Nakwakto Rapids is a dive site in the Slingsby Channel Area. Check out the map for the location. Water enters and exits from two massive channels into a little passage with an island in the middle. There's a massive upwelling as the area has shallower depths too. This results in crazy whirlpools, standing waves, and rushing water. Not for the faint of heart. On max flood/ebb, you have some of the fastest currents in the world here. If timed just perfectly, a short dive can be had here! The crazy currents allow gooseneck barnacles (which usually live on rocks smashed by waves) to live deeper here. Because they live deeper they can take on a redder color, as they need less sun protection.

This is not a casual charter dive! The captain will have very specific dive instructions for you. Follow them exactly -- you don't want to be swept downstream. There's no reason to go deeper than 35' here.

Access: A several-hour boat run from Port Hardy is typical. Dives are timed to narrow slack intervals with strict bottom-time limits, often just 20 minutes allowed. Some captains suggest keeping combined flood + ebb current under about 5 knots; ask your experienced captain.

Marine life: Famous for its red-lipped gooseneck barnacles. There are also sections with tubeworms and painted anemones. Jackie H even found a lumpsucker here, believe it or not!

Conditions: Reaching the destination typically requires a crossing of Queen Charlotte Strait, which needs calm seas. Tidal flows can exceed 18 knots at the location on large exchanges. Picking the right day and slack timing is critical. Typically it is only diveable a small handful of days a year. The dive may entail waiting underwater on the lee side of the island until the current dissipates enough to enter the channel. Follow the operator dive plan exactly.