Fulford Reef - Pacific Northwest

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.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.445630, -123.240170
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Lime Kiln Lighthouse Voluntary No-take

Best Time to Dive in Pacific Northwest

The warmest water temperatures in Pacific Northwest occur in August, averaging 16.5°C (up to 15.6°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 6.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 7.1°C (air: 6.3°C)
  • February: 6.9°C (air: 4.5°C)
  • March: 7.7°C (air: 6.6°C)
  • April: 9.5°C (air: 8.7°C)
  • May: 12.0°C (air: 11.7°C)
  • June: 14.0°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • July: 15.7°C (air: 14.9°C)
  • August: 16.5°C (air: 15.7°C)
  • September: 14.3°C (air: 14.0°C)
  • October: 11.4°C (air: 10.5°C)
  • November: 8.8°C (air: 7.4°C)
  • December: 7.7°C (air: 5.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Pacific Northwest

Nearest Dive Centres to Fulford Reef

Marine Life in Pacific Northwest

Home to 38 recorded species including 18 reef fish, 7 crabs & lobsters, 3 whales & dolphins, 2 sharks & rays, 2 clams & mussels, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Fulford Reef

Based on average water temperature of 11.0°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 11°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories