South Bedford Island - Pacific Northwest

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.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.311670, -123.603330
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
10-30m

Marine Protected Area: Pysht Estuary

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 South Bedford Island

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 South Bedford Island

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