Where Are We Going?

Situated on the eastern shores of Vancouver Island, Campbell River extends along the briskly flowing waters of Discovery Passage. These ever-changing currents, surging in and out from the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, teem with a diverse array of marine life, flourishing in the cold, oxygen-rich environment.!

The dynamic waters, driven by substantial tidal fluctuations, provide a vibrant habitat for a profusion of vivid invertebrate creatures that carpet the submerged shoreline. The frigid water and elevated oxygen levels lead to the impressive size of all marine life. From the immense Giant Pacific Octopus to the majestic Red Irish Lord, the underwater realm exhibits a magnificent scale.

Ranging from the minuscule, colorful nudibranchs meandering amidst soft coral beds and grazing on sponges to the sprawling bull kelp forests, some of which can extend up to 65 feet, offering a haven for countless species, our access to the ocean is truly exceptional.

Protecting our Wildlife:

At Diving Sports, we are passionate about diving in an environmentally responsible way. As we know we are diving in an area where sightings of large marine mammals such as stellar and california sea lions is possible, we will be diving in accordance with Canada’s Marine Mammal Regulations. Divers will not approach any marine mammals. All divers will strictly be following the "look, don't touch" rule, otherwise they will be asked to exit the water and remain on the boat for the second dive.

Participants will also be receiving a presentation from a marine mammal expert prior to going on the trip, discussing the critical importance of marine mammals in our local environment, their conservation, and what we can do as divers to watch them responsibly and respectfully.

Who is This Trip for?:

Advanced Divers who wants to experience the incredible biodiversity of the Salish Sea

Photographers interested in capturing macro life or wide angle action

Scuba divers MUST have an advanced certification, and a minimum of 20 cold water dives, and dives within the last 6 months

Itinerary :

Day 1: We meet at the dive shop in the morning at 7:30am to pack the van and travel to the ferry terminal. Our ferry departs from Horseshoe Bay at 9:05am. After a trip over to the island we are going to do a couple of shore dives in Nanoose Bay before heading up to Campbell River for the evening.

Check into the Hotel and go for dinner, and prepare for the next day on the boat.

Day 2: Meeting Big Animal Encounters at 8:30am to spend a full day on the boat, doing 2 amazing dives.

After our boat dives we will pack up the van and head back to Nanaimo to catch the ferry to Vancouver.

We are planning to catch the 7:40pm ferry from Departure Bay Sunday evening, which should give us plenty of time to drive back and grab some dinner before getting on the ferry to Vancouver.

Required Gear/Rental Equipment:

We rent all the necessary equipment for the trip if needed. Tanks and weights are always included, and any other gear that divers need to rent, we are offering 50% off both days for this trip. Dive Computer, DSMB, and Compass are REQUIRED for all divers during this trip and may be rented.

Packing List :

Along with your regular items for a multi-day trip, here is a list of equipment you will need for this dive trip!

Basic Scuba Kit: Regulator, BCD, exposure suit, gloves, boots, hood, fins, mask

Dive Computer (required for each diver)

Dive Light (recommended)

DSMB (required for each diver)

Dive Camera (pics or it didn't happen!)

Please see our Cancellation and Refund Policy for Courses and Trips here:

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Commitment to Safety and Enjoyment

At Diving Sports we believe in making sure all our divers (Scuba and Freedivers) receive the best possible experience while maintaining a high standard for safety, both for the divers, the guide, and the environment we are visiting. Our dive guides have many years of experience diving locally in cold water. All Dive guides are trained in first aid and oxygen delivery. First Aid kits and DAN Oxygen Kits are present on all trips and courses. Dive sites or dive plans may be changed due to weather conditions or experience level of the group, as well as anyone not adhering to proper dive practices will politely be asked to adapt to better interact with the underwater environment.