Name: Ross Charles Park
Rating: 5.0

Diving in British Columbia is some of the finest in the world. From the shores of Vancouver, North to the Sunshine coast, and then to the inlets of Vancouver Island, there are phenomenal opportunities to view sea life and explore the underwater terrain. Local operators offer their guidance, expertise and advice; rely on their knowledge and understanding of their region. Explore the variety of dive locations and dive safely!

British Columbia

Vancouver Island and environs are internationally recognized as a premiere diving destination. The Jacques Cousteau Society has rated the water surrounding Vancouver Island second only to the Red Sea for clarity and diversity of marine life. In the winter, peak season for diving around the Island(s), the temperate waters provide incredible visibility. Access to the dive sites is available from numerous communities along the East coast of Vancouver Island, from Victoria all the way North to Port Hardy.

Vancouver Island

Canada

For a relatively easy entry and dive, try Ross Charles Park.  There are several rocky outcroppings to explore, and a flat bottom otherwise.

From the inner harbor of Victoria, drive South 1.5km to the end of Government Road, and turn left on Dallas for 3.7km.  After you pass the cemetery on your left, prepare to turn right on St. Charles Street.

Ross Charles Park

Albert Head Lagoon is another wonderful no-current dive for searching out crabs and skates.  This site is really off the beaten path, so bring everything you need for a comfortable day.

From  Victoria Harbor, take the Trans-Canada Highway (1) to the North.  In 9km go South on Highway 14 (Old Island Highway).  In 4.5km turn left on Metchosin Road and travel for 3.6km until you reach Albert Head Lagoon Regional Park.

Albert Head Lagoon

This dive is best done on a long slack tide as currents need to be considered. The dive itself is 50-60ft max amongst the pilings. farther out is nothing but sand and a loooong swim back. Locals quite often use this as a night dive site.  You will find octo hiding at the base of the pilings, both the giant pacific octo and the tiny ruby octo. Also frequently seen are stubby squid, small orange/pink smooth skinned [these are not ruby octo] as well as lots of the usual marine life, anemones etc.

Located on Campbell River. Turn right [if going north] off coastal island hiway [just after Canadian tire] onto Spit Road, follow short distance [less than a km] wharf is on your right [big wooden pilings]

Argonaut Wharf

Cattle Point is mainly used for dog walkers and boat launchers, but if you are careful, you can slip down the boat ramp and explore some very scenic coastline.  The current is, of course, an issue, so check with your local dive shop for the seasonal conditions.

Located in the Uplands Park of the District of Oak Bay, you'll see the entrance to Cattle Point off Beach Drive.

Cattle Point Park

Clover Point is a no-frills park used by most to contemplate the coastline and sea beyond.  But what make this area worthwhile for the diver is the point and the surrounding marine life.  Kelp and creatures will keep you company on this dive.

From the inner harbor of Victoria, drive South 1.5km to the end of Government Road, and turn left on Dallas for 1.9km.

Clover Point

For an easy dive, without the hazards of rocks, kelp and strong current, Esquinalt Lagoon offers the chance to see the bottom dwellers you'd expect on a sandy stretch of coast.  There are no facilities in the immediate area, so bring water and warmth!

From  Victoria Harbor, take the Trans-Canada Highway (1) to the North.  In 9km go South on Highway 14 (Old Island Highway).  In 1.8km turn left on Ocean Blvd and travel for 1km until you reach the bridge below.

Esquinalt Lagoon

God's Pocket Resort

The best dive spots are on a heading of 255*. There is one smaller reef  and two larger ones just past the first. The bottom is sandy until you hit the reefs. Max depth is 80ft but most of the dive will be 30-60ft. Special note for diving in the Inlet: Ceiling / thermicline can make vis only 2ft at the surface but when you descend below 20ft it will "open up" to excellent vis. It may be dark so carry a flashlight for looking at things up close.-- Geoff <br> <br> Entry:  You need to climb down a small drop to get to the beach - use the dead tree for support.  To find the site itself swim straight out (west) from the flag pole about 30-50 feet, then drop straight down.  This will land you on one of two reefs.  Stay on this reef, or continue into deeper water where you'll encounter a second reef.  Both reefs have wolf eels, octopi, a large variety of fish, and plenty of other stuff.  In summer watch out for large Cyanea jelly fish - they'll give you a nasty sting.  First reef is in ~50' of water.  Second reef  drops down a series of shelves at 60', 80', 130', and possibly deeper.  Because this dive is in the Saanich Inlet there is no significant current.  IMO this is the best dive in Victoria aftert the Ogden Breakwater. - Bryan H.

