Diving Vancouver Island -

The Emerald Island

Diving Vancouver Island

Article, Photos and Video by William Drumm

Vancouver Island, often referred to as the “Emerald Island,” offers a huge range of diving experiences, from clear, freshwater lakes teaming with fish and tadpoles, to dynamic saltwater sites rich with marine life. Whether you’re navigating the swift currents of Campbell River or exploring the vibrant reefs off Victoria and Nanaimo, the island provides an amazing cold-water underwater adventure for divers of all levels and types. Tech divers are common, the kelp forests are perfect for freedivers, and the freshwater and ocean dives are perfect for sport divers looking for critters. In one day, you can snorkel down the Campbell River with all five species of Pacific salmon, then go dive a wreck and meet a giant Pacific octopus and a Steller sea lion. It’s among my top dive destinations in the world – and the wildlife above water is almost just as good.

Why Dive Vancouver Island?

Vancouver Island’s diving appeal lies in its remarkable biodiversity and varied dive environments. Freshwater lakes become nurseries for tadpoles during the summer months, offering a unique spectacle for divers. In rivers such as the Campbell River, divers can witness the awe-inspiring salmon migrations, swimming alongside species like chinook, chum, pink, coho and sockeye. Different times of year bring different species. Time it right, and you might just see them all. Saltwater sites around Victoria and Nanaimo boast encounters with giant Pacific octopuses, Steller sea lions, and a plethora of invertebrates, making every dive a wonder.

Top Dive Locations on Vancouver Island

Campbell River – Discovery Passage
Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” the Campbell River area offers thrilling dives through Discovery Passage. Snorkelers and freedivers can experience the thrill of floating down the Campbell River, swimming amidst vast schools of migrating salmon, a truly unforgettable underwater experience.

Gold River – Heber River
The Heber River near Gold River provides a tranquil freshwater diving environment. Divers and freedivers can explore clear waters surrounded by lush forests, offering a peaceful contrast to the island’s more unpredictable dive sites.

Victoria – Race Rocks
Race Rocks, accessible by boat from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, is renowned for its rich marine life. Divers can encounter sea lions, and even elephant seals, diverse fish species, and vibrant invertebrate communities in this protected marine area.

Nanaimo – HMCS Saskatchewan
The HMCS Saskatchewan, a decommissioned naval destroyer, was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. Now, it serves as a habitat for various marine species and offers an exciting wreck dive experience for advanced divers.

Marine Life Around Vancouver Island

Divers around Vancouver Island can expect encounters with:

Giant Pacific Octopus: The largest octopus species, known for its intelligence and ability to camouflage.
Steller Sea Lions: These massive pinnipeds are often seen lounging on rocks or gracefully swimming through kelp forests.
Sea Otters: Once nearly extinct in the region, sea otters have made a remarkable comeback and are frequently spotted along the coast.
Salmon: All five species of Pacific salmon can be found in the freshwater rivers and streams of Vancouver Island.
Colorful Invertebrates: Including anemones, nudibranchs, and sea stars, adding vibrant hues to the underwater landscape.

Diving with Local Centers

Several reputable dive centers operate on Vancouver Island, offering guided dives, training, and equipment rentals:

Nanaimo Dive Outfitters: Nanaimo Dive Outfitters is a proud TDI/SDI dive center in beautiful Nanaimo, close to many of the island’s most popular dive sites. They offer expert training, local guiding, products, servicing, rental dive gear and more.
DiveSafe International: Based in Campbell River, DiveSafe International is Canada’s largest commercial dive school and has a long history of training elite divers. DiveSafe is also home to a full retail dive shop and is expanding into the recreational market.

Tips for Diving Vancouver Island

Exposure Protection: Water temperatures can be cold year-round; a drysuit is recommended for comfort and safety. Thick wetsuits will also suffice. In the summer the lakes are warmer and a 5mm wetsuit will suffice. A 7mm wetsuit is usually good for the rivers.
Plan for Currents: Some dive sites, especially in areas like Discovery Passage, have strong currents. Plan dives during slack tides and consult local dive operators for optimal times.
Respect Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from marine animals and avoid disturbing their natural behaviors.

Getting to Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is accessible via ferry services from the mainland, including routes from Vancouver to Nanaimo and Victoria. There are even ferry options from Seattle, Washington. Additionally, flights are available to airports in Victoria, Nanaimo, and Comox, making the island reachable for travelers from various locations.

Vancouver Island’s diverse aquatic environments, rich marine life, and accessible dive sites make it a premier destination for divers seeking both adventure and tranquility beneath the waves.