South Reef
Why dive here
With 35+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, orcas and seals & sea lions - South Reef offers some of Pacific Northwest's richest reef diving. Water ranges 7-17°C, warmest July, August, September.
South Reef in the Pacific Northwest usually provides a solid temperate dive, particularly if you’re keen on spotting the larger crustaceans. We often find Dungeness and Red Rock Crabs scuttling across the bottom, and if you’re lucky, a giant octopus might be peeking out from a crevice. Visibility can be a bit variable, but on a good day, you can follow the reef edge down, keeping an eye out for Spotted Ratfish gliding by. It's a comfortable dive for those used to cooler waters and a bit of current, offering a good glimpse into the local ecosystem.
Typical South Reef Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Cold water this month (avg 11°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Reviews for South Reef
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for South Reef
South Reef Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for South Reef, sourced from NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: 9449880 - Friday Harbor, WA (27km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
11°C
53°F · Range: 9.6–11.4°C
Air Temperature
11°C
51°F
Current Speed
3.16 cm/s
Direction: E (108.4°)
Salinity
23.61 PSU
Wind Speed
1.8 m/s
3.5 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1018.3 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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