DEL NORTE
The Del Norte is one of those rare British Columbia wreck dives quietly spoken about among experienced local divers while remaining almost completely unknown to most charter operators.
A Forgotten British Columbia Shipwreck
Hidden beneath the waters near Nanaimo, British Columbia, the Del Norte represents a very different kind of Vancouver Island diving experience compared to heavily trafficked artificial reefs and mainstream dive charter locations.
This is not a tourist cattle-boat destination. This is real Pacific Northwest wreck exploration for divers who appreciate hidden history, local knowledge, underwater discovery, and sites that most people have never even heard of.
A true “if you know, you know” Vancouver Island wreck dive.
Interactive 3D Wreck Exploration
One of the most remarkable things about the Del Norte project is the creation of a full underwater photogrammetry model allowing divers to virtually explore the wreck in detailed 3D.
Very few British Columbia shipwrecks have been digitally preserved to this level.
3D wreck model courtesy of the Underwater Archaeological Society of British Columbia (UASBC).
Special recognition to the divers, archaeologists, survey teams, photographers, and volunteers responsible for documenting and digitally preserving this historic British Columbia wreck site.
Why The Del Norte Matters
Rarely Visited
Most Vancouver Island dive operators do not visit this site and many are unaware it even exists.
Hidden History
A preserved piece of British Columbia maritime history resting quietly beneath Pacific waters.
3D Preservation
One of the few BC shipwrecks professionally documented through underwater photogrammetry.
Exploration Diving
A rewarding site for divers who appreciate discovery, navigation, and lesser-known wreck locations.
Photography Potential
Historic structure, marine growth, and low diver traffic create unique underwater imaging opportunities.
True Local Knowledge
Exactly the type of wreck site serious Vancouver Island divers quietly share among themselves.
Underwater Archaeology In British Columbia
The Underwater Archaeological Society of British Columbia continues to document and preserve BC’s underwater maritime history through exploration, mapping, research, and advanced photogrammetry projects.
Projects like the Del Norte allow divers, historians, and future generations to explore fragile wreck sites digitally while helping preserve important underwater heritage.
Preservation through exploration.
Explore Vancouver Island Wreck Diving
UB Diving explores wrecks, artificial reefs, hidden historical sites, and serious cold-water expedition diving throughout Vancouver Island and British Columbia.