Marina Reef - Pacific Northwest

Marina Reef, up in the Pacific Northwest, is a site we’ve always had a soft spot for. Forget the tropical blues; this is a place that celebrates the moody, green-tinged beauty of cold-water diving. The reef here isn't coral, of course, but a rugged, rocky landscape adorned with anemones and the occasional patch of eelgrass. It’s an easy dive, often shallow enough that you can spend a good hour exploring without pushing limits, making it perfect for a relaxed afternoon. What makes Marina Reef special, for us, are those oddball creatures you just don't see elsewhere. We love spotting the Snake Prickleback, a slender fish that weaves through the rocks, or the genuinely bizarre Spotted Ratfish, with its whip-like tail and peculiar snout. Keep an eye out for Pacific Glass Shrimp, almost invisible against the rock, and the Plainfin Midshipman, often tucked into crevices, glowing faintly. If you hit it at the right time of year, we’ve seen young Chinook and Coho salmon darting through the shallows. Our favourite is the massive Sunflower star, a multi-armed giant slowly cruising the seafloor. It’s a site for the patient observer, for divers who appreciate the subtle drama of a temperate reef.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
50.032940, -125.052870
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 Marina 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 Marina 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