From whale watching and scuba diving to fishing charters, paddling excursions, and immersive wildlife tours, Nanaimo is a spring playground for travellers looking to get out on — and under — the water. The city’s coastal setting makes it one of Vancouver Island’s most accessible hubs for marine adventure, with operators offering everything from family‑friendly outings to bucket‑list experiences for seasoned explorers. Below are a few standout options worth considering for any upcoming BC spring travel or activity coverage you may be developing.
Sink or Swim Scuba
Whether you’re a curious beginner or seasoned diver, Sink or Swim Scuba offer courses, rentals and guided tours to suit your skill level. Sink or Swim Scuba is a PADI Five Star Dive Centre offering PADI courses, top quality gear and immersive underwater adventures.
Sundown Diving
Year round complete dive services including PADI and specialist diving courses, dive charters to Nanaimo’s natural and man-made reefs and snorkelling adventures. Experience diving in one of the best-rated cold water diving destinations in the world.
Wild Heart Adventures Sea Kayak Tours
Wildheart Adventures is a professional kayak tour company that will escort paddlers from Nanaimo to some of Vancouver Island’s best marine destinations. In addition to day trips in the Gulf Islands, Wildheart Adventures hosts expeditions through the Broken Islands, Nootka Islands, and Clayoquot Sound.
Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
Join Captain Turk (Andrew Turkstra) on a chartered fishing trip or marine scenic and wildlife tour. As a certified Transport Canada charter operator, Captain Turk has over a decade of experience fishing and touring the coastal waters in and around Nanaimo. His love for people, passion for fishing and knowledge and respect for the natural beauty of Vancouver Island create an incredible experience and lasting memories on the water.
Vancouver Island Whale Watch
Join Vancouver Island Whale Watch to experience BC’s most sustainable whale watching on an unforgettable day at sea aboard your choice of vessel (open zodiac-style boats or semi-covered vessel). Your adventure is guided by expert mariners and professional researchers who know the whales by name, and collect field data on every single trip. Travel through the Salish Sea ecosystem to see whales and other spectacular marine flora and fauna, while you learn all about them!
