Sonora Reef - Pacific Northwest

Mill Reef Club always feels like a bit of a secret, tucked away on Antigua's south coast. We love it for the sheer density of interesting, smaller critters you’ll spot if you just slow down. Forget the big pelagics here; this site is all about the details. We've often spent twenty minutes just watching a dwarf frogfish blend seamlessly into the sponge, or laughing at the antics of a pair of mottled jawfish popping their heads out of their burrows. The coral itself is a healthy mix, some robust golfball corals forming a good backdrop. Keep an eye out for the blennies – we've seen Redlip, Spinyhead, and Pearl Blennies all tucked into crevices. The fringed filefish here are particularly bold, letting you get close enough to see the texture of their skin. Dive this site mid-morning, when the sun angle really brings out the colours and makes spotting those camouflaged creatures a little easier. It's a relaxed dive, usually with minimal current, perfect for photographers or anyone who appreciates the quieter side of reef life.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
47.314724, -124.310000
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Copalis

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 Sonora 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 Sonora 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