The top 3 dive and snorkel sites in Powell River, ranked by diver reviews, with maps and photos. Read the Powell River guide
There are two very easy dives at the Beach Garden, one to the left and one to the right of the marina. These protected entries are perfect for the beginner, and the breakwaters offer an ideal location to check out new gear and have a relaxing dive. From the ferry terminal at Saltery Bay, the entrance is 26km to the North on 101, just South of Powell River.
Far more boulders and formations than Octo City and far more life. Really a much nicer dive than Octo city and almost guaranteed a big Octo or two. This dive site is actually the Saltery Bay Boat Launch. Just enter the water, and turn left (south to about 100' at average tide) to explore Octopus Ghetto. Octopus Ghetto is also known as Saltery Bay Boat Launch South.
Enter on the south side of the jetty. The jetty itself has a lot of small invertebrates and fish, but the most interesting stuff is the two small wrecks located south of the jetty. The easiest way to find the wrecks is to swim south from the jetty and keep yourself in water ~30' deep. Both wrecks lie between 30-40', and the slope is steep enough here that following the depth contour will take you straight to both wrecks. There is little current in the area, but lots of boat traffic. From Powell River, head north on highway 101 towards Lund. About 5km before Lund is a turnoff for Okover Provincial Park (Malispina Road). Turn right (east) onto this road and follow it to the park. The best diving is by the jetty found just south of the wharf.
Based on Zentacle reviews, the top-rated sites in Powell River are Beach Garden Resort (4.0 from 4 reviews), Octopus Suburbs (3.0 from 1 review) and Okeover Provincial Park (3.0 from 1 review).
Beach Garden Resort, Octopus Suburbs and Okeover Provincial Park are the top-rated sites you can enter from shore.
Zentacle lists 1 dive shop in Powell River. The top-rated is Salish Sea Dive Inc. (5.0 from 18 reviews).
