Cottam Point in Nanaimo offers a varied underwater landscape featuring both natural and artificial reef structures. Divers can explore depths ranging from 18 to 24 metres, with an average depth of 21 metres. Visibility at this site fluctuates between 6 and 18 metres. The environment is characterised by cold water temperatures between 7 and 13 degrees Celsius, requiring appropriate thermal protection. Entry is from the shore, where divers must navigate surf and shore break conditions. Moderate currents are typical, and divers should monitor tide cycles closely. Parking is available at the site, which remains accessible for intermediate divers throughout the year.

The Jib is a shore-accessible wall and reef dive located in Nanaimo, British Columbia. The site features a wall that drops from 15 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 22 metres. Divers should expect mild currents and visibility ranging from 6 to 12 metres. Due to the cold water temperatures, which fluctuate between 7 and 13 degrees Celsius throughout the year, a drysuit or well-sealed wetsuit is recommended. The site is suitable for intermediate divers. Parking is available at the entry point, but there are no other facilities on site. Divers should monitor their depth carefully and remain aware of local boat traffic when surfacing.

Beachcomber Deep Wall is a challenging cold-water site in Nanaimo, British Columbia, featuring a vertical drop-off that descends from 4 metres to 71 metres. Divers encounter moderate currents and must navigate shore entry through surf and surge. The site is suited for advanced divers who require drysuits to manage water temperatures between 7 and 12 degrees Celsius. Marine life includes very common sea stars, common ochre and mottled stars, and uncommon sightings of Giant Pacific Octopus, California and Steller sea lions, ling cod, Monterey dorid, scorpionfish, king crab, white-lined dirona, grunt sculpin, and orange sea pens. Harbor seals are occasionally recorded. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 20 metres.

Wall Beach in Nanaimo is a shore-entry wall and reef dive suitable for beginner divers. The site features a wall dropping to depths between 15 and 25 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Divers experience mild currents and visibility ranging from 9 to 12 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 7 and 13 degrees Celsius, necessitating a drysuit or thick wetsuit. Entry requires navigating a surf and shore break, so timing is essential. The topography includes swim-throughs and cave-like features at depth. Parking is available at the site. Divers should remain aware of potential entanglement risks from kelp and lines, and exercise caution around sharp rocks.

Madrona Point in Nanaimo offers a diverse underwater environment featuring a combination of reef, wall, and kelp forest topography. The site ranges from 15 to 30 metres in depth, with the kelp forest dominating shallower sections before the terrain transitions into a wall. Visibility varies significantly from 5 to 25 metres, and moderate currents require careful planning around slack water. Due to cold water temperatures between 7 and 13 degrees Celsius, a drysuit is recommended. While shore access is possible, surf and shore break hazards make boat entry preferable. Night diving is also available at this location.

Oak Leaf in Nanaimo is a versatile marine site featuring a combination of reef, wall, and drift diving. Located 50 metres from the shore, the site offers depths ranging from 5 to 9 metres with an average of 15 metres. Divers should be prepared for moderate currents and visibility typically between 5 and 10 metres. The site is accessible via shore entry and supports both day and night diving. Facilities at the location include parking and toilets, with guided tours available. Due to potential hazards such as boat traffic, cold water, and strong currents, this site is best suited for intermediate divers.

Tyee Cove in Nanaimo features a varied underwater topography consisting of two distinct walls and an artificial reef structure. The site is accessible via a shore entry over rocky terrain, located 20 metres from the beach. Divers can explore depths ranging from 5 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 18 metres. Marine life frequently observed includes ling cod, king crab, scorpionfish, and Monterey dorid. Uncommon sightings include the giant Pacific octopus, wolf-eel, white-lined dirona, giant frond-aeolis, and egg-yolk jellyfish. The site is suitable for beginners, though divers should be aware of moderate currents, boat traffic, and cold water temperatures ranging from 7 to 13C.

Rocky Point in Nanaimo is a shore-entry reef dive suitable for beginner divers. The site features depths ranging from 10 to 17 metres and experiences mild currents. Visibility typically fluctuates between 5 and 10 metres. Water temperatures vary significantly throughout the year, ranging from 7C in winter to 16C in summer, necessitating appropriate exposure protection such as a drysuit or thick wetsuit. As a temperate water site, it provides realistic conditions for those building buoyancy and navigation skills. Divers should exercise caution regarding sharp rocks present on the reef. On-site amenities can vary, so it is recommended to confirm local facility availability before arrival.