Known for some of the best dive spots in the world and highly rated by diving magazines and the Cousteau Society, the Coast offers a variety of diving experiences year-round. HMCS Chaudiere, a WWII submarine tracker, was sunk as an artificial reef in 1992 at the mouth of Salmon Inlet and is considered to be one of the top diving spots on the Pacific coast. Several lesser-known wrecks are also in this area. Winter provides ideal conditions when the water is clearest. One of the most popular spots to dive on the Coast is Skookumchuck Narrows, experienced divers only! The best way to dive the rapids is on a charter; most local operators have hundreds of hours of experience diving the Skook.

Top Lower Coast Boat Dives
HMCS Chaudiere Artificial Reef
110 m (366 ft) retired destroyer scuttled in 1992. Ideal year-round, years of marine growth with over 100 species.

Northern Agamemnon Channel
Power lines. Deep walls and ledges, cloud sponges and fans of red gorgonian corals.

Tzoonie Narrows
Drift dive. Sea lemons, lingcod, kelp greenlings, silvery pile perch, wolf eels, decorated warbonnets and octopus.

Fearney Bluffs
Deep wall, cloud sponge, full of marine life.

Sakinaw Rock
Nudibranch, free-swimming octopus.

Top Lower Coast Shore Dives
Tuwanek Beach Dive, Lamb Islets
Wall dive, easy access, wolf eel.

Coopers Green
Excellent shallow diving, easy access, ideal for novice divers, wolf eel and resident octopus.

Francis Peninsula, Martin Cove
Wall dive, chimney sponge, anemones and octopus.

Trail Bay (bottom of Wharf Avenue)
Easy access, treasure dive, antique bottles and china.

Egmont (near marina)
Access off shore near leaning tree. Caution: tides, heavy current, mix of sea life.

Powell River & Area Dives:
Mermaid Cove, Octopus City, Grief Point, Wrech of the Malahat, Gibsons Beach, Edmonds Beach, Okeover Breakwater

Click here for details on the many dive sites around Powell River and the Upper Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast guarantees paddlers unlimited exploration of magnificent bays, inlets and offshore islands. Much of the coastline is sheltered, providing good protection. There are many excellent guided kayak trip options.

Kayaks can be rented or excursions with knowledgeable guides booked at the following places: Gibsons (Molly's Lane), Roberts Creek, Sechelt, Sechelt Inlet, Halfmoon Bay, Madeira Park, Garden Bay, Egmont and Powell River.

Saltwater anglers can expect great peak-season salmon fishing along our magnificent coastline. The Strait of Georgia is a major salmon migration route and is accessible from any of our communities, from Gibsons to Earls Cove. The deep waters of Pender Harbour are famous for giant lingcod, in addition to salmon. Shellfish include prawns, crab, oysters and clams. The Coast's charming little villages make great bases for fishing the many mountain-fed streams and lakes full of steelhead, cutthroat and rainbow trout.

To ensure a rewarding fishing experience, charters and guides are recommended. Charter operators, equipment and boat rentals, and welcoming fishing resorts are plentiful. If you are travelling with your own boat, there are many opportunities for moorage along the Coast.

Fishing licences are mandatory in British Columbia and can be purchased at marinas.
Look for the free British Columbia Freshwater & Saltwater Sport Fishing Guide at Visitor Info Centres or check the web site http://www.bcfishing.com for more information.

Cruising coastal waterways is both pastime and passion for many on the Sunshine Coast, where you will find some of the finest sailing anywhere in the world. Our boating season is year-round, with an abundance of marine life including sea lions, porpoises and orcas, which provide great wildlife viewing while at sea. Our waters are easily reached from Vancouver area marinas, or from the Gulf Islands and US. Unspoiled anchorages and protected bays are waiting to be explored by adventurous boaters. Many harbours have commercial marinas where you can dock your boat, get supplies, rent a boat or kayak, get a meal or sign on for excursions.