Diving into the world of God’s Pocket, Vancouver Island, Canada

Greeted with chilly water temps but clarity and visibility made of dreams, God’s Pocket is a remarkable dive destination off the north end of Vancouver Island that the late underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau listed as one of the world's best cold water diving destinations.

Conditions can be difficult, however, due to currents and vertical walls that descend into the hundreds of feet, and all diving is done from a boat, so going with a trusted operator who knows the conditions and how they affect diving is best (I’ve always had an amazing experience with God’s Pocket Resort). This area comprises a group of islands at the entrance to Queen Charlotte Strait, including Hurst (where the off-grid resort is based), Bell, Boyle, Crane Islands, and numerous smaller islets. Because of the nutrient-rich waters due to the Pacific currents, the wildlife we saw included white-sided dolphins, humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, various rockfish and nudibranchs, Puget Sound king crab, soft corals, sunflower stars, basket stars, bull kelp and more.

April & August 2023