Glimpse Reefs
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 - Glimpse Reefs offers some of Pacific Northwest's richest reef diving. Water ranges 7-17°C, warmest July, August, September.
Glimpse Reefs, for us, is one of those spots that really captures the Pacific Northwest vibe. It’s got that signature rugged beauty, even underwater. We love dropping in here, feeling that cold embrace, and watching the light filter down through the kelp forest. It feels wild, a proper cold-water adventure. You're descending into this incredibly varied habitat of rocky reefs and thick eelgrass beds. It’s a completely different world from tropical diving, full of subtle colours and intricate textures. Keep your eyes peeled for the smaller things, like the Snake Pricklebacks tucked into crevices or the vibrant Red Sea Urchins dotting the rocks. The shrimp here are amazing too – we often spot Pacific Glass Shrimp and Sidestriped Shrimp darting around. It’s a site that rewards slow, deliberate diving, allowing you to really absorb the intricate ecosystems. We’d suggest a calm day for the best visibility, but honestly, even a bit of chop on the surface just adds to the raw, untamed feel of the place. It’s a great spot for photographers who appreciate macro life and the unique aesthetics of temperate water diving.
Safety Notes
Cold water this month (avg 11°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Glimpse Reefs
Glimpse Reefs Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Glimpse Reefs, sourced from NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: 9449880 - Friday Harbor, WA (27km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
11°C
53°F · Range: 9.6–11.4°C
Air Temperature
11°C
51°F
Current Speed
3.16 cm/s
Direction: E (108.4°)
Salinity
23.61 PSU
Wind Speed
1.8 m/s
3.5 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1018.3 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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