Shute Reef

Best months: Sep–Jan

Protected Area

Kellett Bluff Voluntary No-take

Why dive here

With 35+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, orcas and seals & sea lions - Shute Reef offers some of Pacific Northwest's richest reef diving. Water ranges 7-17°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeSep–Jan

WetsuitA drysuit

Marine lifeHumpback Whales, Orcas and Seals & Sea Lions · 35+ species recorded

Water7-17°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterReef dive

Shute Reef is one of those places we genuinely enjoy, especially when the conditions are just right. It’s not about huge pelagics or endless visibility here; it's about the small, intricate details and the sheer abundance of life tucked into every crevice. We’re talking about a proper Pacific Northwest dive, moody and green, but full of rewards if you slow down and look. The reef itself is a tapestry of anemones and sponges, providing perfect hideouts. We’ve had some cracking dives here, spotting daubed shannies peeking out from under ledges and sunflower stars slowly navigating the rocky seafloor. Keep an eye out for dungeness crabs scuttling past, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a big skate gliding by in the deeper sections. For us, Shute Reef is a fantastic site for macro enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates the subtle beauty of temperate waters. It really suits divers who don't mind a bit of a current and are comfortable with depths that can push past 20 meters, though much of the action is shallower. We’d suggest going at slack tide for the most comfortable experience.