Fulford Reef

Best months: Sep–Jan

Protected Area

Lime Kiln Lighthouse Voluntary No-take

Why dive here

With 35+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, orcas and seals & sea lions - Fulford 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

Fulford Reef feels like stepping into a secret garden, a vibrant anomaly in the often moody Pacific Northwest. We love this site for its sheer abundance, not just in species count but in the density of individual creatures. Drop in and you’re immediately enveloped by the scale: thorny worms unfurl their delicate gills from every crevice, creating a living tapestry. It’s a macro photographer’s dream, particularly with the Arctic eualid shrimp and roughpatch shrimp often tucked away on colourful anemones. Keep an eye out for humpback shrimp too, they’re surprisingly camouflaged. For birdwatchers who dive, the surface interval is just as engaging, with Western and Red-necked Grebes often bobbing nearby, along with Double-crested Cormorants drying their wings. Down below, we’ve had some cracking encounters with slender sole and daubed shannies gliding over the rocky bottom. It’s a site that rewards slow, deliberate diving, allowing you to really pick out the smaller, often overlooked inhabitants. If you’re into critter hunting and prefer a site where the rewards come to those with patience, Fulford Reef is our top pick.