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Barkley Sound Scuba Diving Guide

Barkley Sound on the west side of Vancouver Island has some fantastic diving! The outer reaches can be quite exposed. But if you can make it happen, there are some great pinnacles and reefs to explore. Life includes king crab, fish-eating anemones, nudibranchs, octopus, and regional specialties like the tri-colored nudibranch
Tri-colored nudibranch (Polycera tricolor) in Barkley Sound. Photo by Eric Askilsrud.
Tri-colored nudibranch (Polycera tricolor) in Barkley Sound. Photo by Eric Askilsrud.

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Getting started

Barkley Sound Dive Sites

Diving near Ucluelet, Tofino, and Bamfield.

Top sites

🗺️ See top Barkley Sound dive sites on a map →

Charters

Charters are often best booked through your local dive shop -- they typically provide the dive master. Check with the operator for areas served.

Dive Clubs

Dive clubs are a great way to get to know the area. Many dive shops offer group outings or charter trips (see our shop listings). There are also various diving meetups you can join. Some focus on specialties like underwater photography or tech diving; others on site maintenance and conservation. If you're new to local diving, many club members are happy to meet up for a casual shore dive or help you get oriented at a site—just reach out and ask.

Let us know if you know any clubs in the area!