Diving
Vancouver divers experience easy, shore-accessed diving in a pristine marine environment. Dive sunken wrecks, look for octopus and wolf eels or take a charter to the many walls, pinnacles and reefs.
The sheltered waters of Howe Sound, Deep Cove and Indian Arm provide divers ample opportunities to hone their underwater skills. More-experienced divers can take a charter and explore steep walls and current-swept pinnacles, or visit rocky islets and swim with resident seals.
Looking for more underwater adventures? Head to Vancouver Island or the Sunshine Coast for a taste of what Scuba Diving magazine readers call “the best overall rating of diving in North America.”
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Diving in Howe Sound
Whytecliffe Park is the most popular Vancouver-area dive site with a wide variety of dives suitable for all skill levels. Designated a Marine Protected Area, its sandy, gently sloping bays are perfect for beginners, while experienced divers can explore steep drop-offs and rocky ledges. Lions Bay and Point Atkinson are also good dive areas.
Vancouver Dive Charters
The best way to experience Howe Sound’s amazing dives is through a dive charter. Look for wolf eels and octopus on the rock pinnacles off Passage Island or explore steep walls and amazing sponge formations at Bowyer Island. For an interesting diversion, try Pam Rocks, where resident seals will often join divers underwater. Dive sites around Gambier, Bowen and Hutt islands are also popular.
Wrecks and Artificial Reefs
Porteau Cove Provincial Park is a popular and easily accessible dive site located between Vancouver and Squamish. The dive area consists of four sunken ships and artificial reefs, including the 41m/136ft wooden minesweeper Nakaya. Porteau Cove is very diver friendly with marker buoys on all the wrecks, change rooms and showers. Beachfront campsites make this site a great day or weekend destination.
Practical Points
- Vancouver’s waters are temperate, ranging from 8-12C/46-53F, so a good wet or drysuit is mandatory for an enjoyable dive experience. The best visibility occurs in the fall and winter months.
- A full range of gear, including the option for wet or drysuits, can be rented from most local dive shops. Proof of diver certification is required for all equipment rentals, air fills and dive charters.
- Tidal currents can vary greatly; always consult local tide tables before entering the water. Dive shops and charter operators are the best source of information for up-to-date dive conditions.
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Things To Do
Water Activities