Vancouver’s Howe Sound offers certified divers a captivating underwater adventure with its renowned boat dive experience. For $154.08 per person, adventurers can explore a rich ecosystem teeming with vibrant marine life, from seals to Pacific octopus. Guided by an English-speaking expert, divers will enjoy the area’s stunning landscapes, including pinnacles, canyons, and the iconic HMCS Annapolis wreck. With all tank and weight equipment provided, this 5-hour excursion promises an unforgettable journey beneath the waves. But what secrets and surprises await those who take the plunge?

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Vancouver.

Key Points

  • 5-hour guided boat dive in Howe Sound with access to top dive sites like pinnacles, canyons, and the HMCS Annapolis wreck.
  • Includes tank and weight rental, with a live tour guide in English for an immersive marine exploration experience.
  • Only certified divers are permitted, with a focus on safety and skill proficiency for the diverse underwater landscapes.
  • Flexible cancellation policy allows for full refund up to 24 hours in advance, encouraging last-minute planning.
  • Opportunities to encounter a variety of marine life, such as seals, Pacific octopus, wolf eels, and vibrant nudibranchs.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The article provides an overview of a boat dive for certified divers departing from Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver.

It’s a 5-hour activity priced from $154.08 per person. Participants can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. A live tour guide in English is available.

The dive allows explorers to discover pinnacles, canyons, sponge bioherms, and the HMCS Annapolis wreck, with a chance to spot seals, Pacific octopus, wolf eels, and nudibranchs.

The boat features essential amenities like a dive platform, onboard compressor, heated cabin, viewing deck, and marine toilet.

Post-dive, hot beverages such as soup, hot chocolate, and tea are provided.

Dive Experience

Certified divers can explore pinnacles, canyons, and sponge bioherms during the boat dive, along with the HMCS Annapolis wreck. They’ll have the chance to encounter various marine life, including seals, Pacific octopus, wolf eels, and nudibranchs. This dive provides access to Vancouver’s best dive sites in Howe Sound.

Marine Life Sightings
Seals Common
Pacific Octopus Occasional
Wolf Eels Rare
Nudibranchs Frequent

The dive sites offer a diverse underwater landscape, allowing certified divers to enjoy the rich marine ecosystem of the region.

Equipment and Amenities

Though the boat dive package doesn’t include personal diving equipment, it provides tanks and weights for participants.

The boat itself features several amenities to enhance the diving experience. There’s a dive platform for easy water entry and exit, an onboard compressor to refill tanks, and a heated cabin to warm up after the dive.

The boat also has a viewing deck that allows non-divers to enjoy the scenery. After the dive, hot beverages like soup, hot chocolate, and tea are served to help participants recover.

With these thoughtful inclusions, the boat dive offers a comfortable and convenient way to explore the waters of Howe Sound.

Meeting and Check-in

Prior to departure, participants are advised to arrive 60 minutes early at the Expedition Center in Horseshoe Bay. This allows time to check-in, pick up any necessary rental equipment, and unload gear at Sewell’s Marina.

During check-in, divers must present their diving certification. The operator strictly prohibits intoxication, as participants should be competent divers.

Once checked in, divers can ready themselves and their gear for the upcoming boat dive expedition to explore Vancouver’s best dive sites in Howe Sound.

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Participant Requirements

This boat dive expedition is suitable only for certified divers. Participants must bring their diving certification to check-in. Intoxication is not permitted. Divers should be competent and comfortable with their skills, as the dive sites feature pinnacles, canyons, and the HMCS Annapolis wreck.

Requirement Description
Certification Participants must bring their diving certification
Intoxication Intoxication is not permitted
Dive Ability Participants should be competent divers
Non-Divers Non-divers can ride along

Pricing and Cancellation

The cost of the Vancouver boat dive for certified divers starts from $154.08 per person.

The activity includes:

  • 5-hour dive duration
  • Tanks and weights
  • Live tour guide in English
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Participants can take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy, which allows them to receive a full refund if they need to cancel their dive at least a day before the scheduled departure.

This makes the experience more accessible and convenient for certified divers looking to explore the diverse marine life and shipwrecks in the Howe Sound.

Marine Life Encounters

Divers can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life during the Vancouver boat dive. The site offers the opportunity to spot seals, Pacific octopus, and elusive wolf eels.

Nudibranchs, colorful marine slugs, dot the underwater landscape. These unique creatures thrive in the protected waters of Howe Sound, home to Vancouver’s best dive sites.

Exploring the pinnacles, canyons, and sponge bioherms provides a glimpse into the rich ecosystem beneath the waves. With the guidance of a live tour, divers can learn about the diverse marine life and appreciate the vibrant underwater world found off the coast of British Columbia.

Best Dive Sites in Howe Sound

Situated within the protected waters of Howe Sound, Vancouver’s best dive sites offer a diverse range of underwater landscapes to explore.

From towering pinnacles and deep canyons to lush sponge bioherms, this region is renowned for its captivating marine environments.

Key highlights include:

  • Encountering charismatic species like seals, Pacific octopus, wolf eels, and vibrant nudibranchs
  • Diving the HMCS Annapolis, an artificial reef teeming with life
  • Exploring intricate underwater canyons and caves
  • Witnessing the colorful proliferation of sponges and soft corals
  • Navigating through kelp forests and along rocky walls

With access to these premier dive sites, divers can enjoy the rich biodiversity of Howe Sound.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Diving Equipment?

You can bring your own diving equipment, but it’s not required. The activity includes tanks and weights, with additional rental equipment available if needed. Participants must bring their diving certification.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement, but it’s suitable for certified divers only. Non-divers can ride along, but participants should be competent divers able to follow safety protocols.

Is There a Size or Weight Limit for the Boat?

The activity does not specify any size or weight limit for the boat. As long as participants follow the participant requirements, they should be able to join the boat dive comfortably.

Can I Request a Specific Dive Site?

Divers can request specific dive sites, but the tour operator determines the final destination based on weather, tide, and marine conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Additional requests may be accommodated if feasible.

Are There Any Medical Restrictions for Participants?

There are no specific medical restrictions, but participants should be in good health and able to safely participate in the dive activity. Those with medical conditions should consult a physician before booking.

Recap

Set out on a captivating 5-hour boat dive in Vancouver’s Howe Sound, where certified divers can explore underwater pinnacles, canyons, and the renowned HMCS Annapolis wreck. Witness the vibrant marine life, including seals, Pacific octopus, and colorful nudibranchs, while a live English-speaking guide enhances the dive experience. This adventure offers an unforgettable opportunity to discover the region’s stunning underwater landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: