Madrona Park Shore Dive
Why train with us?
-
Low student to instructor ratios : 3 or 4 students per instructor both in the pool and ocean
-
Our retail store is located downtown.
-
Diving courses available all year-round. Private courses available.
-
We teach children 10 years and older.
-
Passionate team of Instructors and Divemasters who love to teach.
Madrona Park Scuba Diving Day Trip | Explore Vancouver Island's Underwater Gems
Join us for a full-day guided scuba diving adventure at Madrona Park on Vancouver Island. This unique site near Parksville and Nanaimo offers some of the best cold-water diving in BC, featuring stunning wall dives, playful sea lions, Giant Pacific Octopus, and wolf eels.
Respecting the Environment and Marine Life:
All divers are expected to follow our "look, don’t touch" policy. Our guides emphasize conservation and responsible diving, helping to protect BC's incredible marine ecosystems.
What’s Included:
- Round-trip transportation from Vancouver to Vancouver Island
- Ferry fares
- Two guided shore dives
- 2 tanks and weights
- Expert dive guide
What’s Not Included:
- Rental equipment — Reserve your rental gear here
- Food or drinks — bring lunch, snacks, and water
Diving in a Drysuit?
Planning to dive in a drysuit? You must have a PADI Drysuit Specialty certification or equivalent. Don’t have it yet? Take our Drysuit Specialty Course.
Requirements to Join:
- Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent)
- Minimum 10 cold water dives
- At least 1 cold water dive within the last 6 months
- Minimum age: 12 (minors require parental consent)
- Drysuit certification (if using a drysuit)
Transportation:
We provide a 7-passenger van for divers and gear. Divers may also choose to meet us at the ferry or the dive site.
Trip Flow & Meeting Time:
- 6:30 AM: Meet at Diving Sports Canada – 4578 Main St, Vancouver
- 8:25 AM: Board ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo
- 10:30 AM: Arrive at Madrona Park, gear up, and dive
- 2 guided shore dives throughout the day
- 3:00 PM: Drive back to Nanaimo; optional group meal
- 5:55 PM: Ferry back to Horseshoe Bay
- 8:30 PM: Arrive back at the shop
Meeting Options:
- 6:30 AM: Meet at Diving Sports Canada – 4578 Main St, Vancouver (for van transport)
- 8:00 AM: Meet directly at the ferry terminal in Horseshoe Bay
- 10:20 AM: Meet directly at Madrona Park
Madrona Park Shore Dive Trip
Why Join Diving Sports for the Madrona Trip?
Experience some of Vancouver Island's most exciting shore diving with our guided trips to Madrona Park near Parksville, BC. This site is known for its vibrant marine life including sea lions, wolf eels, lingcod, and giant Pacific octopus. Our trips are open to certified divers looking for a safe and rewarding cold-water dive adventure.
We offer transportation from Vancouver, gear transport, and surface support, making this a convenient and stress-free day trip. Whether you're diving with a buddy or solo, our guides ensure you're supported from start to finish.
Our Commitment to Safety and Enjoyment
At Diving Sports, we believe in making sure all our divers—Scuba and Freedivers—receive the best possible experience while maintaining a high standard of safety for everyone involved, including the underwater environment.
- Experienced local dive guides with cold-water expertise
- All guides are trained in First Aid and DAN Oxygen delivery
- Trips always include full First Aid and oxygen kits
- Dive sites and plans may change due to weather or group experience level
- We respectfully promote responsible diving and marine conservation
Any diver not adhering to proper dive practices will be asked to adjust their behavior to better protect the marine environment and group safety.
Location and Contact
Diving Sports Canada
4578 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 3R5
Phone: (604) 694-1886
Email: customerservice@divingsports.com
