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

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