Name: Ross Charles Park
Rating: 5.0

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 Island and environs are internationally recognized as a premiere diving destination. The Jacques Cousteau Society has rated the water surrounding Vancouver Island second only to the Red Sea for clarity and diversity of marine life. In the winter, peak season for diving around the Island(s), the temperate waters provide incredible visibility. Access to the dive sites is available from numerous communities along the East coast of Vancouver Island, from Victoria all the way North to Port Hardy.

Vancouver Island

Canada

For a relatively easy entry and dive, try Ross Charles Park.  There are several rocky outcroppings to explore, and a flat bottom otherwise.

From the inner harbor of Victoria, drive South 1.5km to the end of Government Road, and turn left on Dallas for 3.7km.  After you pass the cemetery on your left, prepare to turn right on St. Charles Street.

Ross Charles Park

McNeill Point is an exciting spot to explore, but only during ideal conditions.  The tidal currents through here could ruin your whole day if you're not careful.  Check with a local dive shop about seasonal and hourly conditions at this site!

Located 0.4km West of the Victoria Golf Course on Beach Road.

McNeill Point

Cattle Point is mainly used for dog walkers and boat launchers, but if you are careful, you can slip down the boat ramp and explore some very scenic coastline.  The current is, of course, an issue, so check with your local dive shop for the seasonal conditions.

Located in the Uplands Park of the District of Oak Bay, you'll see the entrance to Cattle Point off Beach Drive.

Cattle Point Park

Diving here is great! When you finally climb down the rocks using the tree on the right for help. Swim about 100ft from shore then descend. If you swim to the left and out a bit you will come to a sheer wall that drops to 110ft! It is covered in life and in the deeper depths you may find some Cloud sponges. I usually swim on the surface past the 3rd house(left if you are facing away from shore)  descend to the wall then to 100ft.  I work my way up the wall while going back to the entry point for my safety stop in the kelp beds.(it gives my something to look at) - Geoff

Head north on the Pat Bay Highway (#17) turn off, then left at the Royal Oak Dr. overpass (look for the sign) follow Royal Oak Dr. till you get to West Saanich Road. Follow north 6.5km , turn left onto Wallace a Dr. then when you see Willis Point Rd. turn left (the only way to go) Follow all the way to the end (8.2km)  where you will find Mark Lane. Turn right and drive down about 0.6km to a fire lane on the left. Do not park right in the lane and be careful not to block peoples driveways. I believe the address of the last house before the fire lane is 7442.

To find this on a map it is best to enter into Google Maps or Map Quest: Steamer Drive, Brentwood Bay British Columbia - then look for the fire lane as you are driving along. Its beside a black iron fence. If you encounter Steamer Drive itself, you have just gone past the fire lane. Do not block the fire lane as this is for the fire trucks to get water from the ocean. But there is parking for at least 4 cars here.

Willis Point

Easy to find, easy to access and when you are done the dive shop across the street will fill your tank for FREE.

Union Bay is home to a 100 ft wreck.  The wreck is marked with a buoy and the entry point is the breakwater.  The wreck has been down a long time so there is lots of life including octopus & ling cod.  This area was once a major port for the loading of coal for steamships, many strange and wonderful artifacts have been found.  There are picnic tables and a large propeller on display on the breakwater.

Union Bay Wreck

The town of Sydney has started an artificial reef on both sides of the pier.  These reefs consist of concrete "reef balls".  These balls are shaped like hollow soccer balls, and make homes for a variety of animals.  There isn't too much to see hear - a lot of leaf kelp, a few anemones, some nudibranches and the odd rockfish.  The pier is a popular spot for crabbing, although we didn't see too many large crabs.To find the artificial reefs swim out along the pier until you hit the second-last pair of supports for the pier.  Descend along the support; this will land you directly on the reef balls.  You can then do a circuit - follow the balls east to the end of the pier, then cross the pier to pick up the second set of balls.  Follow these balls west, back towards shore.  That's it - easy as pie!  The dives shallow; at high tide you'll be lucky to hit 10m/30'. Just two things to be concerned about; fishermen on the pier and  current.  This dive is best done on slack.  Fishermen usually don't cast as far as the reef balls, but be prepared for monofilament when you pass under the pier.

