

Best for intermediate divers, 8-12m, boat entry, moderate current.
The Barnard Castle is a wreck dive located off the British Columbia coast, resting at depths between 8 and 12 metres. Accessible only by boat, this site is suitable for intermediate divers who can manage moderate currents. Visibility typically ranges from 6 to 9 metres. The wreck presents an overhead environment, requiring careful navigation to avoid entanglement hazards. Water temperatures are cold, ranging from 8 to 11 degrees Celsius throughout the year, making a drysuit or thick wetsuit necessary. Due to active boat traffic in the area, divers should carry and deploy a surface marker buoy upon ascent.
48.31211, -123.54141
Boat traffic in the area warrants a surface marker buoy on ascent, so carry one and deploy it before you leave the bottom. Check locally for current charter operators and up-to-date conditions, as facilities at this remote site are not fixed.
Limited public parking is available at nearby trailheads in Pilot Bay.
Recorded at this site
Depth
8-12m
Visibility
6-9m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
8-11°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
45 min
No, this site is intended for intermediate divers due to the overhead environment of the wreck and the presence of moderate currents.
The wreck sits at depths ranging from 8 to 12 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres.
The Barnard Castle is a boat dive located 7000 metres from the shore.
Divers must be aware of boat traffic, potential entanglement, the overhead environment of the wreck, and strong currents.
With water temperatures between 8 and 11 degrees Celsius, a drysuit or thick wetsuit is the practical choice.
Diving at Barnard Castle in Sooke requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Expect moderate currents at Barnard Castle in Sooke. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at Barnard Castle in Sooke typically ranges from 6 metres to 9 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.