Diving in British Columbia is some of the finest in the world. From the shores of Vancouver, North to the Sunshine coast, and then to the inlets of Vancouver Island, there are phenomenal opportunities to view sea life and explore the underwater terrain. Local operators offer their guidance, expertise and advice; rely on their knowledge and understanding of their region. Explore the variety of dive locations and dive safely!

British Columbia

Vancouver is a city with cultural diversity as well as beautiful vistas from virtually every corner. In addition, dive sites are within an easy 'commute' for your underwater pleasure. We have highlighted those we believe to be of special interest. As always, please check with the local service providers for correct tidal information as well as current conditions.

Metro Vancouver

Canada



Boat launch at Rocky Point Marina in Port Moody.  Launch Kayak from Belcarra park or Deep Cove.  Racoon Island is about 1 km Northwest of the mouth of Bedwell Bay. Anchor in 60 to 100 feet of water (sand bottom) to north of Island.  Formations run in undulations toward island from here and average about 30 - 40 ft. Beautiful terrain and several nudis, crabs, lithodids, and anemones as well as large leaf seaweeds in greens and reds. If kayaking there is a nice protected beach on this small island from which to shore dive.

Belcarra

Racoon Island

This was my first "uninstructed" dive site and was chosen specifically for the diversity of life and terrain as well as the relative safety of this location.  Low current, low waves, and well documented (call "Langley Diving" for a fantastic orientation map). It has since become my "home field" and is an excellent choice for an easy access, easy dive with plenty to see in a (relatively) controlled environment.  Also, an excellent location for practicing skills and photgraphy/videography.

Access to dive site is about 1 km north Belcarra Park in Port Moody.  Parking is limited to 3 or 4 vehicles and access is limited to daylight hours unless special permission is granted. About 100 meters of gently sloping, forested, marked trail from parking to entry point.  Wall dives to both North and South of the Cove (under the privately owned docks) reveals much wildlife.  The middle of the bay is about 60 - 100 ft and bottomed by sandy floor and sea grass.  Nice whips as you get deeper and the October Jellyfish Bloom is spectacular for Moon Jellies.

Whiskey Cove

Not much to see here due to the over fishing from the wharf.  Some interesting debris and old garbage if you get a bit away from the wharf. Good spot for training dives (I did my Rescue Diver course here).

Large Parking area with short walk to picnic area and beach. Regional Park so check for park hours or drive around park to road on north side (about 10 mins more drive time) and park on roadside.  Easy access to water on north side of wharf.  Be alert for fishermen and crabbers on wharf. 

Belcarra Park

Ansel Point is largely a sheer wall, so it is a site that is appropriate for those that are very comfortable with their buoyancy in cold water conditions.

Either direction has plenty of wall to explore with critters like squat lobsters, golf ball crabs and the occasional seal to check out. There are a pair of wolf eels that are intermittently spotted under a large rock at approximately 75' (22m) on the wall if you head to the right.

A point of interest to the diver's left as you enter the water is a wall cutting at about 20 meters that goes back into the cliff about 4-5 meters. It tends to be a gathering place for rockfish and ling cod and is a good place to begin your dive.

The access to this site can be slightly difficult as you need to go down 65 steps followed by a climb down high and uneven rock to cross into the tidal area. Occasionally rough water can make entry and exit from the site a challenge. Good fitness is essential. 

If you're planning two dives leave your gear at the bottom of the stairs and just replace your tanks.


Ansell Place

Point Atkinson is found at the tip of Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver, entrance to the vast Burrard Inlet.  This site is a fantastic vantage point for getting a glimpse of all the indigenous marine life.  Along with the impressive trail system, basic facilities are available.  See your local dive shop for the seasonal conditions and requirements.

Located on the Southwestern tip of West Vancouver, access is via Marine Drive.  From Vancouver, take the Lionsgate Bridge North and exit on Marine Drive West and drive about 11km.  The entrance below will be on your left.

Point Atkinson

It looked mighty nice, however you may now find it impossible to dive there.  Apparently the neighborhood association decided to 'privatize' the beach, which effectively ended all diving there, unless you can kayak in from elsewhere.  We present the site, nonetheless, in the hopes that it will one day reopen to us Marine Explorers. You must go to the marina at Lions Bay and get a parking permit then return back to Kelvin Grove.

Heading North from Horseshoe Bay, after about 10km, take the first exit into Lions Bay.  Wind your way South, toward the water.  You'll dead end at the park.

Kelvin Grove

Lions Bay offers an easy access dive for those interested in seeking out smaller creatures to observe.  Shallow and rocky, you'll have plenty of time to explore.  A dive flag is very important in this area.  Give the marina a call (604-921-7510) before you decide to show up.  Diving is restricted to certain times of the year.

Heading North from Horseshoe Bay, after about 11km, take the second exit into Lions Bay.  Head West toward the water, until you see the tracks below.

Lions Bay



A steep stairs leads to waterfront at the end of Copper Cove Road.


Copper Cove Road is also known as Copper Cove.

Copper Cove Road

Bowyer Island is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Canada, British Columbia, Lower Mainland which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Bowyer Island

Most divers do the right wall, follow it and go around rocky peninsula and return back to the bay. If you breathe very well, stay shallow and current helps you a bit - you can end your dive at famous WhyteCliff "The Cut" or in WhyteCliff bay. However, this dive is only for experienced divers - if you not sure - DO NOT try it. 

There is usually a strong (sometimes very strong) current at the Lookout Point bay's entry (from right side). Sometimes it's very hard to go back into the bay - specially when high/low tide begins.

There is not too much things to see in the middle of the bay - sea bottom is flat, sandy, and gently goes into deep. However, right wall has enough marine life for an interesting dive - seastars, kelp, crabs, shells, fish, etc...

A relatively big bay with instant public access to the water near WhyteCliff park. It's around 100 meters far from it.

Lookout Point

Whytecliff Park is the premier dive spot for divers of all capabilities.  You can find dive classes exploring the inner cove, and advanced divers venturing further out toward the Queen Charlotte Channel.  All the classic sea life of this area can be found within an afternoon of touring the slopes and walls.  For the non-divers, food and restrooms are found close the parking area.

The original name was White Cliff City. In 1914, Colonel Albert Whyte pressed for the spelling change from White Cliff City to Whytecliff.

The park is currently home to more than 200 marine animal species and is the first Marine Protected Area in Canada. Sea lions can be seen sunbathing on the beach during summer.

Whytecliff park is located near West Vancouver's Horseshoe Bay Neighbourhood. To get there, take Marine Drive west from the Lions Gate Bridge past light house park to Horseshoe Bay and then continue on to 7100 Block Marine Drive.

2014 Note from Chanel MacKay: I am the current operator of the concession at Whytecliff Park and am in the process of reducing my hours of operation for the fall and winter 2014.  I thought I would reach out to you to see if there would be any interest in my staying open for coffees, soups, and sandwiches over the park's off season.  I know from speaking to divers this summer that the fall and winter are generally better for diving at Whytecliff.  Would a hot drink and snack be appreciated by your divers or do they prefer to take off once out of the water and head somewhere warm to shower and dry off properly?  Any feedback you could offer would be greatly appreciated as this is my first year in operation and I would like to make sure I'm meeting the needs of park guests. Please email me at foxfoodsvancouver *at* gmail*dot*com.  Thank you!!

From the Copper Cove dive site turn right onto Marine Drive.  In a short distance you'll see the entrance to Whyte Cliff Park.

Racoon Island

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Racoon Island