MacDonald Bridge in Halifax Harbour is a challenging shore-accessible dive site featuring submerged bridge infrastructure that acts as an artificial reef. The site drops from 3 to 80 metres, with an average depth of 40 metres. Due to strong currents and heavy boat traffic, this site is strictly for advanced divers. Divers must time entries and exits precisely with slack water to manage the current. Visibility is variable, ranging from 0 to 10 metres. Water temperatures are cold, between 1 and 7 degrees Celsius, requiring a drysuit. Hazards include entanglement risks on the structure, active harbour traffic, and low visibility. Surface cover and a dive flag are essential.

Skull Cove in Halifax Harbour is a shore-entry reef dive suitable for beginner divers. The site features a reef topography ranging from 7 to 15 metres in depth. Conditions are generally manageable with mild currents and visibility typically between 5 and 10 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate significantly throughout the year, ranging from 1 to 16 degrees Celsius, making drysuit use standard. Divers should remain cautious of boat traffic during entry and exit, and be aware of potential entanglement hazards from lines or kelp near the reef. Parking is available at the site, and the use of a surface marker buoy is advised.

Princess Lodge in Halifax Harbour is a shallow shore dive featuring a mix of reef and artificial reef structures. The site is suitable for beginners, with depths ranging from 6 to 10 metres and an average depth of 6 metres. Divers experience mild currents and visibility typically between 9 and 12 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate significantly throughout the year, ranging from 1C in March to 16C in September, necessitating appropriate thermal protection. Parking is available near the entry point. Due to the presence of boat traffic, divers must use a surface marker buoy and remain vigilant during ascents. Avoid penetrating any overhead environments unless you hold the necessary certification.

Mill Cove Marina in Halifax Harbour offers a diverse dive experience featuring wharf walls, artificial reef structures, and kelp forests. Divers can explore the wharf perimeter, where submerged debris like shopping carts have become established habitats. The site ranges from 2 to 18 metres in depth, with an average of 8 metres, making it suitable for beginners. Shore entry is available with parking nearby. Conditions include mild currents and visibility between 5 and 15 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate significantly throughout the year, ranging from 1 to 14 degrees Celsius. Divers should remain cautious of boat traffic, potential entanglement hazards, surge, and sea urchins.

Black Rock Beach in Halifax Harbour is a shore-accessible wreck site located within Point Pleasant Park. Suitable for beginners, the site offers shallow depths ranging from 2 to 6 metres. Divers should be aware of variable conditions, with water temperatures fluctuating between 1 and 17C throughout the year and visibility typically between 5 and 10 metres. Due to the location, boat traffic is a primary hazard, and the cold water requires appropriate thermal protection. The site features convenient parking near the beach, making it a practical choice for those testing new equipment or seeking an accessible, straightforward dive near downtown Halifax.

Ferguson's Cove in Halifax Harbour offers a shore-entry dive featuring a wreck and kelp forest. Divers can explore the site at depths ranging from 25 to 50 metres. The entry is via a rocky beach, and the area also includes submerged pilings. Visibility typically ranges between 5 and 10 metres. Water temperatures are cold, fluctuating between 1 and 7C throughout the year. Due to the nature of the site, divers should be aware of boat traffic, potential falling debris, and slippery rocks during entry. Divers must park on the roadside and respect local private property boundaries when accessing the water.

Herring Cove in Halifax Harbour offers a gentle, sloping dive profile consisting primarily of sand, bordered by rocky shorelines. Divers can explore areas featuring kelp forests and patches of eel grass. The site reaches depths between 3 and 16 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. Access is via a shore entry, making it suitable for beginners. Conditions are generally mild, with visibility ranging from 10 to 15 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate significantly throughout the year, ranging from 1 to 16 degrees Celsius. Divers should remain aware of local boat traffic and potential surf conditions when planning their entry and exit.

The Costa Rican Trader is a shipwreck located 70 metres offshore in Halifax Harbour, serving as an artificial reef. Divers encounter depths ranging from 15 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 23 metres. The site requires boat access and is suited for intermediate divers due to the depth and potential for entanglement within the structure. Visibility varies between 10 and 30 metres, while water temperatures remain cold, fluctuating between 1 and 11 degrees Celsius. Divers should use a drysuit and cold-water rated regulators. Species recorded around this area include seals, lobsters, wrasses, sea ravens, rock crabs, sea stars, tube worms, cod, flounder, brittle stars, snails, and sea squirts.