HMCS Saskatchewan

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 Dive Site Directory> Nanaimo BC> HMCS Saskatchewan>

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The HMCS Saskatchewan has become an amazing artificial reef, that was created by sinking a retired  World War 11 Canadian Destroyer,
back in June of 1997.

At 366 ft in length, with a 42ft beam, she has since her sinking become a world class dive destination, located beside Snake Island in Nanaimo, British Columbia.

Most of the dive is in the 80 to 100ft (24 to 30m) range so its definitely an advanced level dive, and to get the most out of the experience it is recommended you use a nitrox blend for the extra bottom time.

Generally there are three large tie-up buoys, one each on the bow, stern, and amidships.
The buoys are marked with the ships name.
(I used the term generally because lately barnacles growing on the buoy lines are causing them to sink)

We tied up at the bow marker of the ship, (which is the closest one to Snake Island) and when we reached the ships deck the first feature of the old girl to get our attention were the large cannons staring us down.
It is quite a sight!

Go to Dive Site Directory From the HMCS Saskatchewan

The ship is absolutely covered with all kinds of marine invertebrate life as well as many species of fish.
Easily the most evident of these are the large clusters of Plumose Anemones that double as nursery's for all the juvenile fish.

Everywhere you look there is life to be viewed or photographed, so if wreck diving is your thing, you have come to the right place.

When done diving this old warship, the HMCS Cape Breton is another artificial reef waiting for you just a few minutes away!

Or if you would rather, another great dive is just on the opposite side of Snake Island. Here there is a vertical wall that drops into an abyss (500ft.) and is quite spectacular.

Diving the Snake Island Wall comes highly recommended, and is a dive you definitely want to do if you came to see and do Nanaimo's best scuba diving.
This is a great dive site, and one of my personal favorites!

Be sure to put this one on your bucket list!

Dive safe, cheers!

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Other Pages You May Enjoy

Clark Rock

Gabriola Passage

Cold Water Scuba Diving

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