Grant Reefs - Pacific Northwest

Grant Reefs, a standout in the Pacific Northwest, feels like stepping back in time to an older, wilder ocean. We love the sheer density of life here, especially the invertebrates. Forget everything you think you know about Pacific Northwest diving; this place is different. Descending into the cool, green embrace, you're immediately struck by the sheer number of sunflower stars – we've seen them carpeting the rocks, slowly moving their dozens of arms across the substrate. It’s a sensory overload, watching the Pacific glass shrimp flit nervously amongst the fronds of kelp, or spotting a shy brown catshark tucked into a crevice. The current can be brisk, so pick your slack tide carefully, but that movement is what brings in the nutrient-rich water and, with it, the critters. Our favourite moments are often spent just hovering, watching shiner perch dart through the kelp forest, or catching a glimpse of a spotted ratfish gliding by. This site is perfect for photographers, especially macro enthusiasts, and divers who appreciate the subtle beauty of a thriving, cold-water ecosystem. It’s a real working reef, full of intricate details and constant, quiet drama. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve been let in on a secret.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
49.880480, -124.798850
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 Grant 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 Grant 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