Blake Island Reef  |  USA: Pacific Northwest

Debris,

Blake Island Reef is comprised of a long series of cement debris that run parallel to the southern shore of Blake Island. The reef structure runs east to west from 50ft-60ft with the most dynamic “chunks” toward the center of the southern shore. Although the reef is entirely artificial, the site receives very little traffic you can expect to see many large or interesting creatures among the debris such as wolf eels, octopus, lingcod, rockfish, sea lions, and loads of nudibranchs. The bottom between the cement debris is mostly sand/cobble and clam shells.

Current can pick up out here on large exchanges and there is very little cover to hide in. Plan your dive around slack or on small exchanges. Use a live boat or drag lines if you anticipate any current.

Blake Island sits directly between the Bainbridge Island (on the north) and Vashon Island (on its south). It is about 5mi west of the Alki boat launch. It is well known to its Tillicum village which is located on the northern shore of the small island and there is a small marina where you can dock and visit the town. The dive site is located on the southern shore of the Island. There are a couple of public mooring buoys there but you can anchor in the middle of the southern shore and that will put you near the largest portion of the reefs.