Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia, Canada, is renowned in the diving community as the 'Graveyard of the Atlantic.' This moniker reflects its most compelling feature: a vast collection of shipwrecks spanning centuries of maritime history, from wooden sailing vessels to modern naval ships. These wrecks, preserved by the cold, nutrient-rich North Atlantic waters, act as artificial reefs teeming with life. Divers can explore everything from warships scuttled for sport to the haunting remains of vessels lost in storms or wartime, making it a premier destination for wreck diving enthusiasts.

The diving conditions are challenging but rewarding. Cold water necessitates a drysuit or a thick semi-dry suit, even in summer. However, those who brave the chill are rewarded with a unique underwater landscape. The combination of rich maritime history, rugged coastal scenery, and vibrant cold-water marine ecosystems provides an unforgettable adventure. Diving in Nova Scotia offers a profound connection to the past, set against a backdrop of dramatic natural beauty, making it a must-visit for experienced cold-water divers.

Top Sites

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most popular dive site in Nova Scotia, Canada?
The artificial reefs in Halifax Harbour, particularly the scuttled warships HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Halifax, are among the most popular. Their relatively easy access from the city, impressive size, and status as purpose-sunk wrecks make them a focal point for the local dive community. They offer multi-level dive profiles suitable for advanced divers and provide an excellent introduction to the region's wreck diving potential.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Nova Scotia, Canada?
Well-known sites include the Halifax Harbour wrecks and the historic wrecks near Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island. For hidden gems, explore the many shore dives along the Aspotogan Peninsula or St. Margarets Bay. These sites, often overlooked for the larger wrecks, boast fascinating geology, kelp forests, and abundant macro life like lobsters and wolf eels, offering a different but equally rewarding experience.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Nova Scotia, Canada?
Water temperatures in Nova Scotia, Canada, are consistently cold. In winter (Dec-Mar), temperatures hover near freezing, around 0-2°C (32-36°F), often with surface ice. During the peak summer diving season (Aug-Sep), surface temperatures might reach 10-15°C (50-59°F), but it remains significantly colder at depth, typically below 5°C (41°F). A drysuit is recommended year-round.
When is the best time to visit Nova Scotia, Canada?
The optimal time for diving in Nova Scotia, Canada is from August to October. This period offers the best balance of warmer surface temperatures, calmer sea conditions, and improved visibility as the spring and summer plankton blooms subside. The surface weather is also generally pleasant, making for more comfortable boat trips and pre-dive preparations. Diving is possible earlier in the summer, but conditions are typically better in the late season.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Nova Scotia, Canada?
Underwater visibility in Nova Scotia, Canada is highly variable. On average, you can expect 5-10 meters (15-30 feet). Following spring plankton blooms, visibility can be lower. Conditions generally improve in late summer and fall, where it can exceed 15 meters (50+ feet) on clear days. Visibility is influenced by tides, recent rainfall, and wind, so it can change from one day to the next.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Nova Scotia, Canada?
Nova Scotia, Canada does not host migrations of large tropical species like manta rays or whale sharks. However, the summer and fall months are prime time for whale watching, with humpback, minke, and fin whales frequently spotted from dive boats. Divers may also encounter harbor seals and grey seals, which are present year-round and often curious about divers. The main underwater event is the abundance of life on the wrecks.
What marine life can I expect to see in Nova Scotia, Canada?
The cold waters support a vibrant ecosystem. Expect to see lobsters, rock crabs, wolf eels, lumpfish, sculpins, and various species of flounder. The wrecks and rocky reefs are covered in colourful anemones, sponges, and sea stars. Seals are also a common and playful encounter. Schools of pollock and cod are often seen patrolling the wrecks, creating a dynamic underwater environment.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Nova Scotia, Canada?
A drysuit with appropriate thermal undergarments is the standard and highly recommended gear for diving in Nova Scotia, Canada, year-round. It provides the best thermal protection and comfort. At a minimum, for a short dive in peak summer, a 7mm semi-dry wetsuit with an integrated hood, thick gloves, and boots is required, but you will still get cold. Most local divers and operators will insist on a drysuit.
How do I get to Nova Scotia, Canada?
The primary gateway is Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), which receives flights from across Canada, the US, and Europe. From Halifax, renting a car is the most effective way to reach the various dive operators and shore diving sites scattered along the coastline. Most dive charters, especially for the popular Halifax wrecks, depart from locations within a short drive of the city.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Nova Scotia, Canada?
Diving in Nova Scotia, Canada, is exclusively shore-based. There are no traditional liveaboard operations in the region. Divers stay in hotels, motels, or B&Bs in coastal communities like Halifax, Dartmouth, or smaller towns along the South Shore. Dive trips are organized as daily charters or shore dives through local dive shops. This allows for flexibility and the opportunity to experience the province's culture, cuisine, and topside scenery.
All Dive Sites in Nova Scotia (34)
Admirals PointAfricville Ramp Dive SiteArrowBachmans BeachBaleineBear CoveBirchy Head Dive SiteBlack Rock BeachBoutiliers PointBurns PointCranberry CoveDaniel StienmanFergusons CoveFox Point BeachFralick CoveHerring CoveHmcs SaguenayIndian PointKolkhosnikrussianMacdonald BridgeMill Cove BeachMill Cove MarinaMill Cove Wharf Beach SideMill Cove Wharf Jetty SideNew HarbourPolly CovePortiaPortugese CoveProspect WharfSandy CoveSmugglers CoveTerence Bay WharfThe LodgeWest Dover Govt Wharf