From Victoria, go north on West Saanich Rd., continue N throughout Brentwood, after passing through the Tsartlip Indian Reserve you will come to a road called Mt.Newton Cross Rd.on you right and Senanus Dr. on your left, turn LEFT. Follow Senanus Dr. all the way to the end where there is a small parking lot. Access is at the left side. Check out the access point before putting on your gear.(200ft walk) There is a tree that you can use to help get onto the beach. - Geoff  <br> <br>How to get there:  Head north from Victoria along the Patricia Bay Highway (highway 17).  After ~10km turn left (west) onto Keating Cross Road.  This road will take you past a Whites dive shop with a map of the site - a good reference if you've never been there before.  Follow Keating until you hit West Saanich Rd, where you turn right (north).  Follow this road ~5km to Mount Newton Cross Road, where you turn left (west).  Follow the road until it ends in a small cul-de-sac.  Park here (don't hog space), and follow the footpath to the dive site. --Bryan H.

Henderson Point Dive Site

Enter the water immediately in front of the parking site, and follow a bearing of 0 degrees (i.e. due north).  You should hit the King Koho at about 20m/70' in depth.  Local divers have run a line out to the boat - so if you come across a week-encrusted line you can follow it to the wreck.  The King Koho is a 10m/30' sail boat that sunk in the late 90's.  There are a lot of fish on the wreck, some good sized anenomies, and some octopi make their homes under the wreck. The only hazard here is the fishermen - they seem to think that the divers have hidden all the fish.  Apparently 'over fishing' isn't in their vocabulary.

Drive towards the ferry terminal in the town of Comox.  Immediately before entering the ferry grounds there will be a road going off to the right, turn onto this road.  Follow this road for 2-3 blocks until you hit singing sands road.  Turn left onto singing sands road and follow it to the end.  There is a bit of space to park at the end of the road.  This is a busy site, so don't hog space.

King Koho

Diving here you go 30-40 ft from shore and descend. There is a wall with some interesting contours along it. The wall starts at about 30ft and goes all the way down over 120ft. If you are lucky in the summer you will find 6 gill sharks but only at 80ft and deeper. This dive site does require a walk of approximately 5 minutes. And a rocky trail leads down to the gravel beach. Once you are in the water there are some walls, but not much life on them. There is more life in the gravel. This site is more well known for one of the few places that the Six Gill Sharks sometimes are spotted here during the summer at depths of around 30 metres [100 feet].

Head north on the Pat Bay Highway (#17) turn off, then left at the Royal Oak Dr. overpass (look for the sign) follow Royal Oak Dr. till you get to West Saanich Road. Follow north 6.5km , turn left onto Wallace a Dr. then when you see Willis Point Rd. turn left (the only way to go) Follow all the way to the end (8.2km)  where you will find Mark Lane. Go left and you will find McKenzie Bight. There will be a locked gate. Go down the path a bit and you will find different paths that lead to different beaches and entry points(spot #1 is 200m,spot #2 is 600m and #3 is the end). I usual take the first one I see but check it out in advance. - Geoff

McKenzie Bight

For a very quiet dive through some rock and kelp-laden waters, you'll find this area a joy!  You are in the midst of a tightly packed neighborhood, so be courteous and silent.  Be very careful of the current!

Located just Southwest of Victoria Golf Course, take the first road to your left off Beach Drive: Radcliffe/Hood Lane.

McMicking Point

The site is wheelchair accessible, so entry is very easy.

Search the kelp just off-shore for the local marine life.

This is a gentle entry, but watch for current and tidal eddies.

Ross Charles Park

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Ross Charles Park