Gabriola Bluffs

A deep wall dive on a sheer cliff off Grabriola Island

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Gabriola Bluffs - A Deep Wall Dive

Gabriola Bluffs is one of the most dramatic wall dives in the Nanaimo region. Only accessible by boat, this site drops away almost immediately into a steep vertical face covered in anemones, sponges, and deep-water rock formations. With quick access to depths beyond 100 feet, it is a favourite among experienced divers, technical divers, and instructors running deep specialty courses.

This is a negative-entry, live-boat dive, and conditions can shift quickly. It’s a spectacular site for those with the right training and comfort level, but it’s not suitable for beginners.

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Recommended certifications and experience

Gabriola Bluffs is an advanced dive requiring comfort with:

    • Negative entries
    • Live-boat procedures
    • Descending immediately into mid-water
    • Depths of 90–120 ft
    • Potential current on the surface and below

Recommended certifications include:

    • Advanced Open Water Diver
    • Deep Diver Specialty
    • Nitrox Diver (32 percent recommended)
    • Cold-water diving experience

This is not suitable for new or inexperienced divers, and divers must be confident in buoyancy, gas management, and controlled ascents.

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Marine life at Gabriola Bluffs

While Gabriola Bluffs is known more for its dramatic topography than dense fish life, there’s still plenty to see:

    • White and orange plumose anemones cascading down the rock face
    • Large lingcod patrolling the ledges
    • Rockfish species favoring overhangs and pockets
    • Boot sponges and encrusting sponges in deeper sections
    • The occasional octopus, especially in cracks along the mid-depth levels

Because the wall drops so steeply, you can often look down into the blue and see the anemones fading into the deep.

Gabriola Bluffs Charter Meeting Location

    • Depth range: 60–120+ ft (extends much deeper)
    • Bottom: Steep wall dropping into deep water
    • Entry: Negative entry from a live boat
    • Exit: Live boat pickup
    • Current: Can be significant, especially near the surface
    • Visibility: Often clearer at depth, particularly September to March

Hazards:

    • Strong surface current
    • Downwellings and upwellings along the wall
    • Deep profiles requiring careful gas planning

The top of the wall extends above the surface, and falls straight down into deeper water.

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Would you like to explore the Gabriola Bluffs?  Reach out and we'll secure your charter date!