

Best for beginner divers, 8-18m, shore entry.
Albert Head Lagoon offers a varied shore-entry dive on the coast of Vancouver Island. The site features a mix of reef, wall, and drop-off topography alongside a kelp forest. Divers typically explore depths between 8 and 18 metres, with an average depth of 12 metres. The environment is generally calm, making it suitable for beginners gaining cold-water experience. Visibility ranges from 5 to 10 metres, and water temperatures remain between 8 and 9 degrees Celsius year-round. Divers should be mindful of entanglement hazards within the kelp and avoid contact with the seabed to prevent injury from sharp rocks. Parking is available at the site.
48.39602, -123.48888
The parking gate closes at sunset.
Follow Metchosin Road to Albert Head Lagoon Regional Park. The beach entry involves navigating soft sand, pebbles, and large driftwood logs.
Recorded at this site
Depth
8-18m
Visibility
5-10m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
8-9°C
Current
None
Typical Dive
40 min
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Dec
Yes, the generally calm environment makes this site suitable for beginners who are building experience in cold-water diving.
The depth ranges from 8 to 18 metres, with an average depth of 12 metres.
Albert Head Lagoon is a shore-entry dive site.
The main hazards include potential entanglement in the kelp forest and sharp rocks on the seabed. Divers should carry a dive knife or shears and avoid contact with the bottom.
While the site is primarily used for diving, the shallow reef and kelp forest areas may be accessible for snorkelling depending on local conditions.
Diving at Albert Head Lagoon in Esquimalt requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A drysuit recommended is recommended for diving at Albert Head Lagoon in Esquimalt. Water temperatures range from 8°C to 9°C.
The best months to visit Albert Head Lagoon in Esquimalt are January, February, and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Visibility at Albert Head Lagoon in Esquimalt typically ranges from 5 metres to 10 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.