Snake Island Pinnacle – Dive Site Guide (Nanaimo, BC)
Snake Island Pinnacle is one of Nanaimo’s most impressive deep reef dives, sitting just minutes from the HMCS Cape Breton and within easy range of the HMCS Saskatchewan. This exposed offshore structure rises sharply from deeper water and offers a mix of dramatic wall terrain, healthy plumose gardens, large predatory fish, and opportunities to spot wolf eels and octopus.
The site is only 15 minutes from the harbour and is a favourite among advanced recreational, Nitrox, and rebreather divers. A guideline installed by local divers even connects the pinnacle to the HMCS Cape Breton for trained teams executing longer or technical profiles.
This is a dive with big scenery, strong current potential, and a real offshore feel.
Videos of the Snake Island Pinnacle
Recommended certifications and experience
Snake Island Pinnacle is exposed to current and reaches beyond standard recreational depths. Most divers should have:
Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent: Depths reach 100–110 feet at the base of the wall.
Nitrox certification (recommended): Air is possible, but 28–32% is ideal for both NDL and gas management.
Experience in current and deep-water descents: Currents can sweep across the top of the pinnacle, making control and navigation important.
Beneficial skills:
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- Good buoyancy and trim, especially near the deeper overhangs
- Comfort descending and ascending on mooring lines
- Awareness of hazards such as fishing gear and downrigger balls
This is not a beginner site and is better suited to divers who already feel steady at 100+ feet.
Snake Island Pinnacle Dive profile overview
Your dive begins at the mooring block, where you descend the line to reach the crown of the pinnacle. Depending on the tide, the top sits around 30–40 feet.
If visibility is good, you’ll see the edge of the wall immediately to your north. Most divers turn right along the wall and follow its contours as it drops away.
Highlights of the site
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- Heavy plumose anemone coverage on both the wall and the top of the pinnacle where there is more current
- Large lingcod on patrol
- Abundant quillback and copper rockfish
- Occasional Yelloweye and Vermilion rockfish in deeper overhang pockets
- Wolf eels tucked into breaks in the rock
- Occasional Giant Pacific octopus sightings
The top of the pinnacle features large boulders covered in white and orange giant plumose, creating bright scenery even on lower-vis days.
Depth & current notes
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- The base of the wall reaches 100–110 feet, depending on tide.
- Currents can be strong, especially across the top of the site.
- Keep an eye out for fishing gear and scattered lead downrigger balls, this is a known hang-up point for boat anglers.
Technical connection
A guideline installed by local divers links the pinnacle to the HMCS Cape Breton, allowing trained technical or rebreather teams to run multi-site deep profiles. This should only be attempted by divers with appropriate training and gas planning and should be communicated with your captain prior to taking that route.
What to expect on your Snake Pinnacle charter
Snake Island Pinnacle is typically included as a second dive after the wrecks or as a primary objective when conditions offshore are ideal. From departure to descent, the site is quick to reach and offers a comfortable setup on The Shepherd, with:
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- Seating for up to 8 divers
- Easy-to-climb ladder
- Covered gear storage and overhead netting
- A marine head
- Captains familiar with the currents and buoy lines
Because this is an exposed location, conditions can change quickly, and your captain may adjust plans based on wind or tide.
Snake Pinnacle Charter Meeting Location
Charters for the Snake Island Pinnacle 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
Would you like to explore the Snake Island Pinnacle? Reach out to secure your charter date!
