Whisky Cove
Beach at low tide
Whiskey Cove dive site offers two dive options at the same location or if you are really good on air you can dive both sides in a single dive. Dive to the right of the cove to check out a small wall that has lots of varied sea life to observe. The wall bottoms at about 60'. At this point the sandy bottom slopes away into the Arm gradually getting deeper. On this sandy slope you will find a surprising number of sea pens. Use caution as you move from the wall as this is when you will feel the current. Dive to the left following the sandy bottom until you find the small island. The island doesn't have a wall so to speak more like boulders but lots of nooks and crevices to peek into. The sandy bottom from the cove to the island is usually teaming with Dungeness Crabs. Most of them are undersize but there are keepers to be had if you are into scuba crabbing. Prior to descending be sure to take a compass heading as the visibility can be challenging.
The access to the beach is a short trail from the street. From the street parking follow the trail to the beach. The trail is about 100' but can be slippery with wet leaves in the fall so watch your step. Once at the water surface swim to just beyond the residents boat docks and descend. The cove is narrow and boat traffic common so use caution when surface swimming and especially when re-surfacing.
How to get there:
The Whisky Cove dive site is on the East side of Indian Arm near Belcarra Park. Take either the Port Mann or Golden Ears Bridges to get to the intersection of Lougheed and Barnett Hwys by Coquitlam center. Head west on Barnett Hwy for 2.2 km then take the Ioco Rd exit on the right. At the forth set of traffic lights turn left to stay on Ioco Rd. Travel 4 kms then turn right onto 1st Ave. After 0.75 km the road forks and 1st Ave turns into Bedwell Bay Rd. Stay to the left on Bedwell Bay Rd for about 5.5 kms and it will end at Belcarra Bay Rd by the water front (see note). Turn right and travel for 0.75 km. You will arrive at Whisky Cove Lane on your left. Just before the intersection on the left side of the road there is a small community bus stop which marks the entrance to the trail that leads to the Whisky Cove dive site. Find parking as you have arrived at your destination.
Note: At this point if your turn left Belarra park picnic area is about a block away. Great time for a washroom pit stop. Park by the roadside and walk to the restrooms as there is no access to the park parking lot from here. There is a north gate to the park parking lot just off Bedwell Bay Rd but whenever we have gone the gate is closed at this entrance.
Skill Level:
Beginners, Intermediate
Tide/Currents:
Currents can be a factor especially on the wall side as you are more exposed. Gradually sloping beach so best to dive at high tide on the slack. Use Vancouver Tide Charts.
Type of Dive:
Shore
Max Depth:
70 + feet
Surface Swim:
Short/Medium
Staging Area:
There is a small clearing by the entrance to the beach trail for parking and gearing up from your vehicle. No tables are available.
Known Hazards:
Boats, current, docks and cables.
Dive Description:
This site is characterized as a straight forward, easy entry, short swim, peaceful dive. Usually not too many divers at this site at any one time. Visibility can be terrible in the summer (5' or less).
Sealife:
Lots of crabs, flatfish, sea cucumbers, perch, starfish, jelly fish, tubeworms, plumose anemones, sea pens and more.
Parking:
There is very limited parking available. Consider car-pooling to ensure enough parking for all. Keep the beach clean and be very respectful of the residents.
Facilities:
None on site. Belcarra park is about 1 km away and has washroom facilities.
Accommodations:
None required. Local dive.
The access to the beach is a short trail from the street. From the street parking follow the trail to the beach. The trail is about 100' but can be slippery with wet leaves in the fall so watch your step. Once at the water surface swim to just beyond the residents boat docks and descend. The cove is narrow and boat traffic common so use caution when surface swimming and especially when re-surfacing.
How to get there:
The Whisky Cove dive site is on the East side of Indian Arm near Belcarra Park. Take either the Port Mann or Golden Ears Bridges to get to the intersection of Lougheed and Barnett Hwys by Coquitlam center. Head west on Barnett Hwy for 2.2 km then take the Ioco Rd exit on the right. At the forth set of traffic lights turn left to stay on Ioco Rd. Travel 4 kms then turn right onto 1st Ave. After 0.75 km the road forks and 1st Ave turns into Bedwell Bay Rd. Stay to the left on Bedwell Bay Rd for about 5.5 kms and it will end at Belcarra Bay Rd by the water front (see note). Turn right and travel for 0.75 km. You will arrive at Whisky Cove Lane on your left. Just before the intersection on the left side of the road there is a small community bus stop which marks the entrance to the trail that leads to the Whisky Cove dive site. Find parking as you have arrived at your destination.
Note: At this point if your turn left Belarra park picnic area is about a block away. Great time for a washroom pit stop. Park by the roadside and walk to the restrooms as there is no access to the park parking lot from here. There is a north gate to the park parking lot just off Bedwell Bay Rd but whenever we have gone the gate is closed at this entrance.
Skill Level:
Beginners, Intermediate
Tide/Currents:
Currents can be a factor especially on the wall side as you are more exposed. Gradually sloping beach so best to dive at high tide on the slack. Use Vancouver Tide Charts.
Type of Dive:
Shore
Max Depth:
70 + feet
Surface Swim:
Short/Medium
Staging Area:
There is a small clearing by the entrance to the beach trail for parking and gearing up from your vehicle. No tables are available.
Known Hazards:
Boats, current, docks and cables.
Dive Description:
This site is characterized as a straight forward, easy entry, short swim, peaceful dive. Usually not too many divers at this site at any one time. Visibility can be terrible in the summer (5' or less).
Sealife:
Lots of crabs, flatfish, sea cucumbers, perch, starfish, jelly fish, tubeworms, plumose anemones, sea pens and more.
Parking:
There is very limited parking available. Consider car-pooling to ensure enough parking for all. Keep the beach clean and be very respectful of the residents.
Facilities:
None on site. Belcarra park is about 1 km away and has washroom facilities.
Accommodations:
None required. Local dive.
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