dan.org · Guide
Independent article for off-slack timing and shallow swim-through context.
Dive Spot Guide•
Swordfish Island
Swordfish Island boat dive with a shallow tunnel.
Local operator required
Boat access, slack timing, and cold-water currents make a local charter the sensible call.
Cold-water Vancouver Island boat dive with a shallow swim-through, strong currents, and classic Pacific Northwest life.
About Swordfish Island
Swordfish Island is a boat-access Vancouver Island dive that rewards divers who are comfortable in cold water and good at timing current. The site is known for a shallow swim-through tunnel draped in soft coral and anemones, plus the usual Pacific Northwest mix of sea lions, rockfish, nudibranchs, crabs, shrimp, wolf eels, and octopus. It is the sort of site that feels easy only after you are properly geared up and the slack water is right.
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Research Estimate At Swordfish Island
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 10m
AccessModerate entry effort
CoralMixed health
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
Crowd / PopularityModerate
CurrentStrong current
SurgeLight surge
Where Is Swordfish Island?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Swordfish Island Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
4.5m - 6.1m
Depth Note
The signature tunnel averages about 4.5 m deep and sits around 6 m at its deepest point.
Best Season
Fall and winter for the clearest water.
Typical Conditions
Cold, current-swept water with kelp, a shallow tunnel, and lots of life on the rock.
Safety & Access At Swordfish Island
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Overhead environment
Safety Notes
Treat the swim-through as overhead, dive it off-slack, and use a dry suit.
Access Restrictions
Slack-water timing and dry-suit readiness are part of the standard plan.
Legal Notes
Check local tide and current tables and follow charter guidance.
Local Intel For Swordfish Island
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Best for experienced cold-water divers who want a short tunnel, strong marine life, and active conditions.
Freediving
Not recommended for casual freediving because of cold water, current, and overhead features.
Snorkeling
Not a snorkel site.
Wildlife at Swordfish Island
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Swordfish Island
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Swordfish Island
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility10m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
