Elliott's Beach Park in Nanaimo offers a sheltered shore entry suitable for beginners. The site features a rocky wall on the left side of the bay, with depths ranging from 9 to 18 metres and an average depth of 12 metres. Divers should be aware of moderate currents, boat traffic, and variable visibility between 5 and 15 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 7C and 14C throughout the year. The site is accessible for shore diving and night diving, with typical dive times around 45 minutes. Facilities at the park include parking and toilets. Snorkelling is also possible at this location.

Xihwu Key-Quot is a reef and kelp forest site located 500 metres off the coast of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island. Divers can explore depths ranging from 5 to 23 metres, with an average depth of 20 metres. The site features mild currents and visibility between 10 and 30 metres. Marine life observed here includes harbor seals, toadfish, and various invertebrates such as crabs, ochre sea stars, and fanworms. Due to the kelp forest, divers must remain mindful of entanglement risks. Water temperatures fluctuate between 7 and 18 degrees Celsius, necessitating a drysuit or a 7mm wetsuit. Boat access is required, and divers should remain alert for boat traffic.

Portier Pass near Nanaimo offers a diverse underwater landscape featuring reef structures, kelp forests, and a wreck. Divers can explore depths ranging from 2 to 30 metres, with visibility typically between 10 and 30 metres. This boat-access site is subject to moderate currents that can shift rapidly, making it suitable for intermediate divers who can time their entry with slack water. Given the water temperatures of 7C to 14C, a drysuit is strongly recommended for comfort. The site is exposed to surf, and careful planning using tide tables is essential for a safe dive experience.

Coon Bay is a boat-access-only site located at the northern tip of Galiano Island near Nanaimo. This site features a combination of reef and wall topography suitable for intermediate divers and snorkellers. The area is influenced by the high-flow Porlier Pass, resulting in strong currents that facilitate drift diving. Depths range from 3 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Visibility is typically limited to 4 to 6 metres. Due to the strong currents and potential for boat traffic, this site requires careful planning. Facilities available at the site include toilets, a rinse station, and gear storage.

Drumbeg Provincial Park, located on Gabriola Island near Nanaimo, offers a diverse marine environment featuring reef, kelp forest, and seagrass habitats. The site is accessed via the shore and is best suited for intermediate divers and snorkellers due to the presence of moderate currents, rip currents, and surf. While the park overlooks the high-current Gabriola Passage, snorkelling is most effective within the sheltered bays away from the main channel. Depths start at 1 metre and vary across the site. Water temperatures fluctuate seasonally, ranging from 7C in winter to 18C during the summer months.

Break Water Island in Nanaimo offers a varied underwater landscape featuring reef, wall, and kelp forest environments. Suitable for beginner divers, the site reaches depths between 15 and 24 metres, with an average depth of 18 metres. Visibility typically ranges from 5 to 10 metres. Access is by boat only, and divers should be prepared for mild currents and potential boat traffic. Water temperatures fluctuate between 7 and 14 degrees Celsius, necessitating a drysuit or thick wetsuit. Due to the presence of kelp, there is a risk of entanglement; ensure all equipment is secured and loose straps are tucked away before entry.

Vesuvius Bay in Victoria, Canada, offers a varied underwater landscape featuring reefs, drop-offs, and artificial reef structures. The site is accessible via shore entry and is suitable for beginners, with depths ranging from 5 to 91 metres and an average depth of 11 metres. Divers typically experience mild currents and visibility between 2 and 4 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 7C and 11C throughout the year, making this bay one of the warmer ocean locations on Salt Spring Island. Facilities available at the site include parking, showers, and a cafe. Typical dives last approximately 45 minutes. Please note that sharp coral and surf are potential hazards at this location.

Maple Bay is a shore-entry reef dive located on the British Columbia coast near Vancouver Island. This site is suitable for beginner divers, offering depths ranging from 2 to 18 metres with an average of 10 metres. Conditions include mild currents and visibility between 2 and 9 metres. Water temperatures are cold, fluctuating between 7 and 13 degrees Celsius throughout the year, requiring appropriate thermal protection. Divers should be aware of boat traffic in the area and are advised to tow a surface marker buoy at all times. The site features convenient amenities including parking, a rinse station, and a cafe for post-dive recovery. Night diving is also permitted at this location.