Old Government Wharf

You are diving on the remnants of an old government wharf which was destroyed in a severe storm. The bank head of the wharf is observable from the boat launch, off to your left, on the hill. You want to swim under this, at which point you then submerge and follow the wreckage out. The wharf used to be huge - over 20m/60' high, and 800m/0.5mi long! There is a lot to see as you follow the wreckage - coal cars, pilings, tanks, bottles, and lots of other debris. Not a lot of life, although the sandy regions in-between pieces of wreckage are home to all kinds of crabs, telias, sole, and other sand-feeders. Fish tend to congregate around some of the larger pieces of wreckage. Depth varies from 3m/10' to approx 20m/60'. A large portion of this dive is next to an active boat launch. Fly a flag. This dive is exposed directly to a channel, so be prepared for some current. Best dived at high tide - vis can be very poor at low tide. Also, at high tide you can escape (i.e. 'swim over' the crazy-glue like mud which is exposed at low tide. Take the old island highway to Union Bay (located mid-way between Comox and Nanaimo). Park at the boat launch. The launch is also your entry point. There is a dive shop on the other side of the road. The owner is very familiar with the local sites, and has some of the cheapest air fills around.