Africville Ramp Dive Site

About this dive site

This dive site is located near the MacKay bridge on the Halifax side of the harbour, in a public area with a boat ramp. Ample parking and grassy areas with playground facilities are available. Divers can enter easily by walking down the boat ramp. The area offers several dive options: sticking to the shallower right side of the boat ramp along the shoreline, heading out parallel to the bridge, or turning left at the bottom of the ramp, typically leading to a sloping wall. This location is known for its diverse marine life, including sea anemones, sea stars, urchins, and crabs. The Atlantic Wolf Fish may be found on the sloping wall, particularly when searching for new creatures at varying depths. Certification levels range from novice to advanced. Important notes include depth limits of up to 60ft/18m for OW certified divers, considering current and tide conditions (which can vary significantly). Images A shows a concrete slab home to an Atlantic Wolf Fish at approximately 60ft/18m; Image B reveals a buoy with growth at 62ft/18.9m; and images C, D, and E depict tires on the sea floor. Emergency information is available at the QEII Health Sciences Centre (Dickson building), accessible within 12-16 minutes. Buddy separation protocols should be followed—stay down for one minute if separated, ascending safely upon re-location or inability to find your buddy. Contact information includes 911, the JRCC Search and Rescue at 1-800-565-1582, DAN (Divers Alert Network) at (919) 684-8111 or (919) 684-4326, Marine VHF Channel 16, and the Recompression Chamber at (902) 473-7998.