Shute Reef - Pacific Northwest

Haycock Reef. Even the name sounds a bit… quaint. But don’t let that fool you. This isn't some deep, dramatic wall dive, nor is it about pelagic action. Haycock, for us, is all about the details, the smaller wonders that often get overlooked when people are chasing sharks. We love it for the sheer density of its hard coral structures, particularly the staghorn and branched sandpaper corals. You’ll find yourself navigating through sun-dappled alleyways formed by their growth, a real sensory experience as the light plays tricks on your eyes. Keep a close watch on these corals; they’re nurseries for juvenile fish. We’ve spent whole dives just hovering, watching Interrupta Glassy Perchlets shimmer in the shelter, or sleepy gobies peeking out from their coral hidey-holes. The dive here is generally easygoing, making it perfect for photographers who want to take their time and really compose a shot. We'd suggest aiming for mid-morning dives, just as the sun gets high enough to penetrate the coral gardens but before any potential afternoon chop sets in. Visibility is usually solid, and currents are mild on most days, allowing for leisurely exploration. It's a proper coral immersion, a gentle reminder of the reef's intricate beauty.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.716340, -123.435930
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 Shute 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 Shute 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