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Map of Port Orford - Nellies Cove / Redfish Rocks
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IntermediateBoat entry

Port Orford - Nellies Cove / Redfish Rocks

Oregon, United States
Open Water suggested6–26 m depthBoat entry7mm or semi-dry + hood typical

Boat dive — see Entry & access.

Port Orford - Nellies Cove / Redfish Rocks at a glance

Port Orford - Nellies Cove / Redfish Rocks is a intermediate boat dive site in Oregon, United States with depths of 6–26 m (20–85 ft). Typically most favorable Aug · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Lingcod, Rockfish, and Red gorgonian. Recent reports put the water around 14°C (58°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 9h ago
1.2 mwaves — about a meter expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 14°C · seasonal avg 10°C

Site hazards: Pacific surge and swell; surge channels and exposed walls; cold water; boat/kayak access required; crane-launch logistics.

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Wed
Mon7:00–21:00
Tue7:00–21:00
Wed7:00–21:00
Thu7:00–21:00
Fri7:00–21:00
Sat7:00–21:00
Sun—

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:32 · Sunrise 6:04 · Sunset 20:44

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 4.9 km from site · graded 9h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

Loading tide predictions

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

What Divers Say

Known for: Lingcod, Rockfish, Bull kelp
Best time: Summer and early fall for calmest seas and best visibility.

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

  1. Jan4%11°C3.6 m
  2. Feb1%11°C3.5 m
  3. Mar1%10°C3.3 m
  4. Apr8%10°C2.5 m
  5. May10%10°C2.1 m
  6. Jun18%9°C2.1 m
  7. Jul30%10°C1.9 m
  8. Aug39%12°C1.7 m
  9. Sep19%12°C2.2 m
  10. Oct12%12°C2.7 m
  11. Nov7%12°C3.3 m
  12. Dec3%12°C3.4 m

August hastypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

  • LingcodCommonly seen
  • RockfishCommonly seen
  • Red gorgonianOccasionally seen
  • Giant Pacific octopusOccasionally seen
  • Bull kelpCommonly seen
  • Sea starCommonly seen

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.

Site details

Port Orford is a premier south-coast saltwater dive destination, with boats lowered into the harbor by crane (Oregon's only dolly-launch port). Nellies Cove is a sheltered, beginner-friendly kayak/boat dive just outside the harbor with a sloping wall, while nearby Tichenor Rock offers deeper, fishier water with small red gorgonians around 85 feet. The adjacent Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve is among Oregon's most diverse dive areas, with five islets, sheer walls, surge channels, boulder fields and kelp forest over high-relief habitat. Boat or kayak access is recommended since shore entry over the rocks is hazardous.

boatpinnaclereefwall

Pacific surge and swell; surge channels and exposed walls; cold water; boat/kayak access required; crane-launch logistics.

Reviews

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