Vancouver is a great place for some of the best cold water scuba diving in the world. The area between the mainland and Vancouver Island is the most popular among divers. Here you may see some unique and spectacular marine species, walls, reefs, pinnacles, and amazing red coral. Some other popular places to have a nice diving are Cates Park in Deep Cove, Whytecliff Park, and Porteau Cove and Sunshine Coast.
You can also look for some shipwrecks and treasures off the Malaspina Strait. The calm waters of Howe Sound, Deep Cove, and Indian Arm provide divers with an opportunity to train their skills. Whytecliffe Park is one of the most popular diving sites in Vancouver. This area is known for its gentle sandy slopes and is suitable for every skill level. One more popular site can be found between Vancouver and Squamish. Porteau Cove Provincial Park is an area with four sunken ships and artificial reefs.
The recommended season for diving is winter from mid-November to late February when the visibility is at its best. In the summer, ocean waters could be slightly warmer, but the silt and algae lower the levels of visibility.
Practical info
Where are the most popular diving areas in Vancouver?
Divers favor the area spanning between the mainland and Vancouver Island, where they can explore interesting spots like Cates Park in Deep Cove, Whytecliff Park, and Porteau Cove. An interesting diving spot is located between Vancouver and Squamish, with Porteau Cove Provincial Park being a home to four sunken ships and artificial reefs. Show more
When is the best time to visit Vancouver for diving?
Divers can enjoy the best visibility in Vancouver from mid-November to late February. The slightly warm ocean temperature in Vancouver during summer doesn't always mean visibility is better. Visibility levels can go down due to silt and algae. Show more
What type of marine life can be found when scuba diving in Vancouver?
The BC coast is home to a variety of marine life like sea stars, colorful fish, octopuses, lingcod, harbor seals, wolf eel, sponges, and red coral that are rare in other cold water diving destinations. Show more
Are there any shipwrecks that divers can explore in Vancouver waters?
Exploring shipwrecks is one of the best experiences for divers in Vancouver's waters. There are four sunken ships at Porteau Cove Provincial Park, as well as artificial corals and other marine life. Skilled divers can discover treasures in the Malaspina Strait area. Show more
Can beginners take scuba diving lessons in Vancouver?
For novice divers, Vancouver offers training spots such as the calm waters of Indian Arm, Deep Cove, and Howe Sound. Beginners can also go to Whytecliffe Park, which is a famous spot with a sandy bottom that accommodates divers of every skill level. Show more
