Pauline Cove, also known as Ilutag, serves as the primary sheltered harbour of Herschel Island. This historic whaling site offers relatively stable conditions for Arctic snorkelling, though the environment remains extremely cold with water temperatures ranging from -1C to 8C. Divers and snorkellers can explore submerged driftwood within the cove. Ice is typically present from November through early June. The site is accessible from the shore and features mild currents. Visibility generally fluctuates between 5m and 15m. Due to the extreme water temperatures and potential hazards including boat traffic and entanglement, this site is suited for advanced snorkellers.

Workboat Passage is a shallow, 5km-wide strait situated between Herschel Island and the Yukon mainland in Canada. This drift site is characterised by its shallow depths, which average 3 metres and range between 2 and 5 metres. Divers and snorkellers should be prepared for challenging conditions, including cold water temperatures ranging from -1C to 7C, moderate currents, and limited visibility of 1 to 5 metres due to sediment plumes. Access is possible by both shore and boat. Given the environmental conditions and currents, this site is suitable for advanced divers only. Typical dive times are approximately 30 minutes.