St. Margaret's Bay

St. Margaret's Bay offers a quintessential North Atlantic cold-water diving experience. Nestled on Nova Scotia's scenic coastline, its appeal lies in the rugged underwater topography, lush kelp forests, and accessible shore diving. With about six primary dive sites, the bay provides a mix of sheltered coves and more exposed points, catering to various skill levels. The diving here is characterized by rocky reefs, small walls, and sandy bottoms, creating diverse habitats for a wealth of temperate marine life. It's an adventurer's destination, rewarding those prepared for its cool, nutrient-rich waters.

Conditions in St. Margaret's Bay require proper thermal protection, with water temperatures rarely exceeding 15°C (59°F) even in summer. A drysuit is highly recommended for comfort and safety. Visibility can vary, but on calm days, especially in the fall, it can be excellent. Divers should visit for the unique opportunity to explore a thriving cold-water ecosystem without the need for long boat journeys. The combination of beautiful coastal scenery, rich marine biodiversity, and the challenge of a temperate environment makes it a compelling destination for divers seeking something different.

Top Sites

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most popular dive site in St. Margaret's Bay, Canada?
Paddy's Head is arguably the most popular dive site in St. Margaret's Bay, Canada. Its popularity stems from its easy shore access, relatively sheltered conditions, and reliable marine life. Divers can explore a shallow wall and rocky reef teeming with invertebrates like lobsters, crabs, and anemones. Its accessibility makes it a favorite for training dives and casual explorations of the North Atlantic ecosystem.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in St. Margaret's Bay, Canada?
Well-known sites in St. Margaret's Bay, Canada, include Fox Point Beach for its sandy bottom and flounder, and the Peggy's Cove Preservation Area for its dramatic granite geology. For a less-common dive, explore the coves around West Dover. These sites offer a similar profile of kelp and rocky reefs but are often less crowded, providing a more secluded experience for adventurous divers with local knowledge.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in St. Margaret's Bay, Canada?
Water temperatures in St. Margaret's Bay, Canada, are cold year-round. In summer (July-September), surface temperatures peak around 12-15°C (54-59°F), dropping with depth. During spring and fall, expect 5-10°C (41-50°F). Winter diving is for the truly dedicated, with water temperatures hovering between 0-4°C (32-39°F), often with surface ice in sheltered coves.
When is the best time to visit St. Margaret's Bay, Canada?
The best time to visit St. Margaret's Bay, Canada, is from August to October. During this period, the water reaches its warmest temperatures of the year, and surface conditions are generally calm. Underwater visibility also tends to be at its best during the late summer and early fall, after the spring and summer plankton blooms have subsided, offering clearer views of the marine life.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in St. Margaret's Bay, Canada?
Underwater visibility in St. Margaret's Bay, Canada, is highly variable. During the peak season from late summer to fall, you can experience good visibility of 10-15 meters (30-50 feet) on calm days. However, after storms or during seasonal plankton blooms, particularly in spring and early summer, visibility can drop significantly to 3-5 meters (10-15 feet). Conditions can change quickly based on weather and tides.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in St. Margaret's Bay, Canada?
You won't find tropical migrations like whale sharks in St. Margaret's Bay, Canada. The primary events are the seasonal cycles of the kelp forests and invertebrate life. While rare during a dive, you may spot seals, harbour porpoises, or minke whales from the shore or boat. The main attraction is the rich biodiversity of the resident North Atlantic species.
What marine life can I expect to see in St. Margaret's Bay, Canada?
Divers in St. Margaret's Bay, Canada, can expect to see a vibrant cold-water ecosystem. Common sights include dense kelp forests, lobsters, rock crabs, scallops, and numerous sea stars. The rocky reefs are covered in colourful anemones, sponges, and nudibranchs. Fish life includes cunner, pollock, sculpin, and the occasional lumpfish or wolf eel hiding amongst the rocks and seaweed.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in St. Margaret's Bay, Canada?
For diving in St. Margaret's Bay, Canada, a drysuit is strongly recommended for comfort and safety in all seasons. If diving in a wetsuit, a 7mm semi-dry suit with an integrated hood, thick gloves, and boots is the absolute minimum, and is only suitable for the warmest summer months (August-September). Cold water exposure is a serious risk, so proper thermal protection is critical.
How do I get to St. Margaret's Bay, Canada?
To reach St. Margaret's Bay, Canada, fly into Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ). From the airport, the bay is approximately a 45-60 minute drive. Renting a car is essential, as the dive sites are spread out along the coast and are primarily accessed from the shore. Major highways like the 103 provide easy access to the various communities and entry points around the bay.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in St. Margaret's Bay, Canada?
Diving in St. Margaret's Bay, Canada, is entirely shore-based or done from small, local day-charter boats. There are no liveaboards operating in this region. You should plan to stay on shore in one of the many coastal towns like Hubbards, or even in the city of Halifax. A rental car is necessary to travel between your accommodation and the various shore diving entry points.
All Dive Sites in St. Margaret's Bay (6)
Admirals PointBirchy Head Dive SiteBoutiliers PointFox Point BeachIndian PointMill Cove Wharf Beach Side