Wall Beach - A Nanoose Shore Dive
Wall Beach is one of Nanoose Bay’s classic shore dives, offering a mix of shallow rocky formations, marine life, and seasonal sea lion encounters.
While the “wall” itself is more of a long sandstone shelf than a dramatic drop-off, the area delivers plenty of interesting structure and dependable wildlife. It’s a great choice for beginner and intermediate divers looking for a relaxed, varied dive close to Nanaimo.
Wall Beach sits at the end of Seahaven Road, just off Wall Beach Road, with a small parking area right above the entry. The shoreline is composed of flat sandstone, which can be very slippery on a low tide, so most divers prefer to plan their entry around higher water levels for safer footing.
Once in the water, you’ll swim straight out for about 8 to 10 minutes before reaching the site’s namesake feature: a long, low sandstone shelf that extends in both directions.
Most divers explore:
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- The right-hand side, where the shelf transitions into a rocky rubble field with scattered boulders
- The shallows, which are full of sculpted sandstone ledges, cracks, and pockets
- Mid-depth rock formations, ideal for spotting smaller life and practicing buoyancy skills
The layout is simple, navigation is easy, and the bottom contours make this a flexible site for both casual exploration and wildlife-focused diving.
Videos from Wall Beach
Recommended certifications and experience
Wall Beach is suitable for:
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- Open Water Divers
- Beginner divers looking for a simple site with wildlife
- Photographers who like shallow rock textures and schooling fish like perch that frequent the shallows
Depths can exceed 80 feet, but most of the interest is found above 60 feet, making it a relaxed recreational dive.
Air is perfectly fine here, though 28–32% nitrox can extend your bottom time if you plan to explore the deeper sections.
Marine life at Wall Beach
Wall Beach has a little bit of everything, including:
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- Giant Pacific octopus
- Wolf eels tucked into boulder piles
- Large schools of perch
- Rockfish (various species)
- Sea lions, especially from November through March
- Nudibranchs and other invertebrates
- Kelp greenling, lingcod, and sculpins
The nearby sea lion colony makes winter dives particularly exciting. Sea lions often swoop in for a quick buzz-by before moving on. They rarely stay long, but they’re unforgettable when they appear.
Wall Beach Dive Site
Dive Profile Overview
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- Depth range: 10–80+ ft
- Entry: Sloping sandstone, slippery at low tide
- Swim-out: 8–10 minutes to reach main structure
- Bottom: Sandstone flats, shelves, boulders, rubble
- Conditions:
- Better at higher tides
- Visibility varies, often better in fall and winter
- Occasional surge depending on weather
- Hazards:
- Slippery sandstone entry
- Fishing gear possible in deeper rubble
- Sea lion activity in winter (exciting but startling for new divers)
The right-hand rubble pile is the best place to look for wolf eels and octopus, while the shallows provide excellent macro opportunities and fun navigation.
