Dive Vancouver Island's Other Great Coast

Dive Vancouver Island's other excellent coast with the best dive charter operator in Nootka Sound - Tahtsa Dive Charters.

The inside passage between Vancouver Island and the lower mainland of BC is known to host some of the world's best diving, but the beautiful, rugged West Coast of Vancouver Island is full of history, culture and great dive sites as well.

One area that I recommend for any experienced diver is Nootka Sound, the birthplace of modern day British Columbia.

And the Nootka Sound, Vancouver Island dive charter operator that I recommend is Tahtsa Dive Charters, owned by the very friendly and knowledgeable, Jude and Scott Schooner.

Per John Rawlings, expert diver, underwater photographer, and journalist with Advanced Diver Magazine,"It is my trip with them that I covered in my article that appeared in ADM issue # 28. They are outstanding people and I recommend them and their operation highly."

Their Nootka Sound dive shop is located in Tahsis, British Columbia, which is about an hour and a half away from Gold River.

Detailed instructions and maps can be found on the Tahtsa Dive Charters website.

They are perfectly set-up to provide a fantastic West Coast eco-adventure, with scuba diving, First nations cultural tours, wildlife and whale watching tours, ocean kayak rentals and eco-adventure tours.

Diving Adventures in Nootka Sound

The shop carries a few dive equipment replacement parts such as mask and fin straps and zipper wax (which you should already have in your Save-a-dive kit) and a full line of rental equipment (except for dry suits), a point and shoot camera, as well as single and double kayaks for rent.

They have air and nitrox, and may be offering trimix in the near future.

They are also Scuba Diving International (SDI) certified to teach Open Water Dive courses so you can get your scuba diving license, and can provide a guide divemaster service for your dives if required.

Notorious, their 30' dive boat easily accommodates up to eight scuba divers in comfort and carries all required safety equipment including first aid and emergency oxygen.

They also carry loads of fresh water to rinse gear and camera equipment.

Remember - October to May is one of the best times to dive in British Columbia, and on cool British Columbia days when hot drinks and warm soup are needed in-between your CoolDives, their galley is equipped to provide a cheerful pick-me-up.

And for those of us who don't like the thought of 'warming up the wetsuit,' an enclosed head is available.

Some of the dive Vancouver Island sites they regularly visit include Mozino Point, a renowned spot where you can see Cloud Sponges, Gorgonian Corals, and blankets of strawberry anemones that are breath-taking.

You may even encounter British Columbia's famous yet elusive 6 Gill Sharks or a Giant Pacific Octopus or two?

Other dive Vancouver Island sites to investigate at Nootka Sound are Boulder Alley, The Zoo, and Shark Point. Reviews will be coming soon.

There are currently many dive sites for all levels of divers in Nootka Sound, and new sites are being discovered and added to the available dives daily.

In 2008, they are also hosting a "Sea Fan Expedition" special in October which is designed to help them protect the Gorgonian corals in our area.

There are already a number of respected photo journalists and marine biologists coming to dive vancouver Island corals, which is open to all divers who are confident in their skills.

While there are many great dives for all levels in the area, most of these dives will be in excess of 100 feet.

Be part of this good cause - checkout their news release on their Dive Vancouver Island Tahtsa Dive Charters website.

They have put together dive, food and accommodation packages but you will need to act fast since this is happening in October, 2008.

Diving Packages in Nootka Sound

Or if you contact them directly, ask them about CoolDives pricing, or fill in the form below and we'll help organize your dive trip or holiday.

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