Langley Tire Reef
Langley Marina
Langley
,
WA
USA
After driving down the steep hill from the small picturesque town of Langley, you’ll find yourself at the marina. Parking is plentiful and the access is an easy walk down a boat ramp into the water.
Swim out to the north, then left and out along the outside of the wooden breakwater, taking care to stay away from fishermen’s lines and crab pots.
You can submerge about anywhere there and find yourself in fairly shallow water of 20 feet or so. Continue out and around the end of the pier and you’ll start seeing the tire reef, put there years ago to promote fishing.
It runs in rows and poking around you’ll find lots of fish, crabs and other life hiding amid the white plumose anemones. Continue to work around the rows of tires and old pilings, leaving enough air to swim back along the breakwater to where you started.
Depths don’t get over around 35-40 feet, so visibility can be limited, especially during times of algae blooms. There can be some current out at the end of the reef, but since there is good cover between the rows of tires, it doesn’t present a problem.
Be sure to carry a knife and swim well away from crab pots and fishing lines. Diving is prohibited inside the breakwater.
There are good facilities there, restrooms/changing rooms, rinse stations and hot showers. There’s usually room to set up a BBQ as well. There are lots of good restaurants and fun shops to explore in Langley.
