Little Group Islands

Best months: Sep–Jan

Protected Area

Kellett Bluff Voluntary No-take

Why dive here

With 35+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, orcas and seals & sea lions - Little Group Islands offers some of Pacific Northwest's richest diving. Water ranges 7-17°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeSep–Jan

WetsuitA drysuit

Marine lifeHumpback Whales, Orcas and Seals & Sea Lions · 35+ species recorded

Water7-17°C · warmest July, August, September

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.