Sunshine Coast Diving
The world has spoken... and it recognizes BC's Sunshine Coast as a treasure for diving.
"...these waters are equally enticing when seen from down under. In fact they are ranked among Canada's best places to scuba dive because of the diversity of geological features and marine life." - Globe and Mail
"...a fantasia of strange and colourful sea life exists below the surface" - National Geographic
Why is the Sunshine Coast such as great destination for diving?
- crystal clean, unpolluted waters
- incredible visibility year round
- colourful and abundant marine life
- all-weather diving with sheltered waters
- suitable locations for all levels of diving experience
- shore and boat dives
- home of the HMCS Chaudiere Artificial Reef Site
- safety-oriented, friendly dive operators
Skookumchuck Rapids is the most popular spot to dive on the Sunshine Coast. "Skookum" means strong, and "chuck" means waters. The area is only for experienced divers. This dive is popular due to the amount of growth from the tidal exchange and oxygen content - the marine life includes anemones, rose stars, rock fish, kelp greenlings and, sometimes, Puget Sound king crabs.
Tzoonie Narrows is quite suitable for less experienced divers with a tidal stream of a manageable three to four knots. The area is also popular for night driving. Marine life includes sea lemons, lingcod, kelp greenlings, silvery pile perch, wolf eels and even decorated warbonnets with spikes on their heads.
The HMCS Chaudiere was scuttled in 1992 by the Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia close to Kunechin Point on the north end of the Sechelt Inlet. The 366' foot wreck has become a habitat for marine life and a place for divers to play on an otherwise featureless bottom.
