Johnstone Reef - Pacific Northwest

Johnstone Reef, now this is a Pacific Northwest site we genuinely love. Forget the usual hype about tropical reefs; this place has a moody, dramatic beauty all its own. We’ve had some cracking dives here, even on overcast days when the light filtering through the kelp felt almost spiritual. Keep your eyes peeled for those Slender Crabs, they’re masters of camouflage, tucked into crevices you might otherwise swim right past. We’d suggest going early in the morning; the water often has a calmer, more settled feel before boat traffic picks up, and you might catch a Marbled Murrelet diving for breakfast. The real draw here is the sheer number of Dungeness Crabs. They’re everywhere, scuttling across the rocky substrate, sometimes piled on top of each other. You'll see massive Red Sea Urchins too, their spines a surprisingly vibrant purple against the green and brown of the reef. This site is brilliant for divers who appreciate the subtle, resilient beauty of temperate waters, and don't mind a bit of chill for some truly unique encounters.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.478333, -123.271670
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 Johnstone 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 Johnstone 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