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

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

Arbutus Island

This dive site despite is shallowness, can sometimes be worth it. But it depends on the season and weather conditions.

This dive site is found near the end of Mosses Point Road. A trail leads off to the solid rock beach. It is best dove at high tide, as at low tide it can be risky going down the solid rock. It might look easy, but the rock can be slippery.

Mosses Point

There are a couple of rock outcroppings that start at about 10 feet [3 m] deep and one descends to about 50 feet below the surface, and the other descends to over 90 feet below the surface. There is also the bay to the east to explore.

To get to Setchell Road in North Saanich. You need to follow the Pat [Patricia] Bay Highway from Victoria and just after you pass Sidney, turn off to the left onto Wain Road. Follow Wain until you are forced to go left or right. Make a right onto Madrona Drive. Setchell Road is just a short distance after this to the left.

Deep Cove is also known as Setchell Road Beach Access.

Deep Cove

This wreck is mostly protected from the island that it resides beside. Portland Island. Although you may feel current at the surface, once below 10 metres [30 feet] there is usually very little or no current.

This dive site can only be accessed by boat. Two buoys exist at the wreck, but sometimes only one is visible.

GB Church is also known as MV G.B. Church.

GB Church

Little Group Islands is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Canada, British Columbia, Vancouver Island which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Little Group Islands

This dive site is hard to predict slack current for. An artificial reef exists here, of hollow concrete half spheres. There is also the wreck of a small sail boat. But despite this dive sites problems this can be an interesting dive.

This dive site is located right downtown in Sidney at the end of Beacon Avenue. There is a park here at the water front. Just look for the beach, and the stairs leading into the water. This is also one of the few dive locations where there is a wheel chair ramp. But this is best used at high tide. As they did not seem to account for low tide for it.

Sidney Waterfront is also known as Sidney.

Sidney Waterfront

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

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

Canoe Rock

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

Imrie Island



This dive site is located at the north end of Forest Island, and a boat is required. Current is an issue here. The best site here is between 75 and 200 metres north of the end of the island.

Forest Island - North End is also known as Forest Island.

Forest Island - North End

This dive site is very good for beginners. Not good for wheel chairs as you need to take the stairs down to the beach. But from the parking area to the beach is less than 50 feet.

This dive site is located at the west end of Braemar Avenue. To get to this dive site, if you are traveling from the south follow West Saanich Road north, and turn off onto Ardmore Road and follow it until it becomes Ardmore Drive. Braemar Avenue intersects Ardmore Drive.

Braemar Avenue is also known as Braemar Beach.

Arbutus Island

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Arbutus Island