Guided Dives in Nanaimo and Nanoose
Diving in Nanaimo offers some of the best cold-water diving experiences in the world, with vibrant marine life and easy access to both shore sites and world-class wrecks. Whether you're new to Pacific Northwest diving or a seasoned visitor, our experienced divemasters help you get the most out of every dive.
Our guided shore dives are offered at our most popular shore diving sites including Tyee Cove, Oak Leaf Park, and Madrona Point. Each site has a variety of dives for all skill levels and offers opportunities to see some of our best marine life.
Expect to see a wide range of species, including:
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- Giant Pacific octopus
- Ruby octopus
- Over a dozen species of rockfish
- Wolf eels
- Sea lions
- Puget Sound king crabs
- Stubby squid
- Decorator and hermit crabs
- Buffalo sculpins, grunt sculpins, and warbonnets
- Colorful nudibranchs and plumose-covered rock walls
Guided diving is available for any certified diver, and rental gear is available if you need it. Guided dives generally require a few days notice so we can coordinate availability of one of our local divemasters.
Please download and bring your liability form and Health Declaration if you are diving with a guide.
What our divers say about their guided dives...
Self-guided shore dives
If you and your buddy prefer exploring independently, we can still help you plan a great day underwater.
Stop by the shop for:
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- Rental gear
- Tank fills (air, nitrox, and trimix available)
- Shore-dive maps
- Tide and weather recommendations
- Local knowledge about conditions and the best sites for the day
Our team dives these sites constantly, so we can point you in the right direction for what you'd like experience.
Multi-day dive planning
Staying in Nanaimo for a few days? We can build a custom itinerary that mixes guided shore dives, local boat charters, and even training if you want to expand your skills.
Options include:
- Guided shore dives at Madrona Point, Oak Leaf Park, and Tyee Cove
- Boat charters to the Saskatchewan, Cape Breton, or Rivtow Lion
- Drysuit training for divers new to cold water
- Multi-day plans tailored to your experience level
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer trip, we’ll help you make the most of your time in the water.
Bring your own dive gear or use rental gear?
If you have your own dive gear, you are of course welcome to bring it! However, we have had many clients bring their own gear only to find out it is not suitable for our cold water conditions or their gear has not been maintained. For your safety and enjoyment we want to avoid this from happening to you.
Here are some real examples we've experienced when divers bring their own gear:
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- Leaking drysuits and faulty zippers
- Old wrist or neck seals that rupture or tear
- Cracked or ruptured hoses on regulator sets
- Free flowing regulators or leaky 1st or 2nd stages
- Warm water BCD's that are not buoyant with the amount of lead we require here
- Equipment that has not been serviced or maintained for long periods of time
If you're coming up here for a dive adventure don't let faulty, poorly maintained or unsuitable gear cause delays or even cancellations of your dives. We have a fleet of high-quality, well-maintained rental gear suitable for our cold water conditions.
What to Expect on Your Guided Dives
A guided dive day is designed to be simple, relaxed, and focused on getting you in the water safely with a knowledgeable local guide. Most guided outings include two shore dives and plenty of time to explore the site.
Here’s what the day typically looks like:
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- Meet your guide at the shop (usually at 9am) (or sometimes at the dive site) to check in and pick up any rental gear
- Review the dive plan, expected conditions, and marine life you’re likely to see
- Drive to the chosen shore site (you’ll transport your own gear)
- Get a full briefing on entry points, exits, depth profile, and navigation
- Enjoy two guided dives with a local expert who knows the terrain and wildlife
- Debrief between dives, review what you saw, and plan the second dive together
Your guide will pace the dives around your comfort level, help you refine buoyancy and cold-water diving techniques if needed, and take you to our coolest underwater sites you might not find otherwise.
If conditions change, your guide may recommend an alternate site to ensure the safest and best experience possible.
Guided Dives FAQ
Start Your Adventure
Reach out if you'd like to book a dive, register for a course, or ask us a question!
