Snorkel and Explore the waters around Vancouver
Our guided Vancouver snorkel tours are for those seeking adventure and fun off the beaten path. You’ll learn about and observe local wildlife up close as you’re guided through some of Canada’s most scenic waterways. Snorkel tours are run in either Howe Sound or Indian Arm and can be from shore or by boat. Our expert guides are familiar with the best snorkeling sites, and the wide array of animals that call them home.
Vancouver Snorkel Tours
Indian Arm Boat Snorkeling Tours
Snorkeling the Indian Arm:
The Indian Arm is a steep-sided glacial fjord in southwestern British Columbia. Formed during the last Ice Age, it extends due north from Burrard Inlet. Steps away from Vancouver, this rugged coastline boasts some of the best snorkeling in the area. Sheltered from large storms these waters are often calm and crystal clear during the winter making them ideal for exploring in the cooler months. Snorkeling from a boat allows us to explore areas not accessible by roads.
Vancouver Shore Snorkeling Tours
Snorkeling Vancouver from Shore:
There are lots of fun shore snorkeling sites all around the greater Vancouver Area. Even from shore, you can encounter and observe a wide array of marine life. The cooler winter months bring clear waters allowing snorkelers to peer further into the depths from the surface. Come explore the biodiversity accessible to snorkelers from the shores around Vancouver.
Howe Sound Boat Snorkeling Tours
Snorkeling Howe Sound:
Howe Sound near Vancouver is the southern most fjord in North America. Enveloped by towering peaks that rise directly from the sea, Howe Sound serves as Vancouver’s aquatic playground for snorkeling, freediving and scuba diving. Discover stunning marine life, sponge gardens, walls, reefs, pinnacles, rock overhangs, artificial reefs and ship wrecks. Whales, Sealions, Harbor Seals and even the occasional Orca can been seen
Learn About Local Vancouver Wildlife
During your Snorkeling adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the local environment and ecosystems. Observe and identify animals while snorkeling in the water and utilizes field guides and species I.D. books after exiting the water.
Expert guides will point out both large and small animals throughout your snorkeling trip. They’ll offer tips for identifying various species as well as how different seasons may affect what types of animals you’re likely to see.
We love cold water snorkeling!
Fall and winter might just be the best times to get in the water.
Cold water snorkeling around Vancouver in the cooler months is a great way to observe wildlife from the surface. Our cool waters start to clear up in the fall and continue with good visibility into later winter. Taking advantage of this period means you see further underwater, allowing you to see creatures you may have missed in the challenging visibility of summer.
Why join an Olivia’s Reef Snorkel Tour?
Explore unique snorkeling sites off the beaten path!
We believe in conservation, education and building community, and this is at the core of every tour, course and trip we run. Join us to learn about British Columbia’s incredible biodiversity in a fun and safe environment. Snorkeling around Vancouver requires additional considerations compared to tropical snorkeling. Learn how to stay safe and interact with marine life in a responsible and respectful manner.
Explore over 15 different shore snorkeling sites around Vancouver or join us on a boat snorkeling adventure in Howe Sound or Indian Arm. Our tours are sure to be a unique and memorable experience for everyone. Observe local wildlife and taking in the breathtaking scenery of British Columbia’s coastal waters with Olivia’s Reef Snorkel Tours.
Rental gear perfectly fitted for cold water snorkeling.
Be prepared to explore the cool crisp waters around Vancouver!
Having proper fitting equipment that is suited for cold water is important for staying safe and enjoying your time in the water. Our rental fleet of 7mm Bare wetsuits are made from high quality neoprene and with a full size run of suits flushing of cold water will be kept to a minimum. Here at Olivia’s Reef we believe it important for you to feel comfortable and confident in your rental gear, so you can focus on learning and exploring.
Vancouver Snorkel Tour Reviews:
New to snorkeling in Vancouver?
Sign up for one of our snorkeling courses!