest's richest reef diving. Water ranges 7-17°C, warmest July, August, September.
Cottam Reef is a solid pick for a Pacific Northwest dive, offering a good glimpse into what makes these colder waters special. You're descending onto a reef that’s more about the texture and character of the rock than sprawling coral, but it’s absolutely packed with anemones, sponges, and the occasional grumpy lingcod tucked into a crevice. We often find giant pacific octopuses here too, sometimes just their eyes peering out from under a rock. Visibility can be a bit of a gamble, as with most PNW sites, but when it's good, Cottam delivers a genuinely engaging dive for those who appreciate the subtle beauty of temperate reefs.
Safety Notes
Cold water this month (avg 11°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Nearest Dive Centres to Cottam Reef
Dive shops near Cottam Reef
The Jib dive site
Cottam Point Dive site
wall beach dive site
Madrona Point Dive Centre
Blueback Tyee Cove Dive site
Sink Or Swim Scuba Inc.
Reviews for Cottam Reef
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Cottam Reef
Cottam Reef Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Cottam 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)
Plan & book
Ways to dive Pacific Northwest, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Pacific NorthwestPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Pacific Northwest.
Search stays in Pacific NorthwestDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near Cottam Reef
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.