North Cod Reef - Pacific Northwest

We’ll be honest, North Cod Reef isn’t going to blow your mind with technicolor coral. This is the Pacific Northwest, after all, and our diving is a different beast entirely – a subtle, moody, and deeply rewarding one. What we love about North Cod Reef is its sheer, understated density of life, particularly the smaller stuff that truly defines this ecosystem. Keep your eyes peeled for those tiny Four-Spined Squat Lobsters clinging to anemones, or the delicate Pacific Glass Shrimp flitting about. We’ve had some cracking dives here just watching the Spiny Dogfish cruise past, almost like they’re on patrol. The reef itself is a tapestry of blues and greens, often draped in kelp that sways with the surge. Visibility can be a mixed bag, as it often is up here, so we always suggest checking local conditions before heading out. Our favourite time to dive North Cod is on a slack tide, allowing you to really slow down and appreciate the intricate details. You'll find yourself absorbed in the hunt for macro subjects, or just enjoying the quiet ballet of schooling Pacific sardines. This site is ideal for divers who appreciate the nuance of temperate water diving, those willing to trade blinding colours for fascinating behaviour and truly unique species.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.657604, -123.300200
Type
reef

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 North Cod 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 North Cod 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