Boeing 737 artificial reef – Chemainus, BC
The Boeing 737 artificial reef is one of Vancouver Island's most recognizable and talked-about dive sites. Sunk intentionally as part of an artificial reef program, this full-size commercial aircraft now sits upright on the seafloor and has become a thriving marine habitat as well as a memorable dive experience.
This site combines easy navigation, clear structure, and reliable marine life, making it suitable for a wide range of divers when conditions are right.
Videos of the Boeing 737 Airplane
Recommended certifications and experience
Depth and skill level
The Boeing 737 is well suited for:
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- Recreational divers with good buoyancy control
- Advanced Open Water divers looking for a structured wreck-style dive
- Photographers, thanks to the clear lines and familiar shape
Depth is typically within recreational limits, allowing for longer bottom times and relaxed exploration.
Conditions and planning
As with most boat dives:
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- Slack tide is strongly recommended
- Visibility is often good, especially in cooler months
- Cold water temperatures make a drysuit ideal year-round
Good buoyancy control is important to avoid contact with the aircraft and surrounding marine life.
Why dive the Boeing 737
- A truly unique artificial reef
- Easy navigation and clear orientation
- Excellent photography opportunities
- Consistent marine life
- A great introduction to wreck-style diving without complex penetration
Whether you’re visiting Nanaimo or diving locally, the Boeing 737 artificial reef is a standout site that offers something different from natural reefs and classic shipwrecks. If you’d like to dive it via charter or want advice on conditions, tides, or training, the team at Nanaimo Dive Outfitters can help you plan the dive safely.
Boeing 737 Dive profile overview
Underwater layout
The aircraft is immediately recognizable underwater, with:
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- The fuselage, wings, and tail section clearly visible
- Large exterior surfaces now covered in marine growth
- Openings that allow light penetration and water circulation
Most divers explore the exterior, circling the aircraft and inspecting details like the cockpit area, wings, and tail. Interior penetration is generally limited and should only be attempted by properly trained wreck or technical divers, depending on conditions and current guidelines.
Marine life
As an artificial reef, the Boeing 737 has developed into a productive habitat. Common sightings include:
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- Rockfish sheltering along the fuselage and wing edges
- Lingcod resting nearby on the sand or tucked into structure
- Schools of juvenile fish using the plane for cover
- Nudibranchs, anemones, and other invertebrates colonizing surfaces
Over time, the aircraft continues to attract more life as growth thickens and the reef matures.
What to expect on your Boeing 737 charter
Your trip to the Boeing 737 starts aboard The Shepherd, our comfortable 35-foot dive vessel built for wreck, reef, and wall diving around Nanaimo. The 737 sits only a short ride (15-20 mins) from the Chemainus wharf, so the day is relaxed and efficient while still giving you plenty of time underwater.
Onboard, you’ll find everything set up to make wreck diving straightforward:
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- Seating for up to 8 divers
- A sturdy, easy-to-climb dive ladder for re-boarding after deep or long dives
- Overhead netting for dry storage and crates under the benches for gear
- A marine head (washroom)
- Experienced local captains who know the currents, the mooring lines, and the safest entry and exit points on the wreck
Most charters run on Saturday and Sunday, with weekday or private trips available if you’d like to plan something special. Once everyone is aboard, we typically head out to the Boeing 737 for the first dive, complete a surface interval on the boat, and then finish the day with a second dive somewhere in the area.
Boeing 737 Charter Meeting Location
Charters for the Boeing 737 depart from the Chemainus Municipal wharf.
At the launch you’ll find:
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- Street parking
- Public washrooms
- Easy access to the loading area
Plan to arrive a few minutes early so you can park, gear up, and get settled before boarding.
Start Your Adventure
Would you like to dive the Boeing 737? Reach out and we'll secure your charter date!
