South Sand Head
Protected Area
Eames Tidelands
Why dive here
With 35+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, orcas and seals & sea lions - South Sand Head offers some of Pacific Northwest's richest reef diving. Water ranges 7-17°C, warmest July, August, September.
South Sand Head is one of those spots that really reminds you why we dive the Pacific Northwest. Forget the usual gloom; on a good day, the visibility here opens up dramatically, letting you soak in the sheer scale of the place. We love dropping down into the sandy channels that wind between towering rock formations, feeling the slight surge pull you along as you keep an eye out for the resident red rock crabs scuttling amongst the anemones. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration. Our favorite moments are hovering just above the sand, watching for the subtle movements of slender crabs or the surprisingly vibrant sweet potato sea cucumbers. You might catch a flash of pacific sardine schooling in the blue, or perhaps spot a solitary sunflower star making its way across a rocky patch. This site really suits divers who appreciate the subtler beauty of a temperate reef and don't mind a bit of current to get the blood pumping.
Typical South Sand Head 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.
Nearest Dive Centres to South Sand Head
Dive shops near South Sand Head
UBC Aqua Society
International Diving Centre
Diving Sports Canada
The Diving Locker
Rowand's Reef Scuba Shop
Oceaner Sporting Goods Canada
Reviews for South Sand Head
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for South Sand Head
South Sand Head Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for South Sand Head, 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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