From Victoria take highway 17 North until the Beacon Ave turnoff for the town of Sydney (~20km from downtown Victoria).  Turn right (east) onto Beacon Ave, and follow it to 2nd Street - at this point turn right (south) onto 2nd, take it for one block and then turn left.  This'll put you on Bevan Ave, from here you should be able to see the Pier.  Park where possible, gear up, and walk to the pier.  You can enter on either side of the pier - careful, both entries are rocky and slippery.

Sydney Pier

Ogden Breakwater is a marine preserve with features created just for divers.  A very easy entry marks the start of a diving 'scavenger hunt' for the sunken plaques that line the break water.  Each plaque contains information about the area and marine life you'll encounter.

From the inner harbor of Victoria, drive South 1.5km to the end of Government Road, and turn right on Dallas for 1km.

Ogden Breakwater

God's Pocket Resort

A wonderful beach park for the kids, with hiking trails and facilities, you'll find Saxe Point Park a relaxing spot to spend the day.  Bring a couple of tanks and a picnic lunch, and enjoy!

From Victoria, head West over the Johnson Street Bridge onto Esquimalt Road.  In 3.1km turn left on Fraser Street and head into Saxe Point Park.

Saxe Point Park

Albert Head Lagoon is another wonderful no-current dive for searching out crabs and skates.  This site is really off the beaten path, so bring everything you need for a comfortable day.

From  Victoria Harbor, take the Trans-Canada Highway (1) to the North.  In 9km go South on Highway 14 (Old Island Highway).  In 4.5km turn left on Metchosin Road and travel for 3.6km until you reach Albert Head Lagoon Regional Park.

Albert Head Lagoon

The best dive spots are on a heading of 255*. There is one smaller reef  and two larger ones just past the first. The bottom is sandy until you hit the reefs. Max depth is 80ft but most of the dive will be 30-60ft. Special note for diving in the Inlet: Ceiling / thermicline can make vis only 2ft at the surface but when you descend below 20ft it will "open up" to excellent vis. It may be dark so carry a flashlight for looking at things up close.-- Geoff <br> <br> Entry:  You need to climb down a small drop to get to the beach - use the dead tree for support.  To find the site itself swim straight out (west) from the flag pole about 30-50 feet, then drop straight down.  This will land you on one of two reefs.  Stay on this reef, or continue into deeper water where you'll encounter a second reef.  Both reefs have wolf eels, octopi, a large variety of fish, and plenty of other stuff.  In summer watch out for large Cyanea jelly fish - they'll give you a nasty sting.  First reef is in ~50' of water.  Second reef  drops down a series of shelves at 60', 80', 130', and possibly deeper.  Because this dive is in the Saanich Inlet there is no significant current.  IMO this is the best dive in Victoria aftert the Ogden Breakwater. - Bryan H.

From Victoria, go north on West Saanich Rd., continue N throughout Brentwood, after passing through the Tsartlip Indian Reserve you will come to a road called Mt.Newton Cross Rd.on you right and Senanus Dr. on your left, turn LEFT. Follow Senanus Dr. all the way to the end where there is a small parking lot. Access is at the left side. Check out the access point before putting on your gear.(200ft walk) There is a tree that you can use to help get onto the beach. - Geoff  <br> <br>How to get there:  Head north from Victoria along the Patricia Bay Highway (highway 17).  After ~10km turn left (west) onto Keating Cross Road.  This road will take you past a Whites dive shop with a map of the site - a good reference if you've never been there before.  Follow Keating until you hit West Saanich Rd, where you turn right (north).  Follow this road ~5km to Mount Newton Cross Road, where you turn left (west).  Follow the road until it ends in a small cul-de-sac.  Park here (don't hog space), and follow the footpath to the dive site. --Bryan H.

Henderson Point Dive Site

The site is wheelchair accessible, so entry is very easy.

Search the kelp just off-shore for the local marine life.

This is a gentle entry, but watch for current and tidal eddies.

Ross Charles Park

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Ross Charles Park