Explore British Columbia

Diving in British Columbia offers an exhilarating experience in the vibrant and nutrient-rich waters of Canada's Pacific coast. The cold waters here, around 7°C–13°C/45°F–55°F, are teeming with life, making it a haven for marine enthusiasts. This region is famed for its encounters with majestic creatures like the giant Pacific octopus, massive squid, and large jellyfish. The underwater landscapes are equally stunning, featuring a mix of colorful reefs, dramatic walls, and intriguing shipwrecks. British Columbia's diverse dive environments cater to various diving preferences, from the accessible shore dives around Victoria and the Sunshine Coast to more challenging boat and liveaboard options that offer the chance to explore deeper sites and the renowned BC Wreck Trek. The seasonal plankton blooms in spring, although reducing visibility, draw in large marine animals, providing a dynamic and rewarding diving experience. Renowned ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau named British Columbia as one of the best temperate water diving spots globally, second only to the Red Sea. This endorsement speaks volumes about the unique and captivating underwater world that awaits divers in this spectacular region.

Places to Explore

Vancouver

The bustling, fun city of Vancouver, located between mountains and ocean, make it a perfect place to admire awe-inspiring landscapes.

Vancouver Island

6 Divesites

Home of British Columbia’s capital city Victoria, Vancouver Island has plentiful shore and boat dive sites.

Top Dive Sites Map

Mares

★★★☆☆ Race Rocks

Race Rocks dive site is found at the southwest tip of Vancouver Island. This is an advanced dive due to the cold water and moderate to heavy currents.

18
Logs
10
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Swordfish Island

Swordfish Island is an advanced dive due to the cold water and presence of moderate to heavy currents. Wear a dry suit and access this site from a boat.

1
Logs
1
Divers
26.0 m
⌀ Depth
4.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Domville Island

This is an advanced boat dive with depths to 110 feet. Domville Island is usually done as a drift dive. We drop you in at one of the protected coves either on the north or south of the island and once you and your buddy are ready, you will swim out into the current.

1
Logs
1
Divers
27.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Sheep Island

Sheep Island is a wall that can be considered advanced; it goes hundreds of feet deep. As with most of the Gulf Islands the strong currents and nutrient upwellings brings a tremendous amount of life to the surface.

2
Logs
2
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
4.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

★★★★★ Arachne Reef

Arachne Reef is an advanced dive site that sits between Swartz Bay and Turn Point Lighthouse on the British Columbia side. There are moderate to heavy currents here.

2
Logs
2
Divers
26.0 m
⌀ Depth
7.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★★ Arbutus Point

Arbutus Point sits north of Piers Island and then just west. This is an advanced dive site due to the cold water and potentially strong currents.

4
Logs
4
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in British Columbia

British Columbia offers diverse diving experiences, making it a hotspot for dive enthusiasts. The wreck of the HMCS Annapolis near Gambier Island is a must-visit, offering an artificial reef teeming with marine life. Another notable site is the wreck of the SS Capilano, providing an intriguing dive into history.

Popular shore dives include Whytecliff Park, known for its rich marine biodiversity and accessibility. Unique experiences like night dives reveal the bioluminescent wonders of the sea, while liveaboard options offer expeditions to more remote sites, balancing accessibility with adventure.

The best Months to dive in British Columbia

Diving in British Columbia is possible year-round, thanks to its diverse marine life and coastal landscapes. Water temperatures vary seasonally, ranging from 7°C–10°C/45°F–50°F in winter to 11°C–14°C/52°F–57°F in summer. Visibility generally ranges from 5 to 15 meters/16 to 49 feet, though it can be influenced by plankton blooms, particularly in spring and early summer, which may reduce clarity.

Weather conditions such as wind and currents also play a role in diving conditions. Winter months can bring stronger winds and rougher seas, which might limit diving opportunities. However, sheltered sites in the region offer more stable conditions regardless of the season. The best visibility and calmer seas are often found in late summer to early fall, making it an ideal period for divers seeking optimal conditions.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions