Nature lovers will be spoilt for choice in British Columbia. Most of the scuba diving happens from Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, Gulf Islands and also inland for fresh water diving.
From mainland Vancouver, there is a large selection of dive sites which can be accessed by boat or from shore. Steep walls, passages and purposely sunk warships create an artificial reef. Along the seabed many species of anemones, sponges, giant barnacles and unique nudibranch are found.
Around the Gulf Islands, immerse yourself in kelp forests or drift along with swift currents in channels like Proliers Pass. Channels are loaded with marine life and carpets of filter feeding soft coral and barnacles. For fresh water diving, head to Pavilion Lake for a very unique diving experience.
The highlight of diving British Columbia would be encounters with Giant Pacific Octopus, wolf eels, the abundance of small invertebrate life such as nudibranchs, and the potential to see larger marine mammals from the boat or shore.
The best time for good visibility is to dive in the winter months between October - March. Although cold, you will get the best consistent visibility.
Throughout summer as the water warms up, the chance to see octopus, jellyfish, dogfish, ratfish, and sixgill sharks increase, however visibility is affected by algae blooms.
Whale watching in between dives while on the boat is also a favourite for local and visiting divers.
Fly to the Vancouver International Airport or Victoria International Airport on Vancouver Island. Vancouver International Airport is served by most international airlines while only a few airlines fly to the Victoria International Airport.
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