North Dunlap Island offers a combined reef and kelp forest experience suitable for beginner divers. Located off the Sunshine Coast, this site features depths between 12 and 15 metres with an average of 13 metres. Visibility typically ranges from 5 to 10 metres, allowing divers to navigate the kelp canopy and reef structure. Currents are mild, though divers must remain aware of boat traffic and perform safety stops before surfacing. Due to water temperatures between 9 and 12 degrees Celsius, appropriate thermal protection is required. Entanglement in dense kelp growth is a primary hazard, so slow, deliberate movement is recommended. Access is by boat only, with local charter and dive shop support available.

Tonquin Beach on the Sunshine Coast offers a sheltered environment for snorkellers, featuring a mix of reef and kelp forest habitats. Accessible via a rainforest trail, the site provides a shore entry into waters ranging from 1 to 5 metres deep, with an average depth of 3 metres. Conditions are generally suitable for beginners, though the water remains cool throughout the year, ranging from 9C to 14C. Snorkellers should be aware of potential hazards including cold water, rip currents, sea urchins, and surf. Parking is available near the site, and typical sessions last up to 120 minutes.

McKenzie Beach, also known as Tinwis, is a sheltered reef site on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. Protected by offshore islands that break the Pacific swell, this location offers shallow-water exploration suitable for beginners. Snorkellers can expect depths between 3 and 5 metres. The rocky headlands at either end of the beach are home to various intertidal species, including very common ochre sea stars and snails. Divers and snorkellers may also encounter crabs, leather stars, and occasional skate or jellyfish. Water temperatures remain consistently cold, ranging from 9 to 14C, making thick wetsuits essential. Facilities at the site include parking, toilets, and showers.