A maze of tiny forested islets at the top of Quadra Island, Octopus Islands is one of the most cherished anchorages in the Discovery Islands - but every approach forces you through a tidal rapid that must be run at slack.
Octopus Islands Marine Provincial Park sits at the northeast corner of Quadra Island, where Quadra, Sonora, and Maurelle Islands meet. A cluster of small islets shelters a series of intimate coves on the park's east side, plus the larger, more open Waiatt Bay to the south. The result is a protected, deeply scenic hideaway prized for its calm water, warm summer swimming, and wilderness feel.
The classic experience is to nose into one of the small coves among the islets and run a stern-tie ashore, packing in alongside other boats during the busy summer months. When the coves fill, Waiatt Bay offers ample swinging room over a flat mud bottom - well sheltered, though it can get bouncy in a westerly.
Holding throughout is good in soft mud, and the islets themselves block most wind and chop. Refer to CHS charts 3537 and 3539; there is no cell coverage or services here, so provision and fuel before arriving.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
There is no way in without transiting a tidal rapid, and all of them must be timed for slack water. From the Strait of Georgia you come through Surge Narrows (Beazley Passage), which runs up to roughly 12 knots on the flood; from the northwest via Discovery Passage you transit the Upper and Lower Rapids of Okisollo Channel; and from the east you run Hole in the Wall. Consult the current tables (Surge Narrows is the reference station) and never attempt these passages against a running current.
Inside, the approaches among the islets are tight and foul. The southern entrance between Quadra Island and the small islets is narrow, kelp-lined, and riddled with rocks; the waters within the island group are peppered with charted and uncharted hazards. Proceed slowly, post a bow watch, and pick your way in with the large-scale chart open.
Wind protection summary and tide planning at a glance. Full per-direction and 7-day detail with Plus.
Live readings from the nearest OpenWeather station and WorldTides; refreshed every few minutes.
Source: OpenWeather One Call API + WorldTides.
A curated photo + map walkthrough showing approach, mooring options, and points of interest.
A guided walkthrough of Octopus Islands with approach photos, depth notes, and points of interest — written by members who have been here recently.
Real first-hand reports and questions answered by members who have actually been here.
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Cruising-distance picks near this anchorage.
