Operator recommendations "around" Nanaimo

[SeattleYates]

I might need to be up in Vancouver in January, and could probably add a few days on to do a couple of days diving, so I'm thinking of running (via ferry of course) over to Nanaimo. I've never been diving around there, so I'm looking for recommendations! Should I drive up to Campbell River? Bottom line: if you only had a couple of days to dive around there, what operator would you dive with?

[John Rawlings]

Well, regarding Nanaimo I most definitely *would* have recommended Ken Adrian at "Diver's Choice" charters, but he is unable to run trips now because of this: http://www.nwdiveclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=14020

I know that there is at least one other dive charter operating out of Nanaimo, but I have no experience with them.

Now, if you are willing to go up to Campbell River, Bill Coltart out of "Pacific Pro Dive" operates out of there during the Winter, (During the late Spring, Summer and early Fall he operates out of Comox). Bill is a great guy and has a really good boat. http://www.scubashark.com/scuba/default.asp

Another option is Earl Lowe of "Abyssal Dive Charters". Earl operates out of Campbell River year round and knows the waters extremely well. http://www.abyssal.com/home.html

I've never had a bad experience with either Bill or Earl, and I'd recommend either of them to you.

- John

[Grateful Diver]

I've done business with Ed Singer at Sundown Charter before. It's a smallish boat, but reasonable for 4 to 6 divers ...

http://www.sundowndiving.com/index.htm

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

[Penopolypants]

If Ken Adrian is up and running again by January (oh please oh please oh please!) then he would be my first choice.

I've been diving with Earl at Abyssal on Quadra Island and the diving there was fantastic! We were staying with him for a long weekend, and while we were there he didn't have a "get on the boat and dive all day" setup - we'd go out and dive, come back to the house, hang out, have lunch, chill for a while, go out again later in the day, etc. I don't know if that would change if he had people coming up for a day trip....something to think about if your schedule is tight.

[Grateful Diver]

If Ken Adrian is up and running again by January (oh please oh please oh please!) then he would be my first choice.

I've been diving with Earl at Abyssal on Quadra Island and the diving there was fantastic! We were staying with him for a long weekend, and while we were there he didn't have a "get on the boat and dive all day" setup - we'd go out and dive, come back to the house, hang out, have lunch, chill for a while, go out again later in the day, etc. I don't know if that would change if he had people coming up for a day trip....something to think about if your schedule is tight.

Quadra Island isn't really a "get on the boat and dive all day" kind of place ... currents through the Seymour Narrows make it pretty much mandatory to dive only at slack ... so it's really a two-dives a day sort of place.

Of course, all that current makes for some pretty spectacular dives ... but you really don't want to be on those walls except at slack ... and even then it can get interesting ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

[oldsalt]

Over the years, a half dozen operators have taken me out at Nanaimo. They have all been good. The only one I could find operating last August was Ed at Sundown Diving. He has also been quick to arrange dives with other charter operators for me. He captained the boat, anchored, and briefed us on the dive. There was no separate divemaster. I was comfortable with that, but if you want a guided dive you may need to make that clear.
- Curt (oldslat)

[Waynne Fowler]

Well, regarding Nanaimo I most definitely *would* have recommended Ken Adrian at "Diver's Choice" charters, but he is unable to run trips now because of this: http://www.nwdiveclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=14020
- John

Damn! That blow's... Ken runs the best charter up there IMVHO...

I can't think of anyone else I'd suggest off hand, though I can think of several I'd recommend you stay away from.

[dlh]

I can also recommend Sundown Diving. Ed is a real pro and I've dove with his operation many times, as recently as October this year. He can field two boats if the group is large enough. It's a good setup. They have their base on the pier with a compressor and gear shed and a cozy warm "kitchen" shack to warm and and serve food between dives. The skiffs run you out to the dive sites and then back to base for fills and food.

On last months trip my neck seal ripped on the first day of diving and Ed was nice enough to offer me a spare suit he had available. Saved the trip for me and gave me time to glue on a spare seal without missing a single dive!

Here's a video from a dive last month on the Sascatchewan:

[vimeo]http://www.vimeo.com/16527059[/vimeo]

Dave

I've done business with Ed Singer at Sundown Charter before. It's a smallish boat, but reasonable for 4 to 6 divers ...

http://www.sundowndiving.com/index.htm

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

[nwscubamom]

If you're going to be near Nanaimo, I'd also consider going to Andy Lamb's place on Thetis Island (just slightly south of Nanaimo) and diving with Peter Luckham of 49th Parallel Dive Charters, or going up to Hornby Island (not as far as Campbell River!) and diving with Hornby Island Diving.

- Janna

[oldsalt]

Janna has some good suggestions. Since I am always traveling by sailboat, these places seem to me to be farther from Nanimo than they are. Andy Lamb is a legend, and author of fish id books. He is equally good at finding and identifying inverts. Thetis Island is close to Porlier Pass, a signature dive and containing a couple of wrecks. I have had a couple trips to Hornby Island. It is mostly known for sixgill sharks in the summertime, but the island is colorful and diving good.The lodge at Hornby Island has a rustic feel to it. Regardless of where you go, you should have a good time.
- Curt (oldsalt)

[Pinkpadigal]

If you are in Vancouver, I would also recommend going up the Sunshine Coast and a stay at Strong Water Resort. Still, my favorite place to dive in BC and very economical.

I did some calling around today regarding diving around Nanaimo. (Our Feb trip with Diver's Choice is now on hold) The rumor from the dive shops up there is that Ken won't be up and running until later in 2011. There are options, like Sundown and there is a guy that has a Zodiac as well. Staying with Andy and Virginia Lamb is a great option. Ogden Point also runs a 2-day Wreck Trek to Nanaimo out of Sydney that is pretty cool, but a little expensive.