Satellite Reef - Pacific Northwest

Satellite Reef, tucked away in the Pacific Northwest, is one of those sites we always come back to. Forget what you think you know about cold water diving; this place bursts with colour. We love dropping down into the kelp forest, watching the light dapple through the fronds, and then settling onto the reef itself. It’s not about huge pelagics here; it's about the small stuff, the intricate details. Look for the roughpatch shrimp clinging to anemones and the four-spined squat lobsters tucked into crevices. Sunflower stars, massive and often purple, slowly make their way across the rock, while blue seaperch dart past. We often spot spiny dogfish cruising in the deeper sections, and if you’re lucky, a common seal might zip by. Visibility can be a bit variable, but on a good day, it stretches out to 15 metres, giving you plenty of time to explore. We’d suggest going at slack tide, as currents can pick up. This site is perfect for macro photographers and divers who appreciate the subtle beauty of temperate waters.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
49.166340, -123.936010
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 Satellite 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 Satellite 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