Forest Island

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 - Forest Island offers some of Pacific Northwest's richest shore 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

CharacterShore dive · max 10-30m

Forest Island, in the chilly waters of the Pacific Northwest, is a site we keep coming back to. It’s not about the depth here, or some massive reef system, but the sheer density of cool critters packed into a relatively small area. We love poking around the kelp fronds, spotting the bright purples of Green Sea Urchins contrasting with the drabber rock. Keep an eye out for the Flashy Pandalid shrimp, sometimes tucked into crevices – their colours are a real treat. Our favourite time to dive Forest Island is on a calm, overcast day; the light filters down through the surface in such a moody way, really highlighting the texture of the rock and the movement of the kelp. You’ll often see schools of Pacific herring shimmering in the distance, and the occasional Common Seal might cruise by, checking you out with those big, dark eyes. This site is a photographer’s dream, particularly for macro, but it’s also just a wonderfully chill dive for anyone who enjoys taking their time and observing the smaller details. We’d suggest going at slack tide to avoid fighting any strong currents – it lets you really settle in and appreciate the place.