Mouat Reef - Pacific Northwest

Mouat Reef is exactly what we picture when someone mentions Pacific Northwest diving, only better. You drop onto a wall that feels impossibly vibrant, even on a cloudy day, coated in a thick, colourful carpet of anemones and sponges. We love the way the light filters through the kelp forest above, creating these ethereal shafts that illuminate the rock walls, especially if you catch it on a sunny afternoon. Keep an eye out for the big skates cruising along the deeper ledges – they really are magnificent. This is a cold-water dive, so good drysuit skills are a must, but the rewards are huge. Expect to spend your dive here marvelling at the sheer density of life. We often find ourselves just hanging in one spot, watching tiny shrimp pick their way across the anemone tentacles, or a curious pale moonsnail slowly inching along. It’s perfect for divers who appreciate the subtle beauty of temperate reefs and aren’t afraid of a bit of chill for truly rewarding encounters.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.399640, -123.285890
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 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