Scuba diving on Vancouver Island offers world-class cold-water experiences where vibrant marine life meets dramatic underwater landscapes. This site guides divers through the top dive sites, local stories, photos, weather, and everything else you need to explore Vancouver Island scuba diving safely and confidently.
The HMCS Cape Breton is one of the largest naval vessels ever purposely sunk to make an artificial reef / scuba diving attraction. The ship's overall length is 401 ft. 6 inches, with a beam of 57 ft. It was scuttled on October 20, 2001; just off Snake Island near Nanaimo, BC. The ship came to rest upright with its keel at 140ft (42m), and the deck at around 70ft (21m).
This is an advanced level dive that is strictly accessed by boat.
The artificial reef created by sinking this ship is also only minutes away from the wreck of the HMCS Saskatchewan, which is one of the three great dives in the area, all within a few minutes of each other. The third dive in the area is the Snake Island Wall, which is also an amazing dive, and is just on the opposite side of Snake Island from the two warships. The two ships are marked by 3 buoys each (bow, stern, and mast), and the Snake Island wall dive is marked with a single buoy.
Based on depth, boat-only access, and possibly wreck penetrating, the HMCS Cape Breton is definitely an advanced level dive. Make sure you have the experience and equipment for this dive, particularly if you plan on entering the wreck. Current is often evident at this site as well, though it is mostly surface.
As there are dive charters and skilled dive masters available in Nanaimo, it is highly recommended that you take advantage of this when diving this site, as well as the other two sites mentioned. It's always nice to have some local knowledge and experience. A quote from my old dive buddy, Bob S: "A great dive is defined as one you come back from." So true, Bob!
You will find lots of marine life on and attached to the ship, and if you are a photographer there will be no shortage of photo ops available. Large lingcod and cabezon like to call the wreck home, as well as the odd octopus. There are also many seals and sea lions in the area, and even the occasional pod of orcas.
I know you will enjoy this great dive site. Cheers and dive safe!