Ferguson's Cove

Accessible Nova Scotia cove with varied marine life and structures.

Shore Access
12m Avg Depth
15m Max Depth

About this dive site

This dive site is located in Nova Scotia, specifically at Ferguson's Cove. It’s a relatively popular spot known for its accessible entry and diverse marine life. The cove offers varying levels of challenge depending on the chosen area, from easy beach entries to steeper rocky access points near the pilings. Divers can explore both the sheltered main entry point and the more exposed areas towards the pilings. The site's bottom consists primarily of small rocks, sand, and scattered sea plants, transitioning to kelp and silt further along the shoreline. Remnants of the old pilings are present, adding a man-made element to the underwater landscape. There have been reported finds such as bottles and relics in the area. Ferguson’s Cove offers an average depth of 30-50 feet, with shallower areas near the shoreline reaching 5-10 feet at the base of the pilings. Visibility can vary significantly depending on weather conditions; good visibility is around 3-10 meters, while heavy rain may reduce it to less than one meter. Ferguson’s Cove offers a relatively easy entry, though the area by the pilings presents a steeper and rockier access point suitable for more experienced divers. The dive site features a rocky bottom with scattered sea plants, remnants of pilings, and occasional relics. Average depths range from 30-50 feet near the shoreline to 5-10 feet at the base of the pilings. Visibility can vary significantly depending on weather conditions, ranging from less than one meter after heavy rain to around 3-10 meters in good conditions. Ferguson’s Cove is a popular dive site in Nova Scotia known for its rocky beach entry and diverse marine life including crabs, lobster, various fish species (Red Hake, Cunner, Pollock, Longfin Hake, Sculpin, Sea Ravens), and scattered sea plants. The area offers opportunities for buoyancy control practice and navigation skills. The maximum depth typically ranges from 30 to 50 feet in commonly used areas, but can vary depending on the chosen location. A lesser-known section near the pilings presents a steeper entry suitable only for more experienced divers due to potential hazards like uneven rocks. Ferguson’s Cove is located in Nova Scotia and offers a relatively easy to moderate rocky beach entry as well as access to nearby structures such as the pilings. The dive site features diverse marine life, including crabs, lobster, various species of fish (Red Hake, Cunner, Pollock, Longfin Hake, Sculpin, Sea Ravens), and sea plants. Visibility can vary significantly depending on weather conditions, ranging from less than one meter after heavy rain to approximately 3-10 meters in good conditions. Ferguson’s Cove is a relatively well-known dive site in Nova Scotia suitable for divers with at least an open-water qualification. The site offers easy to moderate rocky beach entry and features areas like the pilings, providing varied diving experiences. You'll find abundant sea plant life, along with crabs, lobster, and various small fish such as Red Hake, Cunner, Pollock, Longfin Hake, Sculpin, and Sea Ravens. Navigation and buoyancy control are good practice skills to hone here. The average depth is 30-50 feet, though it can vary depending on the specific area chosen, with shallower depths near the shoreline (5-10 feet at the pilings) and deeper areas towards the pilings. Ferguson’s Cove in Nova Scotia offers a relatively easy to moderate dive experience, suitable for divers with an open-water certification. The site features rocky beach entries, alongside intriguing structures like the pilings, providing opportunities to explore varied marine life including crabs, lobster, various types of fish (Red Hake, Cunner, Pollock, Longfin Hake, Sculpin and Sea Ravens), as well as sea plants. Ferguson's Cove is a relatively shallow site, with an average depth of 30-50 feet in commonly used areas, though the base of the pilings can reach up to 10 feet. It’s recommended for divers with at least an open-water qualification. The area offers navigation and buoyancy control practice. Entry options include a relatively easy access point on the beach or a steeper rocky entry near the pilings (recommended for more experienced divers). Navigation involves swimming towards the pilings from the shoreline, while surface conditions can vary significantly depending on wind direction – sheltered from westerly winds near the entrance, but becoming moderate to severe closer to the pilings. The bottom consists mainly of small rocks, sand, and scattered sea plants, with remnants of the pilings visible further along the shoreline. Visibility is variable, potentially reduced by recent rain, typically ranging from 3-10 meters. Hazards include slippery rocks, boat traffic, and potential falling debris near the pilings. Emergency contact information includes 911, Herring Cove Fire Department (57 Ketch Harbour Road), Dickson Building Recompression Chamber, Joint Rescue & Coordination Centre Halifax, and Divers Alert Network.
DivingFreedivingSnorkeling

Site Ratings

Big Marine Life Fair
Macro Marine Life Very Good
Landscape Quality Good
Water Visibility Fair Viz

Plan Your Visit

shore divewreckbeginner friendlymacro photographycold waterkelp

Marine Life

CrabLobsterRed HakeCunnerPollockLongfin HakeSculpinSea RavensKelp

Things to Note

Difficulty:

All levels

Offers both easy beach entry for beginners and steeper, rocky access for experienced divers.

Hazards:
slippery rocksboat trafficfalling debris
Current Strength:

Variable

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