Deep Ridge

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 - Deep Ridge 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 · max 25-40m

Deep Ridge is exactly what it sounds like, a deep cut in the seabed, and it’s a site we always recommend to advanced divers looking for that PNW thrill. Forget your tropical reefs; this is about big animals and rugged beauty. You drop down into the chill, that unmistakable cold water bite, and the visibility can surprise you, often holding a good 15-20 meters on a calm day. We love the sheer scale of the place. Giant plumose anemones cling to the walls, their feathery crowns swaying in the subtle current. Look closely for wolf eels peeking from crevices, their grumpy faces always a welcome sight. But the real draw here, for us, is the pelagic life. We’ve had incredible encounters with harbour porpoises darting past, and those Gray Whale sightings are something you just don't forget, their massive forms gliding through the blue. Keep an eye out for schooling salmon – coho and chinook – especially when they’re running; it’s a breathtaking sight, a living silver river. Strong currents can pick up, so timing your dive with slack tide is absolutely crucial, or you’ll be on a very fast tour. Bring your drysuit, of course, and a good light to really make the colors pop in the depths. This is diving for those who appreciate the wild, untamed side of the ocean, a true taste of the Pacific Northwest.