Where Are We Going?

Located off the coast of Vancouver Island’s Comox Valley Region, Hornby Island is a laid-back, remote island paradise known for its rich biodiversity. A long-standing favourite dive destination for local divers, Hornby Island has been known for decades as the perfect place for spotting everything from invertebrates to sharks. Quiet and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver, Hornby boasts pristine dive sites rich in biodiversity. Common sightings include wolf eels, cabazon, giant pacific octopus, california & stellar sea lions, nudibranchs, ling cod, rockfish, jellyfish, harbour seals, bald eagles, and much more!

Join us for a 2 day trip to Nanaimo and Hornby Island and experience some of the best cold water diving!

Protecting our Wildlife:

At Diving Sports, we are passionate about diving in an environmentally responsible way. As we know we are diving in an area where sightings of large marine mammals such as stellar and california sea lions is possible, we will be diving in accordance with Canada’s Marine Mammal Regulations. Divers will not approach any marine mammals. All divers will strictly be following the "look, don't touch" rule, otherwise they will be asked to exit the water and remain on the boat for the second dive.

What is Included:

Transportation to and from the dive shop in Vancouver

Snacks and lunch on the boat

1 day of boat diving, 2 dives

2 Shore Dives on the second day

Tanks and weights for all dives are included for the weekend.

Nitrox can be included for many or all dives at an extra price: $15 per tank

Accommodations for Saturday night

Dive Guide

All ferry fees and fuel charges are included. Divers who wish to meet on the island will receive a refund for the passenger ferry fees, usually around $40.

What is NOT Included:

Breakfast and Dinner. We are staying in Parksville close to our shore dive sites with neighbouring local restaurants and cafes

Rental Equipment. Please reserve your rental equipment HERE

Who is This Trip for?:

Anyone wishing to experience world class cold water diving

Photographers interested in capturing incredible macro life or wide angle action

Scubadivers should have advanced certification, and a minimum of 15 cold water dives, with one being in the last 6 months

Freedivers should hold beginner to intermediate level certification (or equivalent)

Spearfishing is not permitted on this dive trip

Itinerary :

Saturday:

4:45am - Meet at shop, pack the van, and drive to Horseshoe Bay

6:15am - Ferry departure from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay, Nanaimo

7:45am - Arrive in Nanaimo, and drive to Deep Bay to load onto the boat with Big Animal Encounters

2 boat dives near Hornby Island to explore the walls and reefs

1:00pm -Unload and head to Parksville to check into the hotel and rest for the evening.

Sunday:

10:00am - 2 shore dives at a local dive site (multiple options)

3:20pm - Catch the Departure Bay ferry from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay

6:00pm - Arrive at Diving Sports Canada

Commitment to Safety and Enjoyment

At Diving Sports we believe in making sure all our divers (Scuba and Freedivers) receive the best possible experience while maintaining a high standard for safety, both for the divers, the guide, and the environment we are visiting. Our dive guides have many years of experience diving locally in cold water. All Dive guides are trained in first aid and oxygen delivery. First Aid kits and DAN Oxygen Kits are present on all trips and courses. Dive sites or dive plans may be changed due to weather conditions or experience level of the group, as well as anyone not adhering to proper dive practices will politely be asked to adapt to better interact with the underwater environment.