Neck Point in Nanaimo offers a diverse underwater environment featuring reefs, walls, and kelp forests. The site is characterised by a unique neck formation that creates channels suitable for shallow exploration. Divers can reach depths between 3 and 30 metres, with visibility ranging from 3 to 24 metres. This shore entry site is accessible to beginners, though divers should be aware of moderate currents, boat traffic, and potential entanglement hazards. Water temperatures fluctuate between 7C and 15C throughout the year. Facilities at the park include parking, toilets, showers, and changing rooms. Night diving is permitted, and the site is also well-suited for snorkelling.

Snake Island near Nanaimo offers a diverse underwater landscape featuring a reef, wall, pinnacle, and kelp forest. Divers can explore depths ranging from 9 to 33 metres, with an average depth of 27 metres. The site is accessible only by boat and is suited for intermediate divers due to moderate currents and cold water temperatures between 7 and 14 degrees Celsius. Visibility typically spans 10 to 20 metres. Marine life observed here includes harbour seals, king crab, scorpionfish, sunflower stars, and various nudibranchs like the Monterey dorid and white-lined dirona. Divers should be aware of entanglement risks in the kelp and plan dives around slack water.

The HMCS Cape Breton is a decommissioned Canadian Navy vessel resting as an artificial reef off the coast of Nanaimo. This wreck lies at depths between 18 and 30 metres, with an average depth of 24 metres. Access is strictly by boat charter, and divers should plan their dives around slack water to manage moderate currents. Visibility at the site typically ranges from 5 to 15 metres. Given the cold water temperatures of 7 to 15 degrees Celsius, a drysuit or thick wetsuit is required. The site presents hazards including potential entanglement and low visibility, making it suitable for intermediate divers with appropriate certification.

The HMCS Saskatchewan is an artificial reef wreck located 7000 metres off the coast of Nanaimo. This advanced dive site features a former naval vessel resting at depths ranging from 13 to 40 metres, with an average depth of 30 metres. Access is strictly by boat. Divers should be prepared for moderate currents and variable visibility between 5 and 27 metres. Water temperatures are cold, fluctuating between 7C and 14C throughout the year. Due to the depth and the nature of the wreck, this site presents hazards including decompression requirements, nitrogen narcosis, and overhead environments. Typical dive times are approximately 50 minutes. Boat charters and guided tours are available for those visiting this site.

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.

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.

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.

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.