A Pearly Nudibranch caught in the dive light

This is the second installment of our series on diving near Vancouver. This time Stephen visits Kelvin Grove.

Kelvin Grove is one of those wonderful dive sites that are only a short drive from Vancouver. It’s situated just south of the village of Lion’s Bay on the coast of Howe Sound, about 20-30 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Access to the site is via boat from the nearby marina, or you can park at one of the nearby visitor parking spots – just remember to pick up a day pass from the marina. And remember that the parking and trail down to the beach are on private property, so please be respectful.

The trail from the road stops at a pump station with washrooms before continuing on down to the beach. There are also a couple of places to enjoy a lunch or to relax between dives.

Red Flabellina

After an easy entry, a gentle slope from the beach gives way to walls and crevices to the north and south that hide a multitude of creatures and plant life. My favourite spot is the wall to the right (north). Maximum depth is about 34 meters (110 feet). Be sure to bring a dive light and take time to check out the nooks and crannies in the rock face. There are all kinds of life here. Look for sponges, stars, greenlings, war bonnets, octopus, decorator crabs, nudibranchs and other species too numerous to mention.

A Copper Rockfish (watch out for the spines) and Cloud Sponge

And don’t be surprised if one of the local harbour seals comes by to check you out – they’re always curious and are just another bonus to an already memorable dive.

Enjoy.

Stephen Pearce