Clark Rock - The Best Wolf Eel Dive In Nanaimo
Clark Rock is one of Nanaimo’s signature natural reef dives and a favorite among both local divers and visiting photographers. Located just outside Departure Bay and only minutes from the Brechin Boat Launch, it offers reliable conditions, excellent marine life, and some of the best chances in the region to encounter wolf eels and giant Pacific octopus.
Because it sits close to shore and is sheltered from much of the Strait of Georgia’s weather, Clark Rock is a go-to choice when conditions prevent travel to the wrecks. It’s also one of the most common second dives after the HMCS Saskatchewan or Cape Breton.
Expect rocky structure, healthy fish populations, and frequent big-animal encounters, all within recreational depths suitable for divers of all experience levels.
Videos of Clark Rock
Recommended certifications and experience
Clark Rock is well within the range of recreational divers and is an ideal site for newer certified divers who want to experience true Pacific Northwest marine life.
Most divers should be:
Open Water Diver or higher: Typical depths range from 40–70 feet, with the base of the reef touching the sand around 65–70 feet depending on tide.
Comfortable in mild currents: This site can experience light flow depending on the day, but most dives are done during manageable conditions.
Air or Nitrox: Both are completely suitable. Nitrox allows more bottom time if you’re exploring the deeper perimeter of the reef.
Optional but helpful:
Good buoyancy skills: The reef has ledges, cracks, and boulders filled with marine life. Stable positioning makes the dive more enjoyable and protects sensitive habitat.
Clark Rock Dive profile overview
Clark Rock is a natural rocky reef that rises gradually from the sand as a rocky, boulder pile. Most dives start by descending down the mooring line to a large concrete mooring block on the bottom. From here there is a line that runs to the reef but on good visibility days you will see the reef as you begin to descend.
Key highlights include:
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- Consistently high number of wolf eels, often 6-10 per dive. On great days, you may see several dens across the site or even spot one out hunting. Look in every crack, hole, and in between the boulders. They are good at hiding!
- Giant Pacific octopus sightings in cracks, under boulders, or tucked deep into dens.
- A variety of rockfish, including quillbacks, coppers, and the occasional tiger rockfish.
- Lingcod cruise the site looking for prey.
- Perch schools, including pile perch and striped perch.
- Sea lion fly-bys, especially in fall and winter, when the Steller and California sea lions often buzz divers mid-water.
Depth & structure: The top of the reef begins shallow and gradually steps down to around 65–70 feet at its base. The site is relatively easy to navigate by staying along the reef edge or circling the perimeter.
Visibility notes: Vis varies through the year, but Clark Rock often holds better clarity than shore diving sites exposed to runoff. Even on lower-vis days, the reef structure is easy to follow.
What to expect on your Clark Rock charter
Clark Rock is only a short boat ride, usually 12–15 minutes from the Brechin Boat Launch. It’s a reliable site in almost any conditions and is frequently chosen as the second dive after exploring the wrecks.
Your trip runs on The Shepherd, our comfortable 35-foot dive vessel equipped with:
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- Seating for up to 8 divers
- An easy-to-climb dive ladder
- Overhead storage and gear crates
- A marine head (washroom)
- Experienced local captains who know the rock’s topography and current windows
Because the site is so close, surface intervals are relaxed, and divers have more flexibility with gas planning and dive time. It’s also an excellent option for days when the weather offshore keeps us closer to Nanaimo.
Is Clark Rock right for you?
If you want a natural reef dive with excellent marine life and minimal travel time, Clark Rock is one of the best sites in the Nanaimo region. It’s appropriate for new open water divers, yet it still offers more than enough structure and species diversity to keep experienced divers coming back again and again.
Clark Rock Charter Meeting Location
Charters for Clark Rock 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.
Start Your Adventure
Ready to see the wolf eels at Clark Rock? Reach out and we'll secure your charter date!
