Diving in British Columbia

At this destination we offer dives with air and/or .

Forget everything that you already know about underwater marine life: what you will see in the waters of the Queen Charlotte Straits resembles nothing that you have encountered in tropical waters.

This expedition is a unique occasion to discover an amazing biodiversity under privileged comfortable conditions, added to by an optimal support team. This voyage is designed for experienced divers prepared for a drop in water temperature, to discover numerous species unknown to the general public. A unique experience for both photographers and divers passionate about marine biology.

Only one ABYSS voyage is organised per year. We specifically choose the period at the end September/beginning of October to take advantage of the marine life during the summer period while benefiting from the visibility and cooler waters of autumn.

This expedition is available to experienced divers holding a PADI Advanced Open Water or a Level 2 certification with a minimum of 50 dives and having some experience in dry suit diving. Effectively, the underwater currents (created by the large tides in the area) and the weather conditions require a certain experience to take full advantage of these beautiful sites in safety. Nitrox is available to certified divers at a supplement of C$ 10 per dive.

In cool clear waters (7 to 9°) even the most experienced diver will appreciate the spectacle: kelp forests and fields of anemones shelter giant pacific octopuses (Enteroctopus dofleini), spotted wolf fish (Anarhichas Minor), seals, lords and schools of ocean perch. On the surface, it is not rare to observe schools of orcas and porpoises. Otters and grey whales can also be seen. In addition, for lovers of small fauna, an impressive collection of nudibranches, crabs, shrimps and other invertebrates evolve amongst sponges and soft corals.

For the diving we use the equipment from the God's Pocket Resort dive Club. Dives are done by boat, leaving from the lodge at a rhythm of 2 or 3 per day depending on weather conditions. The dive boat, built from aluminium and 13 meters long, is equipped with a heated cabin and will comfortably take you to one of the 30 sites surrounding Hurst Island. Tank racks and gear storage are located at the back of the vessel as well as fresh water for cleaning cameras, a hot water shower and large boarding ladders. Coffee, tea and homemade cakes are served after every dive during which Bill often informs us of the history of the region. During the evening it is possible to night dive from the Resort pontoon.

At our dive base only limited spare parts are available. Please ensure all necessary dive equipment has been brought with you.

For those not wishing to transport their dive gear, equipment hire is available at Port Hardy. A dry suit is strongly recommended and several sizes are available (mandatory prior reservation). The price is C$ 60/day for a dry suit and C$ 100/day for dry suit complete with gloves and hood.

Charging stations are available at the dive base for photographic equipment and lighting (110V/American outlets)

Some pristine diving spots

Browning Wall

Without a doubt this site is the most renowned in the region due to its deep wall. The wall shelters large numbers of invertebrates, sponges, star fish, nudibranches, sea snails, purple and green hydrocoral, anemones, red and white soft corals. This underwater formation creates an impressive kaleidoscope of colours taking advantage of the rich nutritional waters. We also find some beautiful concentration of kelp inhabited by yellow and black ocean perches.

Browning Wall gallery

God's Pocket Cove

The creek where God's Pocket Resort is situated is surrounded by rock formations offering many cavities to explore. These rock formations hide several treasures such as red, green and purple sea urchins, octopuses, nudibranches, shrimps, imperial "Puget sound" crabs and numerous anemones.

God's Pocket Cove gallery

Hunt Rock

Hunt Rock is another famous site in the region of Hurst Island and Port Hardy which consists of 2 impressive drop offs separated by a channel and covered in marine life. We frequently encounter spotted wolf fishes (Anarhichas Minor), giant red octopuses and large starfishes. There is such a particular atmosphere on this dive, plus intense marine life, that we instantly see the dive potential of the entire region.

Hunt Rock gallery

Barry Islet / Rock

Barry Islet (or Barry Rock)
On this gently sloping site, we see magnificent gorgonians starting at 25 meters in depth. We also encounter the famous lion jellyfish (Cyanea capillata), generally seen in temperate and cool waters which has often featured in photographs for its colours. Care is required as this jellyfish is particularly poisonous and can cause burns on sensitive skin. This species can reach surprising sizes: the largest specimen caught (Massachusetts Bay, 1870) had a diameter of more than 2 meters and tentacles over 30 meters long.

Barry Islet / Rock gallery

Seven Tree Island

This steep drop off allows us to drift dive along the edges of the abyss. In the second half of the dive the slopes become gentler and we finish on a sand plateau near the neighbouring island. This is a rare occasion to observe such a variety of marine topography. In addition to the invertebrates and sponges living on the walls, we also see the red and white Irish lords, anemones, giant red octopus and occasionally sea lions. The sandy bottom also welcomes red, yellow and oranges sponges and a collection of red sea urchins.

Seven Tree Island gallery

Wreck of Themis

Situated a short distance from Hunt Rock, this wreck sits in 35 meters of water and serves as a refuge for numerous groupers and spotted wolf fishes. In several crevasses and other cavities of the wreck we find giant red octopuses of impressive sizes (certain can weigh up to 50 kilos). The site is also very colourful thanks to the multiple number of anemones and invertebrates which cover the wreck.

Wreck of Themis gallery

Nakwakto Rapids

A dive not too be missed if weather conditions permit. Currents in this area have been recorded at over 22 knots and entered the Guiness Book of Records. A dive just for fun for a taste of extreme drift diving.

Nakwakto Rapids gallery

Technical information