Jacques Cousteau reportedly rated Powell River's diving as second only to the Red Sea in terms of abundant, colourful marine life. That reputation continues to attract cold-water scuba divers to the Sunshine Coast for year-round boat diving and shore diving at affordable rates. Some of the best conditions are in winter when the ocean is at its clearest.
Emerald Princess
Where to start among the 100-plus local dive sites? One of the area's signature shore dives is the "Emerald Princess," a 9ft/2.74m bronze mermaid statue in Mermaid Cove at Saltery Bay Provincial Park (near the Saltery Bay ferry terminal). It's submerged 50ft/15m underwater near a wrecked rowboat. The site also offers sheer walls and cliffs for advanced, technical divers, who can go as deep as 200ft/60m. Watch for giant Pacific octopi, lingcod, sponges, and other creatures.
The Malahat
Another great shore dive is the wreck of the Malahat. This former rumrunner boat is a World War I-era five-masted, auxiliary-engined schooner lying in up to 90ft/27m of water. It's just off the world's largest floating breakwater near the mill in Powell River's historic Townsite. Copper rockfish, sunstars, and wolf eels linger around the impressive hulk.
The Iron Mines
Boat divers can explore the remarkable cliffs at The Iron Mines, as well as hotspots like the west side of Marshall Rock and the shallows off Rebecca Rock. Sea lions proliferate around Scotch Fir Point from November to March. Texada Island is also considered a diver's paradise. Just a 35-minute ferry ride from Powell River, it's noted for an excellent variety of marine life on both sides of the island.
Equipment Rentals and Lessons
The only full-service dive shop in Powell River is Alpha Dive and Kayak (7050A Field St.). It's licensed by Scuba Diving International. Rent or buy scuba diving gear, take recreational and technical courses, set up a boat charter, or get a full adventure package. For kayaking fans, the store also has kayak rentals and tours. Farther down the Sunshine Coast in Sechelt, Suncoast Diving (5648 Teredo St.) offers diving training, charters, and gear rentals and sales. It's been in business for more than a decade and has been endorsed by National Geographic.
To learn more about diving in Powell River stop by the Visitor Centre (#111-4871 Joyce Ave. at the Crossroads Village Shopping Centre).