Mouat Reef - Pacific Northwest

Mouat Reef is exactly what we picture when someone says "Pacific Northwest diving" – a real kelp forest adventure. We love dropping in here, particularly on a sunny afternoon when the light filters down through the canopy. The sheer volume of shiner perch is always astounding, a shimmering curtain that sometimes feels so thick you could swim right into it. Keep an eye out for blackbelly eelpouts tucked into the crevices; they're masters of camouflage, but rewarding to spot. What makes Mouat special isn't just the resident critters, but the seasonal visitors too. Watching pink salmon push through the kelp in late summer, with spiny dogfish cruising alongside them, is an unforgettable show. We've even been lucky enough to see common seals darting through the fronds, sometimes seemingly just playing in the currents. It’s a site that rewards repeat visits, always something new happening.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.408333, -123.298330
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
10-25m

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 Mouat 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 Mouat 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