dan.org · Guide
Independent article for off-slack timing and shallow swim-through context.
Swordfish Island
Swordfish Island boat dive with a shallow tunnel.
Scuba DivingBoatAdvanced4.5m - 6.1m
Reef
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.
Safety & Access
Site Conditions
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.
Where Is Swordfish Island?
Featured Operators
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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.
Research Estimate At Swordfish Island
Access · 3/5Moderate entry effort
Research estimate
Coral · 3/5Mixed health
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Aquatic Life · 4/5Great variety
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Facilities · 4/5Good facilities
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Crowd / Popularity · 3/5Moderate
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Current · 4/5Strong current
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Surge · 2/5Light surge
Research estimate
- VisibilityResearch estimate
- 10m
