Vancouver Island Snorkeling & Diving...
The Best Spots
Interested in some Vancouver Island snorkeling and diving? We know some of the top diving and snorkeling charters to join. Our waters are ranked as one of the best dive locations in Canada.
Rodale's Scuba Diving magazine named Vancouver Island waters "number one" in the world for being the healthiest marine environment and... "number one" as the best value dive destination. The late Jacques Cousteau ranked British Columbia's waters (also known as the Emerald Sea) among the top dive sites in the world!
Why Vancouver Island Snorkeling and Diving?
Some interesting and unique tours are offered here on the Island - join a guide and snorkle with salmon, or swim with seals. Some excellent diving charters are operated where you'll definitely see Giant Pacific octopus and wolf eels, and the rare 6-gill shark that can grow to over 20 ft, inhabiting the areas around south Denman and Hornby Islands.Vancouver Island diving offers some pretty interesting underwater topography, from rocky outcrops to sandy seabeds. There's also has a handful of decent artificial reefs that have been sunk for divers to explore, including a couple of Boeing 737's located off the eastern shores of the Island. Other popular dive sites include Jedediah Island, Madrona Point and Nanoose Bay.
When's The Best Time To Go?
Winter is prime season for Vancouver Island diving. The Island's sea life is vibrant and plentiful year round, but local divers prefer winter. That's when the view-obscuring plankton dies off and visibility can reach 150 feet, with water clarity rivaling that of the most popular Caribbean dive sites (but not as warm!)Underwater viewing distances from fall to spring is about 80 to 100 feet.
Best Vancouver Island Snorkeling Tours and Diving Charters
Here's your best choices for good tours and charters on the Island:
Ocean Explorers Diving - Adventures & Tours
This company's located in Nanaimo on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island. Ian is the owner (comes highly recommended) and offers diving and snorkeling charters year round.
Campbell River Snorkel Tours
Traveling up to the central/northern Island? Interested in West Coast salmon? This is the tour to join if you want to snorkel with salmon.
Ogden Point Dive Center
Heading to Victoria? This is one of our favourite Victoria BC diving companies located just minutes from downtown. Well run, extremely knowledgeable divers and some cool dive packages offered! Definitely visit the upstairs cafe for some excellent food and views!
Rockfish Divers
Offers good dive locations and easy snorkeling charters in calm waters just north from Victoria, in beautiful Brentwood Bay.
Have an excellent time enjoying Vancouver Island Snorkeling!
Let us know your dive story!
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