Vancouver: Boat Dive for Certified Diver, Tank & Weight Incl

If you’re a certified diver eyeing the waters around Vancouver, this boat dive from Horseshoe Bay might catch your interest. It’s a straightforward, well-organized trip that promises access to some of the area’s top dive sites, from underwater pinnacles to historic wrecks. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, it’s clear that it offers a solid experience tailored for experienced divers looking to explore the Pacific Northwest’s marine environment in comfort.

What we really like about this trip is its focus on convenience and quality — tanks and weights are included, and the boat features amenities that make the day more comfortable. Plus, the chance to see marine life like seals, wolf eels, and Pacific octopus is definitely a highlight. On the flip side, it’s important to note that this tour caters specifically to certified divers, so if you’re new to diving or without certification, this isn’t your ticket. This would suit divers who want a reliable way to access Vancouver’s best underwater spots without fuss, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and marine life.

Key Points

• Includes tanks and weights, making the dive setup straightforward for certified divers
• Access to prime dive sites like pinnacles, canyons, and the HMCS Annapolis
• Comfortable vessel with amenities like heated cabin, viewing deck, and onboard compressor
• Flexible options: you can choose to just ride along and enjoy the scenery
• Hot beverages available post-dive for warming up
• Not suitable for non-certified divers or those without their certification

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Vancouver Boat Dive Experience

This tour is designed to give certified divers a memorable day exploring Howe Sound’s underwater treasures. It’s a 5-hour trip departing from Horseshoe Bay, with the boat, Topline, fully equipped to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. The trip includes dive tanks and weights only, but if you need additional gear, you’ll want to select a different option.

The Departure and Arrival Process

To start, plan to arrive at the Expedition Center in Horseshoe Bay about 60 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. Here, you’ll check in, register, and pick up any equipment you need. From there, you’ll head down to Sewells Marina to unload your gear at the boat dock. This early start is handy, giving you time to organize your equipment and get ready for the day.

The Boat and Its Facilities

The vessel itself, Topline, is well thought out. It features a dive platform for easy enter and exit, a viewing deck for those who prefer to stay dry or watch the underwater action from above, and a heated cabin to warm up after your dive. The onboard compressor means your tanks are filled on-site, saving time and hassle. Plus, there’s a marine toilet onboard, which is appreciated during longer trips.

The Diving Experience

Once underway, your dive sites are a mix of pinnacles, canyons, sponge bioherms, and the HMCS Annapolis, Vancouver’s first artificial reef. These locations are rich in marine life like seals, Pacific octopus, wolf eels, and nudibranchs. Many reviews highlight the chance to see these creatures in their natural habitat, which adds a special touch to the diving experience.

The tour is tailored for those with certification, so you can expect a competent crew and dive buddies who are seasoned professionals. The staff’s local knowledge adds value, helping you get the most out of each dive site.

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What You’ll See and Experience

Diving in Howe Sound means exploring underwater landscapes unlike anything on the east coast. The pinnacles and canyons provide dramatic scenery, while the sponge bioherms are teeming with marine life. Many reviewers mention seeing wolf eels and Pacific octopus in their natural environment, and seals often swim nearby, seemingly curious about the divers.

Post-Dive Comforts

After your underwater adventure, you can warm up with hot chocolate, tea, or hot soup — a thoughtful touch that makes the experience more enjoyable, especially if the weather is chilly or the water was colder than expected.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for certified divers looking to explore Vancouver’s underwater sites without the hassle of organizing their own boat trip. It’s suitable for those who appreciate amenities like a heated cabin and onboard compressor, and who want the convenience of tanks and weights included. The tour isn’t designed for beginners or non-certified divers, so if you’re new to diving, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Travelers who enjoy marine life and underwater scenery will find plenty to love here. It’s a good option if you want a half-day of diving combined with some stunning mountain views on the surface. Keep in mind that the trip is usually available in the morning, making it easy to fit into a broader Vancouver itinerary.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $149 per person, this trip offers quite good value. It covers the essentials — tanks, weights, experienced staff, and access to top dive sites — all in a well-equipped vessel. Considering the cost of renting equipment and organizing your own trip, it’s a convenient package that saves you time and logistical stress.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a certified diver seeking a straightforward way to explore Vancouver’s underwater world, this boat trip from Horseshoe Bay hits many of the right notes. The inclusion of tanks and weights simplifies your planning, and the amenities onboard make for a comfortable adventure. You’ll get the chance to see some fantastic marine creatures and underwater landscapes that aren’t easily accessible from land.

However, it’s worth noting that the experience is geared towards those who are already diving proficiently. If you’re new to diving, or if you prefer a more relaxed, sightseeing-focused trip, this might not be the best fit. Also, consider the full cost if you need extra equipment or transportation.

This tour offers a reliable and rewarding way to enjoy Vancouver’s marine environments, especially if you value convenience, good equipment, and knowledgeable guides. It’s a solid choice for experienced divers who want to make the most of their time on the water.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own diving equipment?
No, tanks and weights are included in the price. If you need other gear like wetsuits or regulators, you’ll want to rent those separately.

How early should I arrive?
You should arrive 60 minutes before your scheduled departure at the Expedition Center in Horseshoe Bay to check in and pick up equipment.

Can I just ride along without diving?
Yes, you have the option to join as a non-diver and enjoy the mountain scenery from the boat, but you won’t be able to participate in the diving.

What marine life can I expect to see?
You might see seals, Pacific octopus, wolf eels, nudibranchs, and sponge bioherms. Many reviews mention close encounters with these creatures.

Is this tour suitable for non-certified divers?
No, you need to be a certified diver for this particular tour. It’s designed for those who are experienced and competent underwater.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the boat trip, tanks, and weights. Beverages like hot chocolate, tea, and hot soup are also provided post-dive.

Are there facilities onboard?
Yes, the vessel has a heated cabin, viewing deck, onboard marine toilet, and a dive platform for easy access.

How long is the trip?
It lasts around 5 hours, usually in the morning, allowing for a relaxed yet comprehensive dive experience.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

If you’re comfortable with your certification and eager to explore Vancouver’s underwater sights, this boat trip could be a practical, enjoyable choice. Just keep in mind what you’re signing up for — a focused dive experience that’s all about making your underwater adventure smooth and memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: