South Cod Reef - Pacific Northwest

South Cod Reef has a surprising amount of action for a site we’ve always considered a little out of the way. Drop down and it’s a rocky, crevice-filled world. We love nosing into those nooks and crannies to find a giant octopus peering out, or the iridescent shimmer of a Roughpatch Shrimp. It’s the kind of place where you’ll spot a Snake Prickleback slithering along the rocks, looking for its next meal. Visibility here can swing wildly depending on the season and recent rainfall, but on a good day, it's a deep emerald green, with sunlight filtering through the kelp. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff; Four-Spined Squat Lobsters are often tucked away in the shadows, and you’ll see plenty of Green Shore Crabs scuttling about. Surface interval often brings the best wildlife, with Double-crested Cormorants diving for fish and the occasional Gray Whale spouting offshore. Dive this one in the late morning when the sun is higher; it really helps brighten up the reef. This site is great for macro enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a good treasure hunt among the rocks.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.653330, -123.300000
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
10-25m

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 South Cod 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 South Cod 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