Stradiotti Reef - Pacific Northwest

Stradiotti Reef. Just saying the name makes us shiver a little, in a good way. This isn't your average temperate dive. We're talking about a real wild west experience here, exposed to the open Pacific, which means conditions can get spicy. But when it's good, oh, it's brilliant. We love Stradiotti for its sheer drama. The surge often gives a real push and pull, making you feel the ocean's power. Keep an eye out for those Plainfin Midshipmen hunkered down, they're always a treat, and the Slender Sole are masters of camouflage on the bottom. Our favourite moments here usually involve spotting a giant octopus peeking out from a rocky crevice, or watching the delicate dance of a Four-Spined Squat Lobster – they're much smaller than you'd expect, so look closely. Visibility is often decent here, but it's the current that really makes things interesting. Dive this one at slack tide if you can, it makes exploring the reef’s nooks and crannies much more comfortable. The walls are encrusted with Star ascidians, like colourful little jewels, and you might even catch a glimpse of a cruising Spiny Dogfish in the blue. This site isn't for the faint of heart, it’s definitely one for experienced divers who appreciate the raw, untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest. If you’re comfortable with a bit of current and want to see some truly unique local life, Stradiotti delivers.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
49.923600, -124.834640
Type
reef

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 Stradiotti 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 Stradiotti 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