Rowley Reefs
Why dive here
With 35+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, orcas and seals & sea lions - Rowley Reefs offers some of Pacific Northwest's richest reef diving. Water ranges 7-17°C, warmest July, August, September.
Rowley Reefs, tucked away in the Pacific Northwest, offers a classic cold-water dive experience. We found the rock formations themselves were the real draw here, draped in an impressive array of anemones, sponges, and various nudibranchs if you look closely. Visibility can be a bit of a gamble, often around 10-15 metres, but when it’s good, the sheer density of colour on the walls is striking. It's a solid choice for macro photographers and those who appreciate the subtle beauty of temperate reef systems, though perhaps not for divers expecting big pelagics.
Safety Notes
Cold water this month (avg 11°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Reviews for Rowley Reefs
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Rowley Reefs
Rowley Reefs Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Rowley Reefs, sourced from NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: 9449880 - Friday Harbor, WA (27km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
11°C
53°F · Range: 9.6–11.4°C
Air Temperature
11°C
51°F
Current Speed
3.16 cm/s
Direction: E (108.4°)
Salinity
23.61 PSU
Wind Speed
1.8 m/s
3.5 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1018.3 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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