Oakleaf Bay Shore Dive
Why train with us?
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Low student to instructor ratios : 3 or 4 students per instructor both in the pool and ocean
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Our retail store is located downtown.
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Diving courses available all year-round. Private courses available.
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We teach children 10 years and older.
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Passionate team of Instructors and Divemasters who love to teach.
Oakleaf Bay Shore Dive Trip | Vancouver Island Scuba Adventure
Join Diving Sports Canada for a full-day guided scuba diving trip to Oakleaf Bay, located between Parksville and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. This site offers some of the best cold-water marine life in BC—featuring walls, reefs, sea lions, Giant Pacific Octopus, wolf eels, and colourful invertebrates.
Marine Life Highlights:
Expect to see giant Pacific octopus, wolf eels, harbour seals and sea lions (seasonal), plumose anemones, kelp forests, nudibranchs, rockfish, and more.
Who Is This Trip For?
- Certified cold-water divers wanting an accessible Vancouver Island day trip
- Underwater photographers (macro + wide-angle)
- Divers seeking guided support on a shore dive site
What’s Included:
- Round-trip transportation from Vancouver
- Ferry fares
- Two guided shore dives at Oakleaf Bay
- 2 tanks and weights
- Professional dive guide
What’s Not Included:
- Rental gear — Reserve rental equipment here
- Food or drinks — please bring lunch, snacks, and water
Diving in a Drysuit?
You must have a Drysuit Specialty certification if you plan to dive in a drysuit. Don’t have this certification yet? Take our PADI Drysuit Course before the trip.
Requirements to Join:
- Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent)
- Minimum 10 cold-water dives
- At least 1 cold-water dive within the last 6 months
- Minimum age: 12 (parental consent if minor)
- Drysuit certification (if using a drysuit)
Trip Flow & Meeting Time:
- 6:30 AM: Meet at Diving Sports Canada (4578 Main St, Vancouver)
- 8:25 AM: Ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo
- 10:30 AM: Arrival at Oakleaf Bay, gear up & first dive
- Two guided shore dives throughout the day
- 3:00 PM: Drive back to Nanaimo; optional group meal
- 5:55 PM: Ferry back to Horseshoe Bay
- 8:30 PM: Arrival back at the shop
Meeting Options:
- 6:30 AM: Diving Sports Canada (van transport)
- 8:00 AM: Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal
- 10:20 AM: Directly at Oakleaf Bay
Protecting Our Wildlife:
All divers must follow our strict “look, don’t touch” rule to protect BC’s sensitive marine ecosystems. Anyone touching or disturbing wildlife will be asked to sit out subsequent dives.
Cancellation Policy:
Please review our cancellation and rescheduling policy before booking: → Read our cancellation policy
Oakleaf Bay Shore Dive Trip
Why Join Diving Sports for Oakleaf Bay Shore Dive?
Experience one of British Columbia’s most scenic and accessible shore dives at Oakleaf Bay. This trip is perfect for certified divers looking for a relaxed, social, and nature-rich diving experience.
Oakleaf Bay is known for its calm entry, excellent visibility, and diverse marine environment. Whether you’re exploring for the first time or returning to enjoy familiar underwater terrain, our guided shore dives ensure you get the most out of every moment underwater.
- Ideal for certified divers of all experience levels
- Guided by knowledgeable local dive professionals
- Great visibility and easy shore access
- A fun, social diving environment
Our Commitment to Safety and Enjoyment
- Certified and experienced dive guides leading every dive
- First Aid and oxygen kits available during all activities
- Dive plans adjusted based on weather and group comfort
- Emphasis on safe diving techniques and environmental respect
Location and Contact
Diving Sports Canada
4578 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 3R5
Phone: (604) 694-1886
Email: customerservice@divingsports.com
