Winter Diving in Vancouver, BC: A Guide to the Coldwater Scuba Diving Season
Winter is when the ocean truly comes alive for scuba diving in Vancouver. The winter months might be the best time of year to go diving in and around Vancouver. From incredible visibility to seasonal marine life to the surreal feeling of diving in the snow, winter diving is a uniquely amazing experience for any diver!
What Makes Winter Diving Great?
One of the biggest draws of winter diving is the exceptional visibility. Cooler temperatures and shorter days mean less sunlight, leading to the dissipation of algae blooms that cloud the water during summer. During winter, shallower waters offer the same clear views you’d usually only find at greater depths at other times of year.
Winter tides are another unexpected advantage. The higher tides during the day make shore entries less challenging, making most of our dive sites easier to access. The tides are also contributors to the overall improved visibility.
Look Who’s Here: Seasonal Marine Life
Winter diving opens the door to encounters with marine life that can’t be seen year-round. Nudibranchs of all shapes and colours decorate the underwater landscape. Octopuses grow even bigger, and they can often be seen tending to their eggs. Squid species, like stubby and opalescent squid, also make appearances in the colder months, adding some extra vibrancy (and cuteness!) to the diversity of winter marine life.
Winter is also a time when larger marine mammals become more frequent visitors. Sea lions and other creatures appear in greater numbers as the herring spawn approaches in the spring. Even ling cod make their presence felt, starting to lay their egg masses as the new year begins.
Shorter Days Mean Earlier Night Diving
Shorter days are better for almost nothing. Except night diving! Make the most of the early darkness with earlier starts for your night dives. Complete darkness settles as early as 6pm in the winter, while in the summer you need to wait until around 11pm for the same conditions.
Squid, spot prawns and bioluminescence come alive in the glow of dive lights, and you have a chance to see other nocturnal activity that only goes down at night. Earlier darkness just makes it more convenient for most people to take part in this otherworldly diving experience.
But Seriously… How Cold is it?
If you’re wearing the right gear – a drysuit and adequate layers underneath – you should not feel too cold underwater during your dive. Outside of the water is a different story! Some days, it’s probably nicer underwater than at the surface. It’s not a massive drop, but the water temperature is a few degrees colder in the wintertime, so proper layers are essential. (Fleece and wool are good, but proper dry suit undergarments are best.)
In some ways, winter can make drysuit diving more comfortable, because you’re less likely to overheat while gearing up before you get in the water. Colder conditions can help keep your warmth a little more balanced after you’ve donned your layers and you’re handling equipment before your dive.
The Magic of Diving in the Snow!
Diving in the snow is one of the most surreal experiences for a diver. Going from the snowy surface to the crystal clear underwater world is an experience that every diver should try at least once.
Whether it’s the incredible visibility, encounters with seasonal wildlife, the magic of night diving, or the serenity of diving a snowy beach – this is the best time of year to explore diving in and around Vancouver, BC. Get ready for your next coldwater adventure with Diving Sports!
