Little Group Islands - Pacific Northwest

Forget your tropical dreams for a moment. The Little Group Islands, tucked away in the Pacific Northwest, are a prime example of why we love cold water diving. It’s a riot of colour and life here, often overlooked for flashier destinations, but that's precisely its charm. Drop down and you’re immediately enveloped in a kaleidoscope of anemones – strawberry, plumose, white-plumed – clinging to every rock face. They pulse and sway, creating living tapestries in shades of red, orange, and white. We’ve spent entire dives just mesmerised by them, spotting the tiny nudibranchs that graze among their tentacles. Look closer, and you’ll find plenty of Puget Sound’s quirky characters. Prickly sculpins stare back with their comical grins, while Dungeness crabs scuttle across the seabed. Keep an eye out for a giant octopus peeking from a crevice; they’re masters of camouflage, but a good dive guide often knows their favoured hideouts. The visibility here can be hit or miss, typical of the PNW. On a good day, it stretches to 15-20 metres, making the anemone fields truly glow. When it’s a bit murkier, say 5-7 metres, that’s when the macro life really shines. We’d suggest a strong dive light to bring out all those vibrant hues. This spot is perfect for divers who appreciate the intricate beauty of temperate reefs and don't mind a bit of chill for some truly unique encounters.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.671665, -123.366670

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 Little Group Islands

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 Little Group Islands

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