Indian Reef - Pacific Northwest

Indian Reef, tucked away in the Pacific Northwest, is one of those sites we always recommend for divers looking for something a bit different than the usual kelp forests. It's not a dramatic drop-off, more of a sprawling, undulating landscape of rocky outcroppings and crevices. The current here can be assertive, so we usually plan our dives around slack tide, which makes exploring a lot more enjoyable. What we really love about Indian Reef is the sheer density of bottom dwellers. You’ll spot Slender Sole almost camouflaged against the substrate, and the way the Shiner Perch dart in and out of the crevices is always a treat. Keep an eye out for Blackbelly Eelpouts poking their heads from rocky hideaways, their odd, almost cartoonish faces are a favourite of ours. We’ve also had some fantastic encounters with Dungeness Crabs scuttling across the seabed, and once, a curious Gray Whale passed by in the distance – a truly memorable moment. This spot is definitely for divers who appreciate the subtler beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and who aren't afraid of a bit of a workout against the flow.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.882940, -123.635970
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Kellett Bluff 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 Indian 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 Indian 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