Explore Kelp Forests around Victoria
Our Kelp Forest Snorkeling Tour allows you to explore and observe up close the wildlife that calls in home. Kelp forests around Victoria are vital to the thriving ecosystem, come experience these habitats that are teeming with various species large and small.
Snorkeling in Kelp Forests
Explore the scenic waters of Vancouver Island.
Experience the magic of British Columbia snorkeling on this unique day trip Vancouver Island. Explore the shore line, swim through kelp forests on the surface and underwater with breath hold dives. Snorkeling provides the chance to observe wild life up close and personal, giving you a breath-taking glimpse of the complex ecosystem of the Pacific coast. Peer below the waves as schools of rock fish swim by, kelp crabs cling to the kelp sways in the waves.
This is a no harvesting trip, we take only pictures!
Learn About Local Wildlife
During your Snorkeling Safari, 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 Safari. 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.
What makes Kelp Forests so Special?
Kelp forests in Canada, particularly in British Columbia, are rich ecosystems that provide habitat for diverse marine life, including sea otters, seals, various fish species and a wide variety of invertebrates. Some species aggregate and spawn in kelp forests or utilize these areas as juvenile nursery habitat, while seabirds and marine mammals like sea lions and sea otters use them as shelter from predators and storms. These underwater forests thrive in cold, nutrient-rich waters and can grow rapidly, with some kelp species reaching lengths of up to 45 meters and growing as much as 45 centimeters per day under ideal conditions.
Kelp Forest Snorkeling Tour Itinerary:
Victoria Day Trip
- 6:15am Meet in Downtown Vancouver
- Please arrive as early as possible to start loading the van.
- 6:30 leave for the ferry terminal
- 8:00am Catch Tsawwassen Ferry to Victoria
- Ferry docks in Swartz bay at 10:00am
- Head to a coffee shop for warm drink and snack
- 11:30am Kelp Forest Snorkel Tour
- Snorkel site and safety briefing
- Explore the kelp forest and shorelines
- 3:00pm Pack up gear
- Catch the 4:30 ferry back to Vancouver
Whats Included with Your Kelp Forest Snorkeling Tour:
- A Padi Dive Master or Instructor to assist you with gear and brief the snorkel site
- Guided Snorkel Tour. Sites are picked based on conditions and experience levels
- Hot coffee, tea, hot chocolate or soup during our surface interval.
- Transportation from downtown Vancouver to Victoria. Ferry fees included.
- All rental equipment. (7mm wetsuit, hood, gloves, boots, fins, mask, snorkel, weight belt)
What makes cold water snorkeling so special?
Challenge yourself with fun and adventure!
The tropics likely come to mind when you think about snorkeling however, right here in British Columbia you can find rich underwater ecosystems and a staggering diversity of marine life! The mixture of nutrients from deep currents and mountain runoff make the waters off the mainland and Vancouver Island teeming with life and biodiversity. Every day in the ocean is different, exploring the emerald waters can lead to some incredible and life changes encounters that you’ll remember for years. From large marine mammals like Harbour Seals and Sealions, massive schools of fish like Herring and Rockfish to small invertebrates like nudibranchs, crabs and shrimp, the coastal waters of British Columbia are alive with vibrant colors, reefs, bays and kelp forest.
Why join an Olivia’s Reef Kelp Forest Snorkel Tour?
We are passionate about the oceans and conservation.
We volunteer with local conservation efforts including; Rockfish Counts, Lingcod Egg Mass Survey, Sponge Reef Monitoring and interpretive programs, so we have an intimate understanding of the marine environment. Awareness and conservation are at the core of every course, trip, and guided tour that we run, so you’ll have an afternoon packed with informative facts about our local wildlife.
During your Kelp Forest Snorkeling Tour, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the local environment and ecosystems and observe and identify animals throughout your experience. Expert guides will point out both large and small animals throughout your and 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.
Kelp Forest Snorkeling Tour Cost: $195
Join us for fun and exploration!
Trip Requirements:
Beginner & Freediver friendly!
- 8 years of age or older
- Comfortable in water and in good health
- Respect the wildlife and follow our no take policy
- respect wildlife
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