Diving around Nanaimo

The wreck diving in Nanaimo is so good, that there are tour companies from Washington State who bring groups here.

We like anything that can be done outdoors in any season. And the cold water gardens of sea life here are ultra-diverse – brilliantly flourishing walls and cracks, harbouring alien creatures.

Local Dive Spots

There are popular dives around Neck Point (Fin Beach, Four Fathom Reef) and Departure Bay (RivTow Lion wreck, Jesse Island). Or you can get a ride out to Snake Island where there are two big wrecks and a wall.

Experienced divers will want to check out Dodd Narrows and the Gabriola passage.

In Nanoose Bay (20 min north of Nanaimo) there is some excellent diving: check out Cottam Point, Wall Beach, Madrona Point, and Dolphin Beach.

Artificial Reefs / Wrecks

  • Rivtow Lion - Deep sea rescue tug
    Sunk in 2005 - Novice level
  • HMCS Saskatchewan - 366' destroyer
    Sunk in 1997
  • HMCS Cape Breton - 441' WWII cargo ship
    Sunk in 2001 - Advanced level
  • Xihwu Reef - Boeing 737-200
    Sunk in 2006 (Chemainus)

 

Dive Tours, Rentals & Training

Just Dive In Adventures - Tours
Wildheart Adventure Tours - Day tours, adventure tours
Ocean Explorers Diving - Adventures & tours
Sundown Diving - Courses, charters (downtown Nanaimo)
Nanaimo Dive Outfitters - Training, tours, rentals (Northfield Rd, Nanaimo)
Divers Choice Charters - Courses, eco tours, extreme drift diving (Nanaimo)
Buccaneer Inn - Adventure tours, lodging (Stewart Ave, Nanaimo)
Sink or Swim Scuba - Retail, rentals, courses, events (Mostar Rd, Nanaimo)
Access Diving - Wheelchair accessible, courses, charters, rentals (Gabriola Island)
Sealegs Kayaking Adventures - Tours, rentals, lessons (Ladysmith)
Gulf Islands Explorers - Dive charters (Chemainus - but they dive in Nanaimo)