Rain & Wind
This is the west coast - rain is common in the winter months.
Wind can be an issue. As the West Shore is the Southernmost point on Vancouver Island, wind can create issues.
The channel between northwest Washington and southern Vancouver Island creates a channel for strong currents. The diving is excellent as a result, but dive site selection and timing is critical. We choose our sites carefully, but we also equip divers with surface signal devices and air horns if required . The diving is best on the 'quarter moon'. If you are planning your trip, try to avoid full and new moons!
Flying into Victoria: If you are flying into Victoria, you'll need to decide whether you want to rent a vehicle or not. These can be rented at the Victoria International Airport. If you don't want to rent, we can provide transportation to and from the airport. Victoria is a beautiful city, and there are many excellent sights that are within driving distance. See our section on What to do in the area before you choose to be without transportation.
We can provide you directions on where to go, when to go and what the best attractions are.
Race Rocks is known for the countless sea lions, seals, octopus, wolf eels, Kelp forests, nudibranchs, and the amazing dive sites. Race is an ecological reserve, home to fantastic west coast scenery, often including whale and orca sightings.
Divers must have an advanced certification and recent cold water diving experience.
The West Shore is a slightly less difficult dive destination. Some divers choose to do their advanced course on the west shore prior to diving at Race Rocks. Seals, sea lions, octopus and countless other critters flourish on the West Shore. Whale watching boats are some of the most frequently seen vessels in the area.
Other stuff in Victoria
Hatley Castle: 25 min drive
Butchart Gardens: 55 min drive
Sooke Potholes - 20 min drive
French Beach: 45 min drive
Inner Harbour: Victoria downtown markets, Royal BC Museum, Buskers and much more: 50 min drive
Hiking at East Sooke - 5 min drive, we may visit by boat for a short hike.
Mystic Beach - one hour drive, plus a hike
Botanical Beach - 1 hour 45 min drive, plus a hike - go at low tide.