Elliot's Beach Park in Nanaimo offers a shore-entry site featuring a mix of natural reef, kelp forest, and artificial reef structures. Divers and snorkellers can explore depths ranging from 15 to 18 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Conditions include mild currents and visibility between 5 and 10 metres. The site is suitable for beginners, though cold water temperatures between 7 and 14 degrees Celsius require appropriate thermal protection. Marine life recorded here includes the East Pacific Red Octopus, scorpionfish, toadfish, and various nudibranchs such as the White-lined Dirona and Northern Leopard Dorid. Crustaceans like rock crabs and shrimp are also common. Night diving is permitted 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Rivtow Lion is a shallow shore dive located off Vancouver Island, Canada. The site sits at a depth of 3 to 4 metres, making it a suitable environment for new divers to practise buoyancy control. Divers encounter mild currents throughout the area. Visibility at this site is variable and can change significantly between visits, so local conditions should be checked prior to arrival. The water temperature is warm, ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year. As there are no confirmed facilities at the location, divers should arrive self-sufficient with all necessary equipment.

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.