Whether you're an experienced diver or a beginner you've got to try scuba diving in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Some of the best scuba diving in the world can be experienced right here off the coast of Vancouver Island's second largest city. To those who don't know, Nanaimo in B.C. may seem like an unlikely destination for scuba diving. Those who do know frequently rank scuba diving in Nanaimo as the best in North America! So why exactly is scuba diving in this part of British Columbia so great?! Abundant marine life and spectacular artificial reefs are the two main reasons why divers love diving off of this part of Van Isle! Those not familiar what an artificial reef is can probably take a guess! Basically it's something which has been sunk on purpose to create diving opportunities and the opportunity to study marine life, and there are several of these in the waters off Nanaimo. The Saskatchewan is one example, and has so far proved to be the most popular reef in BC. This was sunk in 1997. A more recent addition is a former World War 2 ship, The Cape Breton, which was sunk in 2001 and is the second largest diver prepared artificial reef in the world! Divers who prefer to enjoy the marine life of British Columbia without the artificial reefs will find there's plenty here to see. You're unlikely to see just a couple of fish while scuba diving in Nanaimo as there's far more impressive marine life in the waters off Vancouver Island - look out for the Giant Pacific Octopus, Wolf Eels, and Six-Gill Sharks. Perhaps the Harbour Seals or the Stellar Sea Lions will join you for a swim! Of course there are plenty of anemones, sponges, kelp, and nudibranchs to see too. Even experienced divers need hints and tips when diving somewhere new. You'll find that scuba diving in Nanaimo is a fun and friendly experience. There are always plenty of people standing by ready to tell you all about the best dive sites so you can really make the most of your visit to this amazing part of B.C.!