Gabriola Reefs - Pacific Northwest

Double Island Reef is one of those spots that often gets overlooked, tucked away just north of Cairns. We've always found it a solid day trip, especially when you're looking for something a bit less crowded than the outer Ribbon Reefs. The fringing reef here isn’t about dramatic drop-offs; it’s more about the sheer density of the shallows, especially for photographers. We’ve had some cracking dives weaving through the staghorn forests, so thick in places you’re almost pushing through them. Keep an eye out for the flatback sea turtles that cruise the sandy patches; they’re pretty reliable here. Our favourite time to hit Double Island is mid-morning, just as the sun gets high enough to really punch through the water. That’s when the blues and yellows of the parrotfish and wrasse really pop. You’ll see plenty of cheek-ring wrasse darting between the coral heads, and the banded archerfish are always a treat to watch hunting at the surface. It's an easy dive, mostly between 8 and 15 metres, making it ideal for relaxed buoyancy and long bottom times. The currents are usually mild, though we always check the tides, as a strong outgoing can get a bit surge-y on the exposed corners.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
49.142270, -123.652240
Type
reef

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 Gabriola Reefs

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 Gabriola Reefs

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