Dive The Former HMCS Chaudiere"

The HMCS Chaudiere was the first former Destroyer Escort sunk by the Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia on December 5, 1992.

This 111 meter (366 foot) wreck is now the most requested dive on the Sunshine Coast.

This will give you a sneak peak at the Chaudiere. I dove this artificial wreck as part of my Advanced Scuba Diving Certification, and I must say she sure is an impresssive artificial reef.

As you descend, she seems to suddenly come into view from out of nowhere.

She lies on her port side at depths ranging from 50 feet at the highest point on the starboard stern to 140 feet at the deepest part of the port bow. For those that have their deep and wreck dive training, there are loads of exit and entry points for penetrating the ship, and directional arrows spray painted on by volunteers before she was sunk are still visible in some spots.

The ‘Chaud’ as locals call her, is located near Kunechin Point on the north end of the Sechelt Inlet on the Sunshine Coast, and is usually blessed with excellent visibility in the wintertime.

As with all of our artificial wrecks (8 now in British Columbia), they are fairly new sinkings, and the sea life continues to get better and better each dive.

At a minimum, you can expect to see lots of plumose anemone and tunicates that have blanketed her outsides, and fish, octopus and various other guests peek out from her many compartments.

Before diving here, I suggest you talk with an experienced local Chaudiere dive shop or book your dives with a dive charter operator.

This dive can be very deep so as always, I recommend diving as part of an organized trip with a local expert. And do not attempt to penetrate the ship unless you are properly trained and equipped.

Dive The Chaudiere - Where to Stay

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