Boat Diving Charters In Nanaimo
Experience some of British Columbia’s best diving with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters. Whether you’re new to boat diving or a seasoned explorer, our charters give you access to world-class wrecks, walls, pinnacles, and marine life.
Popular charter destinations include:
From amazing artificial reefs to dramatic underwater terrain, each site offers something unique for every type of diver.
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Featured Wrecks You Can Dive In Nanaimo
Nanaimo is home to some of the most iconic artificial reefs in the Pacific Northwest. Each wreck has its own history, depth profile, and signature marine life. Here’s a quick overview of the four most popular sites we visit on charters.
HMCS Saskatchewan
The HMCS Saskatchewan is a 366-foot Mackenzie-class destroyer escort sunk in 1997. It sits upright in about 130 feet of water and is known for dramatic swim-throughs like Burma Road, schools of shiner perch, rockfish, massive lingcod, fields of giant plumose anemone, and massive cloud sponges.
Learn more about the HCMS Saskatchewan
HMCS Cape Breton
The HMCS Cape Breton is a massive 440-foot World War II maintenance ship, sunk in 2001. It’s one of the largest artificial reefs in the world. The bottom sits around 150 feet, and the superstructure comes up to about 70 feet, giving divers a wide range of depths. The ship is covered in plumose anemones and cloud sponges and the size alone provides a maze of exterior features to explore.
Learn more about the HMCS Cape Breton here
Rivtow Lion
The Rivtow Lion is a small 150-foot World War II tugboat sunk in 2005 as an artificial reef. It’s perfect for divers who want a shallower wreck, with depths around 45–85 feet depending on the tide.
It’s covered with invertebrates, and photographers love all of the decorated warbonnets hiding throughout. Because it’s compact, divers get a complete tour in one dive, making it great for newer wreck divers.
Learn more about the Rivtow Lion here
Boeing 737
The 737 Airplane is one of the most unusual dive sites in Canada. This retired Boeing 737-200 was intentionally sunk as an artificial reef. It sits in approximately 70–105 feet of water. Divers can swim through the fuselage, explore the cockpit, and enjoy the surreal experience of an aircraft turned into a marine habitat.
Learn more about the Boeing 737 here
Ready to Dive These Wrecks?
Our charters run year-round, and our experienced captains know how to plan each trip for safety, comfort, and the best possible dive conditions. If you’re ready to explore the HMCS Saskatchewan, Cape Breton, Rivtow Lion, the 737, or any of our local reefs and walls, we’ll help you get there.
Book your next dive charter today and join us on the water.
Walls, Reefs & Marine Life in Nanaimo
Nanaimo’s coastline is home to some spectacular deep walls, rock formations, and pinnacles bursting with marine life.
Expect to encounter:
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- Wolf eels and giant octopus
- Stellar and California sea lions
- Rockfish, lingcod, and perch
- Fried egg and lion's mane jellyfish
- Nudibranchs, anemones, and sponges
With countless cracks, ledges, and swim-throughs, these sites invite exploration and reward every diver with something new.
What to Expect on Your Charter
Our dive charters run on The Shepherd, a comfortable and well-equipped 35' diving vessel designed for exploring Nanaimo’s wrecks, reefs, and walls. Whether you're diving the HMCS Saskatchewan, the Cape Breton, or one of our scenic natural sites, the trip is set up to be smooth, safe, and enjoyable.
Included with your charter:
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- 2 tanks (aluminum 80's with air) steel 100s and nitrox available upon request for additional fee.
- Lead if required
- Snacks and water
Onboard features include:
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- Seating for up to 8 divers comfortably
- Easy-to-climb dive ladder
- Overhead netting for personal items
- Storage crates under benches for dive gear
- A marine head (washroom)
- Experienced local captains who know the sites and conditions
Our charters typically run every Saturday and Sunday, with weekday and private charters available by request.
Dive Charter FAQ
Charter Meeting Location
All charters (except the Boeing 737) depart from the Brechin Boat Launch in Nanaimo.
At the launch you’ll find:
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- Pay parking
- Public washrooms
- Easy access to the loading area
If you park along the right hand side (when looking at the ramp) you'll have a short walk to the boat with your gear.
Plan to arrive a few minutes early so you can park, gear up, and get settled before boarding.
