Nanaimo Boeing 737 Airplane Wreck Dive
Why train with us?
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Low student to instructor ratios : 3 or 4 students per instructor both in the pool and ocean
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Our retail store is located downtown.
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Diving courses available all year-round. Private courses available.
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We teach children 10 years and older.
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Passionate team of Instructors and Divemasters who love to teach.
Nanaimo Boeing 737 Airplane Wreck Dive Trip | Vancouver Island
Join Diving Sports Canada for an unforgettable Boeing 737 airplane wreck dive near Chemainus, British Columbia. This iconic artificial reef offers a rare opportunity to explore a full-size commercial aircraft underwater, combined with dramatic wall diving in the nutrient-rich waters of Vancouver Island.
The wreck is a Boeing 737-200C, approximately 100 feet long with a 100-foot wingspan. Retired by Air Canada and donated to the Artificial Reef Society of BC, the aircraft was intentionally sunk on January 14th, 2006, creating one of BC’s most unique wreck dive sites.
Propped up roughly 11 feet off the seabed by large support tripods, the plane sits in 80–90 ft of water, with the fuselage around 70 ft deep. With all windows, doors, and seating removed, the aircraft is now a massive open structure allowing safe swim-throughs along the fuselage and cockpit — a favorite spot for photos.
Marine Life Highlights:
Over time, the wreck has become home to abundant invertebrate life. Expect large plumose anemones covering the fuselage, wings, and tail, along with sponges and other cold-water species — perfect for wide-angle photography.
Who Is This Trip For?
- Experienced cold-water divers seeking a unique wreck and wall dive
- Wreck Specialty certified divers interested in overhead exploration
- Photographers looking for dramatic wide-angle shots
- Advanced or Technical certified divers with a minimum of 15 cold-water dives
What’s Included:
- Two boat dives (Boeing 737 wreck + wall dive)
- Tanks and weights
- Light snacks on the boat
- Experienced dive guide onboard for coaching and site briefing
- Transportation and ferry fees
What’s Not Included:
- Meals
- Nitrox fills (available through the charter)
- Rental gear — Reserve rental equipment here
Diving in a Drysuit?
You must have a Drysuit Specialty certification if you plan to dive in a drysuit. Don’t have one? Take our PADI Drysuit Course before the trip.
Requirements to Join:
- Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent)
- Minimum of 15 cold-water dives
- At least one cold-water dive within the last 6 months
- Comfortable diving without a guide
- Minimum age 12 (minors require parent/guardian consent)
- Wreck certification required for penetration dives
- Nitrox certification highly recommended (18–25 m / 60–82 ft)
Trip Flow & Meeting Time:
- 5:15 AM: Meet at Diving Sports Canada (4578 Main St, Vancouver)
- 6:15 AM: Ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay
- 9:00 AM: Meet at Municipal Wharf in Chemainus
- Morning–Afternoon: Two boat dives (Boeing 737 wreck + wall)
- 2:30 PM: Return to dock, pack up
- 6:20 PM: Ferry back to Vancouver
Protecting Our Wildlife:
All divers must strictly follow the “look, don’t touch” rule. This ensures minimal impact on marine life and preserves the site for future divers. Divers not respecting this policy may be asked to sit out subsequent dives.
Cancellation Policy:
Please review our cancellation and rescheduling policy before booking: → Read our cancellation policy
Nanaimo Boeing 737 Airplane Wreck Dive Trip
Why Join Diving Sports Canada for the Nanaimo Boeing 737 Wreck Dive?
Wreck diving on Vancouver Island isn’t just about sunken ships. The Boeing 737 Airplane Artificial Reef, located near Chemainus, British Columbia, offers one of the most unique wreck diving experiences in the region.
The aircraft is a Boeing 737-200C with an approximate fuselage length of 100 feet and a wingspan of about 100 feet. After being retired by Air Canada due to structural issues, the plane was stripped of all usable components and donated to the Artificial Reef Society of BC.
The wreck was intentionally sunk on January 14th, 2006, creating an impressive artificial reef and a rare opportunity to explore a full-sized commercial airplane underwater.
The 737 is supported by large tripods, holding it approximately 11 feet above the ocean floor. The seabed sits around 80–90 feet depending on tides, while the fuselage rests near the 70-foot mark, making this an exciting and rewarding dive for experienced divers.
With all windows, doors, and seating removed, the aircraft is now a massive open structure. Divers can swim through the entire fuselage, explore the cockpit, and capture unforgettable photos inside one of BC’s most iconic underwater wrecks.
Over time, the wreck has become home to abundant marine life, including large plumose anemones covering the fuselage, wings, and tail, creating stunning visuals and incredible photo opportunities.
Our Commitment to Safety and Enjoyment
- Experienced dive leadership with local wreck knowledge
- Carefully planned dives based on conditions and diver experience
- Strict “look, don’t touch” policy to protect marine life
- Focus on safe, controlled, and enjoyable wreck exploration
Location and Contact
Diving Sports Canada
4578 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 3R5
Phone: (604) 694-1886
Email: customerservice@divingsports.com
