One of the main reasons for Barkley Sound's popularity is the world class diving in sheltered water. Barkley Sound is not normally subject to the extreme ocean conditions farther west in the open waters around Ucluelet and exposed sections of the West Coast Trail and Long Beach, the other two areas that attract visitors to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. A great number of reefs, rocks, islets and islands provide diverse habitats within Barkley sound, with the low shoreline backed by high rugged mountains. Winter in Barkley Sound can produce rough seas, swells and heavy weather, as the sound is directly exposed to the Pacific Ocean.
Barkley Sound, BC Boat Diving — Date and price to be announced. Trip includes: TBA
NANAIMO, BC. Wreck of the Cape Breton
The Cape Breton is a four hundred foot ex-navy freighter that was purchased by the Nanaimo dive association and sunk off Nanaimo in the waters of nearby Snake Island. The deck is in around 80-90 feet of water and if you descend into the engine room, (which is now empty as the huge steam engine was removed for the display at the maritime museum in Vancouver) you will get down to around 120 - 130 feet depending on the tide. It is an awesome ship to dive. The Cape Breton sank perfectly upright, albeit with a very slight list to starboard, in a 140 feet of water just a few hundred feet away from the Saskatchewan, The Crow's Nest is at approximately 40 feet and is accessible to all divers. Each site has a unique ecology ranging from rock pillars, sea caves, walls, gentle bottom slopes and pinnacles. Marine life varies widely from site to site and many of the sites are renowned for the night dives. Harbour seals are usually within site, and you can expect to see everything from dainty to full size swimming Nudibranchs, Sea Pens, Sea Whips, Plumose Anemones, Crimson Anemones, Sea Perch, Cabezon, Lingcod, Wolf Eels and Octopus.
Nanaimo, BC Boat Diving — March 2nd or 9th… $139.95
Trip includes: Snacks, (nitrox available for $15 per tank)
SECHELT, BC. Wreck of the HMCS Chaudiere
TBC's Sunshine Coast offers the luxury of diving under the care of one of IDC's favorite charters: Porpoise Bay Charters. This company frequents a number of sites including Tzoonie Narrows, Skookumchuck Narrows, Jervis Inlet, Agamemnon Channel, and of course the famous wreck of the HMCS Chaudiere. In 1942 the HMCS Chaudiere was the first destroyer-escort to be sunk to form an artificial reef. Since then the Chaudiere has become hope to a divers community of marine creatures. Having deservedly gained a reputation as one of the best wreck dives on the pacific coast, the Chaudiere gets more amazing with each year. In addition to this amazing wreck dive, the Sunshine Coast boasts world renowned wall dives, drift dives and shore dives as well.
Nanaimo, BC Boat Diving — $129.95
Trip includes: Snacks, (nitrox available for $15 per tank)
PORT HARDY, BC
Come and discover one of the world's best cold water dives. Just off Port Hardy, in between protected islands, lies the sites like Browning Wall, Hunt Rock, the wreck of the Themes, Five Fathom Rock, and 7 tree Island just to name a few. Experience an unseen abundance of marine life, under and above the water. Port Hardy ranks second to none for underwater adventure. The local island waters abound with brilliant soft corals, intense vertebrae life, and countless other marine species. Often boasting 100+ visibility, the crystal waters offer divers an underwater playground. Come dive with Pacific white-sided dolphins or frolic with playful wolf eels! Whether you're looking for that once in a lifetime photography dive or a relaxing recreational experience.
Port Hardy, BC Boat Diving — May
16th - 19th 2008. $899.95 - Group Leader: Josey Goodin
Trip includes: Everything. Transportation, Food, Accommodation Minimum
8 boat Dives maybe more!
THETIS ISLAND, BC
Contact
the Dive Shop for details about this trip.
Port Hardy, BC Boat Diving – Date
and price to be announced.
Trip includes:
OGDEN POINT, BC
Contact
the Dive Shop for details about this trip.
Ogden Point, BC Boat Diving –Date
and price to be announced.
Trip includes:
One of the main reasons for Barkley Sound's popularity is the world class diving in sheltered water. Barkley Sound is not normally subject to the extreme ocean conditions farther west in the open waters around Ucluelet and exposed sections of the West Coast Trail and Long Beach, the other two areas that attract visitors to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. A great number of reefs, rocks, islets and islands provide diverse habitats within Barkley sound, with the low shoreline backed by high rugged mountains. Winter in Barkley Sound can produce rough seas, swells and heavy weather, as the sound is directly exposed to the Pacific Ocean.
The Cape Breton is a four hundred foot ex-navy freighter that was purchased by the Nanaimo dive association and sunk off Nanaimo in the waters of nearby Snake Island. The deck is in around 80-90 feet of water and if you descend into the engine room, (which is now empty as the huge steam engine was removed for the display at the maritime museum in Vancouver) you will get down to around 120 - 130 feet depending on the tide. It is an awesome ship to dive. The Cape Breton sank perfectly upright, albeit with a very slight list to starboard, in a 140 feet of water just a few hundred feet away from the Saskatchewan, The Crow's Nest is at approximately 40 feet and is accessible to all divers. Each site has a unique ecology ranging from rock pillars, sea caves, walls, gentle bottom slopes and pinnacles. Marine life varies widely from site to site and many of the sites are renowned for the night dives. Harbour seals are usually within site, and you can expect to see everything from dainty to full size swimming Nudibranchs, Sea Pens, Sea Whips, Plumose Anemones, Crimson Anemones, Sea Perch, Cabezon, Lingcod, Wolf Eels and Octopus.
TBC's Sunshine Coast offers the luxury of diving under the care of one of IDC's favorite charters: Porpoise Bay Charters. This company frequents a number of sites including Tzoonie Narrows, Skookumchuck Narrows, Jervis Inlet, Agamemnon Channel, and of course the famous wreck of the HMCS Chaudiere. In 1942 the HMCS Chaudiere was the first destroyer-escort to be sunk to form an artificial reef. Since then the Chaudiere has become hope to a divers community of marine creatures. Having deservedly gained a reputation as one of the best wreck dives on the pacific coast, the Chaudiere gets more amazing with each year. In addition to this amazing wreck dive, the Sunshine Coast boasts world renowned wall dives, drift dives and shore dives as well.
Come and discover one of the world's best cold water dives. Just off Port Hardy, in between protected islands, lies the sites like Browning Wall, Hunt Rock, the wreck of the Themes, Five Fathom Rock, and 7 tree Island just to name a few. Experience an unseen abundance of marine life, under and above the water. Port Hardy ranks second to none for underwater adventure. The local island waters abound with brilliant soft corals, intense vertebrae life, and countless other marine species. Often boasting 100+ visibility, the crystal waters offer divers an underwater playground. Come dive with Pacific white-sided dolphins or frolic with playful wolf eels! Whether you're looking for that once in a lifetime photography dive or a relaxing recreational experience.