Wednesday, June 6

 Plunge Into Island Waters

Imagine yourself 20 meters down with sunlight filtering through emerald water, illuminating everything in a pale green glow. The soft pink coral, purple hydrocoral, crimson anemones and giant sponges cover the underwater wall.

These waters are a treat for both experienced and novice divers, and are gaining in popularity worldwide. Jacques Cousteau ranked north island waters as one of the top diving spots on the globe.

The north island has some of the best cold water (average is 10C) diving in the world. The west coast waters are home to 7, 000 species of invertebrates 400 species of fish and 30 marine mammals, including king crab, the worlds largest octopus, some species of sharks, giant wolf eels and the purple Irish lord.

Browning pass has a rich marine ecosystem created by the powerful currents. The 24 diving sites in the area must be used at slack tide, but there are sheltered sites that can be dived in-between.

Out from Zeballos, divers can explore the graveyard of the pacific, so-called for the number of shipwrecked off this treacherous coast since the early explorers. The wrecks include six decommissioned Canadian naval ships sunk by the Artificial Reef Society of BC.

Diving charters are available in Port McNeill, Port Hardy, Sointula and Zeballos. Certified divers and rentals are available.

Be sure to pick up a copy of the safe boating regulations from any sporting goods store. Be prepared on the water with tide charts, navigational charts, compass and VHF radio.