Whale watching season is set to kick off at the end of March
From whale watching and scuba diving to fishing charters
and wildlife tours, Nanaimo has it all.
It is always a good idea to plan ahead so here are a few water-based experiences in Nanaimo, just a quick ferry or seaplane ride away from Downtown Vancouver!
Sink or Swim Scuba
Your Gateway To Vancouver Island’s Underwater Wonders!
Welcome to Sink or Swim Scuba. Your journey into the depths of Vancouver Islands coastal treasures begins here!
Nestled amidst the lush landscapes and rugged shores, our locally-owned dive shop is more than a destination—it’s a portal to a world of awe-inspiring underwater adventures.
Whether you’re a curious beginner or seasoned diver, Sink or Swim Scuba offer courses, rentals and guided tours to suit your skill level. Sink or Swim Scuba is a PADI Five Star Dive Centre offering PADI courses, top quality gear and immersive underwater adventures.
Vancouver Island Diving, unlike any other on the planet.
Year round complete dive services including PADI and specialist diving courses, dive charters to Nanaimo’s natural and man-made reefs and snorkelling adventures. Experience diving in one of the best-rated cold water diving destinations in the world.
NATURAL REEF DIVES
Beneath the surface of Nanaimo’s waters lies a world of wonder waiting to be explored. From vibrant anemones and curious octopuses to playful seals and towering sponge colonies, our natural reefs teem with life. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, there’s an underwater adventure for you.
Ready to discover the magic?
ARTIFICIAL REEF DIVES
Discover a unique underwater world where history and marine life intertwine. Explore sunken warships teeming with colourful creatures, and witness how nature reclaims these giants of the sea. Nanaimo’s artificial reefs offer incredible diving experiences for all levels, from novice explorers to seasoned wreck divers.
Experience the Thrill of Wreck Diving
Wild Heart Adventures Sea Kayak Tours
Wildheart Adventures is a professional kayak tour company that will escort paddlers from Nanaimo to some of Vancouver Island’s best marine destinations. In addition to day trips in the Gulf Islands, Wildheart Adventures hosts expeditions through the Broken Islands, Nootka Islands, and Clayoquot Sound.
Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
Experience the Wonder, Invest in its Future
Join Captain Turk (Andrew Turkstra) on a chartered fishing trip or marine scenic and wildlife tour. As a certified Transport Canada charter operator, Captain Turk has over a decade of experience fishing and touring the coastal waters in and around Nanaimo. His love for people, his passion for fishing and his knowledge and respect for the natural beauty of Vancouver Island make for an incredible experience and memories on the water.
NANAIMO FISHING CHARTERS
Fishing in Nanaimo starts in January for winter Chinook salmon with the option of a four, six, or eight hour fishing charters.
SCENIC & WILDLIFE TOURS
Discover the beauty and wildlife of the Salish Sea with our three distinct historical, scenic and wildlife tours which leave from Nanaimo Harbour.
EXTRA SERVICES
Wildlife & Scenic Photography, Retirement & Stag Parties, Business & Spiritual Retreats, Sea Memorials & Graduation Celebrations.
EXPERIENCE, INSPIRE, PROTECT
Join Vancouver Island Whale Watch to experience BC’s most sustainable whale watching on an unforgettable day at sea aboard your choice of vessel (open zodiac-style boats or semi-covered vessel). Your adventure is guided by expert mariners and professional researchers who know the whales by name, and collect field data on every single trip. Travel through the Salish Sea ecosystem to see whales and other spectacular marine flora and fauna, while you learn all about them!
WELCOME TO OUR WILD COAST
Are you ready for an exhilarating experience?
Join us on a sustainable adventure to explore our coast and discover its wonders for yourself.
THE SALISH SEA
The blue-green waters of the Salish Sea are a marine wonderland, teeming with a spectacular array of life, astounding geological features, thousands of islands, and a vast coastline that stretches across the Pacific Northwest.
It’s here in the deep, nutrient-rich fjords of this breathtaking ecosystem where young orcas learn to hunt, humpback whales feast and breach, sea lions bark, seals sunbathe, eagles soar, and porpoises play.
The Salish Sea is named in honour of the Coast Salish people who have lived on its coast since time immemorial. Traditional Coast Salish culture emphasizes the importance of stewardship and sustainability, with a focus on living in harmony with the natural world. With respectful acknowledgement, we extend our gratitude to the Snuneymuxw Nation on whose land we live, work and play.
OUR WHALE-WATCHING TOURS
You’ll experience BC’s most sustainable whale watching on an unforgettable day at sea aboard your choice of vessel (open zodiac-style boats or our semi-covered vessel).
Your adventure is guided by expert mariners and professional researchers who know the whales by name, and collect field data on every single trip. Our award-winning tours are designed to give you an in-depth understanding of the whales and the complex ecosystem they call home. We’ll take you through the Salish Sea ecosystem to see whales and other spectacular marine flora and fauna, while you learn all about them!
Throughout the trip (usually 3-5 hours long), your crew will ensure that we respect the whales while offering an educational experience that gives you a better understanding of their role in the ecosystem. You’ll learn about the different species and their behaviours, as well as the efforts being made to protect them.
Join us on the adventure of a lifetime, and let the the Salish Sea leave you feeling humbled and inspired, all while supporting the protection of this life-sustaining ecosystem.
Feature image: Angelo_Giordano