It is host to a combination of protected-water sea life, and outer west coast wildlife. Off the town of Sidney , where much of the diving in Greater Victoria occurs, the G.B. Church and the HMCS MacKenzie are two sunken diving reefs providing opportunity for some great underwater exploration. Other dive sites in the top 10 are North Cod Reef , South Bedford Island , Octopus Island , Swordfish Island , Graham's Wall , Strongtide Island and Saxe Point . The majority of local enthusiasts dive from shore, as the excellent shore diving negates the need for costly boat dives. Most of the marine life in south island waters are found in depths shallower than 18 metres, so there is no need to go to the recreational limit of 27 metres.
Dive time is therefore longer, further enhancing the diving experience.
A vast tableau of marine life that thrives in the nutrient-rich waters in Dawley Passage Provincial Park is arrayed underwater northwest of Tofino . This park is a popular local dive site. Strong currents surge through a narrow passage, which makes for clear water but sketchy conditions. There's no wreck like and old wreck, and that's what the HMCS Columbia , scuttled by the Artificial Reef Society near Maud Island in Discover Passage just north of Campbell River , is fast becoming. And you don't actually have to dive in order to enjoy an unusual underwater experience in the Campbell River.