Vancouver Island
We are based out of Schooner Cove in Nanoose Bay, BC. We can be found exploring many of the great shore diving sites in are area, any one of the numerous artificial reefs along the central east coast of the Island or off exploring the fresh water lakes, rivers and cave systems.
Why Vancouver Island?
Based out of Schooner Cove on beautiful Vancouver Island, DeepFathoms Diving Programs take place in or on the emerald waters surrounding the island. The year long tempered waters provide ideal conditions to dive. Between the Gulf Islands and the Queen Charlotte Strait is a massive territory protected from the open ocean elements making year round cruising possible.
Credit Mike Perdue
The waters provide a rich habitat for a plethora of large marine mammals and incredible sea life including Wolf Eels and the world’s largest octopus species, combined with fantastic visibility making it the hottest cold water diving environment in the world. Add to that the fleet of sunken shipwrecks scattered around our home port.
the central east coast of Vancouver island offers some of the best wreck diving in north America. life surrounds these historical gems boasting stellar visibility and a diversity of marine life. photo credit: Russell Clark
Schooner Cove is in the heart of Nanoose Bay approximately 20 minutes north of Nanaimo and only a short 90 minute ferry ride from Vancouver. Around Schooner Cove and the Nanoose Bay area there are many opportunities to golf, walk and bike, or take a swim at one of the local ocean or lake beaches. The many small islands offshore including the Sisters, Ballenas, Winchelseas, Hornby and Denman, all have small unique attractions and a plethora of peaceful anchorages. Around these islands whales, dolphins, sea lions, eagles and other marine life abound. Nanoose Bay itself is known for its many amazing shore diving sites that are diver friendly and easily accessible.