Fees · Destination Guide
Cold-water shore diving, rocky reefs and island-city escapes around Victoria and Saanich Inlet
Key fee: Region-wide dive tag / mandatory scuba marine-park permit
No destination-wide fee substantiated
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
No general Victoria/Saanich Inlet tourist dive tax or region-wide marine-park scuba tag was independently substantiated. Public park or beach access does not by itself authorize entry to every surrounding shoreline or ecological reserve. For recreational harvesting, unlike no-take observation, DFO requires a valid BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence, with current Area 18/19 fisheries restrictions and shellfish closures. Operator guide fees and garden/paddle tickets are separate commercial costs that must be confirmed directly; public day-use or facility charges vary by site.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Region-wide dive tag / mandatory scuba marine-park permit | No destination-wide fee substantiated Not applicable | Ordinary no-take recreational scuba in currently allowed public areas | Not applicable; verify individual sites | Research found no general-purpose regional marine-park tag. This does not confer rights to dive in closed reserves, enter protected areas, cross private property or use harbor installations. |
| BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence, one day | CAD $6.46 resident / CAD $8.62 non-resident, before GST (2026/27) One day, during selected 2026/27 licence year | People who fish for finfish or harvest shellfish, including youth with appropriate licence | DFO online licensing system or authorized provider | DFO published 2026/27 fees. Additional salmon conservation stamp applies if retaining salmon. A fishing licence does not override fishery closures, marine reserves, or municipal access permissions; no licence is required solely to observe fish while scuba diving. |
| BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence, three days | CAD $13.54 resident / CAD $23.40 non-resident, before GST (2026/27) Three days, during selected 2026/27 licence year | Harvesters only; not scuba sightseeing | DFO online licensing system or authorized provider | As published by DFO. Check the correct regional Area 18 or 19 boundary and all active species and contamination closures before collecting anything. |
| Guided scuba dive with Element Escapes | $225 one dive; $295 two dives; $365 three dives as displayed, currency and tax inclusions to reconfirm Price and availability may change | Optional professional guide, not a government access permit | Book directly with Element Escapes after confirming exact included services | Published guide listing quotes up to 4/6/8 hours across three packages. The webpage does not establish confirmed date availability, gear coverage or a blanket right to enter any site. |
| Bottom Dwellers Victoria freediver course, historical 2026 offer | $770 including GST displayed; full rental package $150 displayed 2026 listed session dates, last ending October 18 | Supervised freediving education; not a required general permit | Check future dates directly with Bottom Dwellers | 2026 course page demonstrates a local combined pool/ocean course. These dates have passed as of the research cut-off and are not bookable future inventory. |
| The Butchart Gardens admission | Varies by season, age and program; quote required For chosen visit date | Optional independent topside attraction | Official Butchart Gardens ticket channels | Check official date-specific schedule and admission options before traveling; garden entrance is unrelated to park/dive permits. |
Fee
Not applicable
Research found no general-purpose regional marine-park tag. This does not confer rights to dive in closed reserves, enter protected areas, cross private property or use harbor installations.
One day, during selected 2026/27 licence year
DFO published 2026/27 fees. Additional salmon conservation stamp applies if retaining salmon. A fishing licence does not override fishery closures, marine reserves, or municipal access permissions; no licence is required solely to observe fish while scuba diving.
Three days, during selected 2026/27 licence year
As published by DFO. Check the correct regional Area 18 or 19 boundary and all active species and contamination closures before collecting anything.
Price and availability may change
Published guide listing quotes up to 4/6/8 hours across three packages. The webpage does not establish confirmed date availability, gear coverage or a blanket right to enter any site.
2026 listed session dates, last ending October 18
2026 course page demonstrates a local combined pool/ocean course. These dates have passed as of the research cut-off and are not bookable future inventory.
For chosen visit date
Check official date-specific schedule and admission options before traveling; garden entrance is unrelated to park/dive permits.