Tuwanek
Left Islet
Tuwanek dive site offers two dives at the same location. Go to the islet on the left or the one on the right. The left islet starts off shallow(ish), as you move around the island (keep the rocks on your left) it will get deeper and eventually you will hit a nice rock wall. On the islet on the right, swim out to the islet or swim underwater and once you get to the islet, keep the rocks on your right. If you make it to the back side of the island, it is quite deep. We have seen octos and eels at this site. On the left islet if swim to the bouy and go down, if you go to the right (away from the islet) it will get deeper and if you can find it there is often a big octo there. Be careful not to get lost if you move away from the islet, the bay is quite deep.
How to get there:
The Tuwanek dive site is in the peaceful cottage community of Tuwanek on the eastern side of Sechelt Inlet, near Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. Take the Horseshoe Bay to Langdale Ferry (45 min) which arrives in Gibsons, British Columbia. Just a short 35 minute drive up the Sunshine Coast. Turn right on Wharf Street and then Right on Sechelt Inlet Road. Follow the signs to Porpoise Bay Park and then on to the cottage community of Tuwanek. When you see the Tuwanek Hotel, you've found your destination.
Skill Level:
Beginners, Intermediate, Expert
Tide/Currents:
Pretty minimal for the most part as the majority of Tuwanek is in a bay. More current will be evident on the right side islet. The part you can't see from shore is the most susceptible. Use Porpoise Bay Tide Charts.
Type of Dive:
Shore
Max Depth:
120 + feet
Surface Swim:
Short/Medium
Staging Area:
There is a single picnic table available to gear up on. Your vehicle is another option as parking is right at the dive site.
Known Hazards:
Depths, occasional boats
Dive Description:
This site is characterized by two islets in a large bay. The right side islet is more susceptible to currents, but is entirely surrounded by a rock reef. The route to both Islets tends to slope pretty gradually and meets a sheer wall towards the left side islet.
Sealife:
Crabs, lingcod, flatfish, rockfish, greenlings, starfish, nudibranchs, Jelly fish, tubesnouts, sea cucumbers, tubeworms, plumose anemonies, prawns, cloud sponges, boot sponges, wolf eels, octopus, seals and more.
Parking:
There is limited parking available. Consider car-pooling to save on ferry costs and to ensure enough parking for all. Keep the beach clean and be very respectful of the residents.
Facilities:
One single porta-potty. Better than nothing!
Accommodations:
There are several cabins to rent around the Tuwanek dive site. One is right across the street. You can try VRBO to find some of the rentals or contact Janene Brierlley-Green for more information.
How to get there:
The Tuwanek dive site is in the peaceful cottage community of Tuwanek on the eastern side of Sechelt Inlet, near Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. Take the Horseshoe Bay to Langdale Ferry (45 min) which arrives in Gibsons, British Columbia. Just a short 35 minute drive up the Sunshine Coast. Turn right on Wharf Street and then Right on Sechelt Inlet Road. Follow the signs to Porpoise Bay Park and then on to the cottage community of Tuwanek. When you see the Tuwanek Hotel, you've found your destination.
Skill Level:
Beginners, Intermediate, Expert
Tide/Currents:
Pretty minimal for the most part as the majority of Tuwanek is in a bay. More current will be evident on the right side islet. The part you can't see from shore is the most susceptible. Use Porpoise Bay Tide Charts.
Type of Dive:
Shore
Max Depth:
120 + feet
Surface Swim:
Short/Medium
Staging Area:
There is a single picnic table available to gear up on. Your vehicle is another option as parking is right at the dive site.
Known Hazards:
Depths, occasional boats
Dive Description:
This site is characterized by two islets in a large bay. The right side islet is more susceptible to currents, but is entirely surrounded by a rock reef. The route to both Islets tends to slope pretty gradually and meets a sheer wall towards the left side islet.
Sealife:
Crabs, lingcod, flatfish, rockfish, greenlings, starfish, nudibranchs, Jelly fish, tubesnouts, sea cucumbers, tubeworms, plumose anemonies, prawns, cloud sponges, boot sponges, wolf eels, octopus, seals and more.
Parking:
There is limited parking available. Consider car-pooling to save on ferry costs and to ensure enough parking for all. Keep the beach clean and be very respectful of the residents.
Facilities:
One single porta-potty. Better than nothing!
Accommodations:
There are several cabins to rent around the Tuwanek dive site. One is right across the street. You can try VRBO to find some of the rentals or contact Janene Brierlley-Green for more information.
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