Port Hardy & Vancouver Island Cold Water Scuba Diving Excursions – Explore the Best Diving in the Pacific Northwest

Nanaimo Wreck Trek

Artificial Reef Diving in Nanaimo, BC

$165 per person, per day

Nanaimo is home to some of the best wreck diving in British Columbia, with multiple purpose-sunk artificial reefs offering dramatic structure, marine life, and unforgettable cold-water diving. UB Diving's Nanaimo Wreck Trek is designed for divers who want easy boat access to legendary wrecks, professional operations, and a serious day of diving on Vancouver Island.

We regularly visit Nanaimo’s best-known artificial reefs, including the HMCS Saskatchewan, HMCS Cape Breton, and RivTow Lion. These wrecks offer a range of depths and difficulty levels, making Nanaimo one of the most exciting wreck diving destinations in Canada.

Why Dive Nanaimo with UB Diving?

  • Professional cold-water diving operation
  • Fast, reliable charter support
  • Access to some of Vancouver Island’s most famous artificial reefs
  • Ideal for experienced recreational divers, underwater photographers, and advanced divers
  • A clean, simple day rate: $165 per person per day

The Wrecks We Dive

HMCS Saskatchewan

Location: Snake Island, near Nanaimo, British Columbia

Depth: Roughly 80 to 130 feet, with upper structure shallower than the bottom.

History: HMCS Saskatchewan was a Mackenzie-class destroyer escort commissioned in 1963 and decommissioned in 1994. She was intentionally sunk as an artificial reef off Snake Island in 1997.

Highlights: Upright orientation, dramatic wreck profile, easy-to-follow exterior lines, heavy marine growth, rockfish, lingcod, nudibranchs, and photogenic swim-through opportunities.

HMCS Cape Breton

Location: Near Snake Island, Nanaimo

Depth: The deck sits at about 60 to 65 feet, while the wreck extends much deeper, with the bottom around 140 feet.

History: Originally built in 1944 at Burrard Dry Dock in North Vancouver, HMCS Cape Breton was intentionally sunk near Nanaimo in 2001 to create a major artificial reef and dive attraction.

Highlights: Massive scale, towering structure, multi-deck relief, excellent exterior exploration, rich marine growth, and one of the most impressive wreck profiles on the coast.

RivTow Lion

Location: Departure Bay, Nanaimo, British Columbia

Depth: Begins around 50 feet, with deeper portions extending to roughly 80 to 90 feet.

History: RivTow Lion is a retired deep-sea rescue tug sunk in 2005 by the Nanaimo Dive Association to create an artificial reef.

Highlights: More approachable depth, excellent marine life, plumose anemones, rockfish, lingcod, tunicates, and lots of detail for photographers.

What Makes Nanaimo Wreck Diving Special?

Nanaimo offers a rare concentration of purpose-sunk artificial reefs in one destination. The combination of military history, large steel structure, cold-water marine life, and practical access makes the area a standout destination for wreck divers visiting Vancouver Island.

Who This Trip Is For

  • Certified divers comfortable in cold water
  • Divers interested in wrecks, artificial reefs, and marine life
  • Underwater photographers
  • Advanced divers looking for iconic Vancouver Island dives
  • Visitors who want a professional Nanaimo wreck charter experience

Price

Nanaimo Wreck Trek: $165 per person, per day

Book Your Nanaimo Wreck Trek

To reserve your spot or ask questions about upcoming Nanaimo wreck diving dates, contact UB Diving.

Email: ubdiving@gmail.com
Phone: 250-338-0161

UB Diving
Courtenay, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Top