South Bedford Island

Best months: Sep–Jan

Protected Area

Pysht Estuary

Why dive here

With 35+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, orcas and seals & sea lions - South Bedford Island 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 · max 10-30m

South Bedford Island often gets overlooked for some of the flashier sites in the San Juan Islands, but we think that’s a mistake. Dive in and you'll immediately notice the almost alien landscape of the seafloor, covered in green sea urchins and the occasional Big Skate gliding past. We’ve found some of our best crab sightings here-the Slender Crabs are elusive, but the Dungeness and Red Rock Crabs are often out, especially if you move slowly. The visibility can be a bit variable, typical for the PNW, but even on a greener day, the sheer density of life on the bottom is impressive. This site is ideal for photographers looking for macro subjects or divers who appreciate the subtler, unique beauty of temperate waters. Our favourite time to dive South Bedford is actually on an incoming tide. It brings in a bit more nutrient-rich water, sometimes clouding things slightly, but it also seems to activate the resident sunflower stars and draws in some of the smaller fish like Whiting. Keep an eye out for the local birdlife too; we’ve often spotted Bald Eagles overhead or Marbled Murrelets diving while kitting up. It's a dive that rewards patience and a keen eye, perfect for those who've already explored the big names and are looking for something a little different.