Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions about diving and or visiting British Columbia (BC).
If you have a question not listed below, please email the DIABC secretary at
GrandmaScuba@Hotmail.com.
- How cold is the water?
The water temperature varies from winter to summer almost 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature is also dependant on what area of BC you are diving in. Generally it
ranges from 7 to10.5C (45-51F during the winter months to 9 to 15C (49-59F) during the
summer.
- What kind of underwater visibility can I expect?
Visibility is usually better during the winter months, sometime reaching over 30
meters (100 feet) in some locations! Although BC usually experiences a
spring plankton bloom, the exact time it will occur is impossible to
predict. Once again, depending on the destination, you could have
excellent visibility anytime throughout the year. Spring & summer
ranges from 7.5 to 24 meters (25-80 feet) with fall being a bit better.
- Are there any sharks or dangerous marine creatures in BC?
Six gill sharks are regularly seen in Barkley Sound, Nootka Sound, around Hornby Island
east side of Vancouver Island) and at other locations of coastal BC during the early summer months,
but are not considered dangerous. There are many charter operators who
organize special dives to scuba dive with these gentle giants. Smaller
spiny dogfish can be seen anytime throughout the year and are generally
harmless. As with any wild animal, caution should always be taken in any
situation.
- Besides my dive gear, what else should I bring for diving?
A light would allow you to bring out natural colors and peer into cracks and under
ledges when diving on one of our many colourful reefs. An underwater camera system is a
good idea, with all types of photography possible! A 6-7mm wetsuit or a dry suit with hood,
gloves and boots for exposure protection is advisable.
- Does anyone offer dive certification completion for the ocean training dives?
Yes, many of the dive charter operators work with local instructors and handle dive
certification referrals. There are also a number of dive stores throughout BC who offer
dive training and would be able to finish a scuba course. It is best to contact one
of our members in the location you wish to visit and attain what information is needed.
- Can I take advanced training or specialty courses?
Yes, as mentioned above many of the charter operators or dive stores offer
continuing education and specialty training. Dry suit, wreck diving, underwater
photography, underwater naturalist or marine life identification courses
are the most popular.
- How much diving experience do I need to dive in British Columbia?
There are so many different areas to dive in BC, it is possible to find a
location to suit any skill level. Since BC has currents, cold water, and
deep water, it is best to obtain a local orientation when you arrive.
- Is Nitrox or Trimix gas available?
Yes, many of the charter operators and retail dive stores have Nitrox available
onboard/in-house or can arrange a Nitrox filled tank with prior notice. Trimix is also
possible with prior arrangements.
- Can I rent dive gear when I arrive?
Complete sets of scuba gear with wetsuits can be arranged at most dive stores and on some
charter boats/resorts. Dry suits are also available at a few stores and on fewer dive boats.
- Are guided dives available?
Guided shore dives are available through most dive stores or from independent
scuba instructors or divemasters. With prior arrangements, guides can also
be arranged for boat diving and at the dive resorts. Live-a-board operations usually
offer guides with small groups as part of the experience (but not mandatory).
- How is BC for underwater photography or videography?
Many of the marine residents residing within our emerald paradise are
unique to this area, creating the opportunity to document your experience
for a lifetime of memories. Wide angle, close-up and macro types of
photography all work well, but strobes are recommended for any depth.
- Does BC have any shore diving?
Vancouver Island offers excellent shore diving in almost every area
and the local dive stores are happy to give you directions. The lower
mainland and the Sunshine Coast also offer an array of great shore diving.
There are several BC diving guide books and marine life identification books
offered for sale to aid in your dive planning.
- Is there any technical diving or training done in BC?
Several dive stores training in technical or extended range diving in BC and Washington
State. Over the years many of the dive resorts and charter operators accept tech divers
and often offer specialized trips for technical divers only.
- Is spear-fishing or collecting allowed?
During the proper fishing season with all of the proper permits, license and gear,
spear fishing and collecting is allowed, however a large number of the
dive charter operators will not allow it during their charters.
- When is the best time of year to dive?
Good diving is possible almost anytime during the year in British Columbia, depending on where you go. Wide angle photography is often best during the winter months and close-up or macro can be nice just about anytime! If you are trying to see a particular type of marine resident like the Pacific white-sided dolphin, six gill sharks or a lingcod on eggs, then you will want to consult a guide book or a local dive store or charter operator when planning your visit.
- Does anyone offer dive tours involving several locations in BC?
Several of the dive stores, resorts, travel companies and dive charter
operators work together to organize custom itineraries so a visiting diver
can experience 2-4 different areas while in BC. Golfing, skiing, fishing
and other outdoor activities can also be arranged with prior notice.
- Can I bring my pet?
With a proper health certificate and current shot record, most dogs and cats
can be brought into BC. For other
types of pets it is best to check with border authorities for current
regulations. As for bringing your pet onboard a boat or to a dive resort,
it is best to check with the business first.
- What if I am a disabled diver, are there any wheelchair accessible charter operators or shore diving sites available?
Yes! Although this would be a question to direct at a charter operation
(can they facilitate your particular needs?), wheelchair access is possible at
Porteau Cove, just north of Horseshoe Bay and at Mermaid Cove in Powell River for
shore diving.
- Will I need dive insurance or my certification card and log book?
It is always a good idea to carry dive insurance wherever you travel or dive locally.
A certification is often asked for and a log book is one way you can prove or show your
diving experience, which may be important if you want to do a drift, deep or night dive.
A dry suit certification card may be required if you want to rent a dry suit and
bring your Nitrox card for fills or to use during your charter trip. Technical
divers wanting specialized trips, training or gas mixtures, will want to show
appropriate certification and experience.
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Are there any other things for my family to do if I want to bring them to BC with me?
Our emerald paradise is also an outdoor playground of activities. Family members may wish
to partake in hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, whale watching, golfing or take an educational
marine-related course while you are diving or after you are finished. BC is also known for its
many different day-activities like visiting museums, art galleries, beautiful gardens, or
enjoying a cup of espresso on the beach.
