Tobermory and Fathom Five

Water Access and Scuba Rules

All scuba divers register and hold a park dive pass before entry. Dive only designated harbor zones, stay within 30 m of the required displayed red-and-white dive flag, and ensure boats display the Alpha flag. At least one responsible person stays aboard moored boats. Big Tub wreck dives need additional controlled access during the defined May-October window. Never dive into vessel channels, docks or private land. Protected wrecks are no-touch; penetration of Sweepstakes is prohibited.

Cold Water, Depth and Buddy Safety

The park recommends cold-water dive planning with an additional 3 m margin, buddy checks and conservative times. Use suitable insulation and maintain mobility and buoyancy competence. Arabia and Forest City are recommended only for Advanced Open Water or equivalent with recent experience deeper than 25 m in cold water, or the park-described qualified leader support, plus good equipment and fitness. Currents can affect offshore wrecks.

Snorkel and Breath-hold Safety

Snorkeling needs no scuba registration pass, but the harbor zone rules, cold-water hazards and boat separation still apply. Weak swimmers should use a suitable PFD, and everyone should use a buddy. AIDA-listed Tobermory training interest is not evidence of a lawful self-guided deep freedive location. Never practice breath-hold training alone, enter wreck structures or use Grotto caves as casual routes.

Weather and Closures

Check Environment Canada marine forecasts for Northern Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, local advisories, wind and wave exposure, current water quality notices if available, and every provider's cancellation policy. Clear appearance does not establish drinking or recreational water quality. Rescue and cell service can be delayed. In late October 2026 park land services had temporary closures; reconfirm in person/online before travel.

Dial 911 first for emergencies, especially any suspected decompression illness, arterial gas embolism, injury, near drowning or hypothermia. The municipality reports a 24-hour emergency department at Lion's Head Hospital, 22 Moore Street, and a hyperbaric facility at Tobermory Medical Centre. The Canadian Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Association lists Tobermory Hyperbaric Facility at 519-596-2306, with 24/7 call-in emergency coverage and advance call-in time; its presence does not guarantee immediate treatment or replace EMS triage. Following local emergency activation, DAN can advise on diver care at +1-919-684-9111. Boat and island evacuations can be delayed, so operators need oxygen, communication and a realistic rescue plan.

Fathom Five protects underwater cultural remains, plants and wildlife within the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. Parks Canada prohibits removal, damage or disturbance of any natural, scientific or cultural feature. Do not touch/enter wrecks or anchor onto their structures. Avoid unauthorized landing on protected islands; Flowerpot Island is the public island visitor access exception. Its Marl Bed trail is permanently closed; stay on marked paths and pack out all waste. Respect private shorelines, do not fly recreational drones from/within the marine park and follow bear-related trail/campground closures. Water clarity is not permission to disregard protection.