Explore Vancouver
Nestled between majestic mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean, Vancouver offers divers an unparalleled underwater playground. This vibrant city in British Columbia provides a gateway to some of the most breathtaking dive sites in North America. Just a stone's throw from the urban hubbub, you can explore the serene, untouched nature that surrounds the region. Vancouver is renowned for its shore dives, with spots like Whytecliff Park drawing divers for open water training and its rich marine biodiversity. Nearby, Horseshoe Bay and Porteau Cove showcase stunning underwater landscapes teeming with life.
For those seeking adventure beneath the waves, Vancouver's waters offer thrilling wreck dives. Explore the submerged history at Britannia Beach or delve into the depths with the intriguing remains of the VT-100 and the SS Capilano. The region's diverse ecosystems are home to an array of marine life, from playful seals to the elusive octopus, making each dive a unique experience. With easy access to dive sites on idyllic islands like Bowen, Worlcombe, and the Hutt Island Wall, divers can revel in a variety of environments, from vibrant reefs to dramatic walls. Vancouver truly stands out as a premier dive destination, combining the best of nature's beauty with thrilling underwater exploration.
Top Vancouver Dive Sites
1. Whytecliff Park
Whytecliff Park offers a rich marine life, featuring octopuses, wolf eels, and anemones. The adventure level is easy, making it ideal for both scuba and freediving. Special features include underwater rock formations and it is part of a Marine Protected Area.
2. Porteau Cove
Porteau Cove is known for artificial reefs and shipwrecks, home to lingcod, nudibranchs, and crabs. This site is suitable for intermediate scuba divers. It features the "Granthall" and "John B. Fraser" wrecks, enhancing its appeal.
3. Whyte Islet
Located near Whytecliff Park, Whyte Islet features kelp forests and schools of rockfish. It offers both scuba and freediving opportunities with an easy to moderate adventure level. The area is known for its ecological importance and diverse marine life.
4. Kelvin Grove
Kelvin Grove showcases marine life such as plumose anemones and seastars. The dive is advanced and recommended for experienced scuba divers. Unique rock formations and a wall dive provide an exciting underwater landscape.
5. Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is a lesser-known spot that offers sightings of sea perch and colorful invertebrates. It caters to scuba divers of all levels and has easy access. It is a tranquil site with sandy bottoms and scattered rocky outcrops.