bcparks.ca · Official
Park page with depths, buoyed dive zone, access rules, and legal restrictions.
Dive Spot Guide•
Porteau Cove
Marked shore dive in Howe Sound with wrecks, reefs, and easy staging.
Concrete stairs, buoys, and park facilities make it straightforward, but tides, wind, and seasonal haze still shape the day.
About Porteau Cove
Porteau Cove is a marked shore dive in Howe Sound where man-made reefs and two sunken vessels create a repeatable route with plenty of structure. The concrete stair entry, buoyed dive zone, and park parking area make staging straightforward. It is a strong local training site for navigation, wreck practice, and buoyancy work, but the water still shifts with tides, wind, and seasonal haze. Marine life clusters around the rock, concrete, and wreck surfaces.
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Research Estimate At Porteau Cove
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 12m
AccessEasy entry
CoralHeavily damaged
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesExcellent facilities
CurrentLight current
Where Is Porteau Cove?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Porteau Cove Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
6m - 18m
Depth Note
Marked shore access starts shallow and the dive area extends to about 18 m across the buoyed zone, with some easy routes staying shallower.
Best Season
Late fall through winter usually gives the clearest water; summer is still common but more variable.
Typical Conditions
Marked shore access, short surface swims, and a route that ranges from shallow reef to about 18 m.
Safety & Access At Porteau Cove
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Boat trafficLow visibilityRestricted accessStrong current
Safety Notes
Use the stair entry, stay clear of the boat launch, and expect current, wind, and summer haze to change conditions.
Access Restrictions
Scuba divers are not permitted to enter from the boat launch; use the designated shore access and follow park signage.
Legal Notes
Do not harvest or harass marine life in the park foreshore, and respect permit rules for commercial diving.
Local Intel For Porteau Cove
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
The site works well for navigation, wreck, drysuit, and buoyancy practice along the buoyed shore route.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is possible near the shallow shore edge, but the site is much better known for scuba.
Wildlife at Porteau Cove
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Porteau Cove
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Porteau Cove
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility12m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
