Pool snorkeling during an Intro to Snorkeling course.

Are you going on a tropical vacation and want to learn some snorkeling skills here in Vancouver before you depart? Curious about getting into the waters around British Columbia but aren’t sure where to start? This course is for you! You’ll gain first hand experience using basic snorkeling equipment as we practice finning techniques, breathing exercises, and safety procedures.

By enrolling in our Intro to Snorkeling Course, you’ll gain confidence in your ability to maneuver through the water, duck dive below the surface and how to properly fit, maintain and use basic snorkeling equipment. Our courses are run in the evenings during the week at local Vancouver swimming pools and include a 2 hour classroom session prior to entering the water.

Intro to Snorkeling pool session with Olivia's Reef Diving in Vancouver

We turned this into a 2 evening course so students get extra time to master skills. As trained and experienced freedivers we bring a healthy pool of knowledge to every snorkeling course we teach. Refinement of core snorkeling skills and a base knowledge of local tides, currents and sites will ensure cold water snorkeling can be a safe and exciting activity. Gain skills and knowledge from class sessions and one on one training from your instructor.

We want our snorkeling students to have the highest caliber training possible so they are able to rise to the unique challenges of entering large bodies of water. Build your confidence exploring in the cold waters of British Columbia’s Pacific Ocean.

Kelp forest Snorkeling day trip

Join Vancouver’s growing snorkeling community!

British Columbia has incredible bio-diversity in our marine ecosystems, snorkeling is a fantastic way to observe and appreciate this wildlife. As the snorkeling community is growing, we believe in ensuring our students are confident and properly prepared for exploring cold water. Our courses are designed so you can safely explore and share the underwater world with others. Through meetups, guided snorkel tours and weekend snorkel adventures, we’re aim to continue to refine their skills and witness the beauty of our coastal ecosystem in a safe and fun way.

Snorkeling Course Reviews:

Intro to Snorkeling course panel in Vancouver, BC.
Intro to Snorkeling course in Vancouver, BC.
  • Discuss recommended gear
  • learn about the physiology of snorkeling
  • Talk about safety procedures
  • Learn about local wildlife
Try Scuba Diving with a PADI Open Water Course in Vancouver with Olivia's Reef Diving
  • Try gear on and pick appropriate sizing
  • Learn about different gear options
  • Basic safety guidelines for being in and around the water.
  • Snorkeling and skin diving techniques including checking buoyancy, surface swimming, clearing water from your snorkel and performing effortless surface dives.
  • Course learning material (provided in class session)
  • All rental equipment provided (snorkel, mask, fins)
  • 2 x One hour pool session

Class sessions held at the UBC Aqua Society @ 6:00pm – 9:30pm

UBC Life Building
6138 Student Union Blvd.
Vancouver, BC
V6T 1Z1
Room 0022

Take your Advanced Open Water Course with Olivia's Reef Diving
Advanced Open Water Diver Course in Vancouver
How long does it take to complete the course?

Typically this course is run over 2 evenings (Tuesday and Wednesday). Meeting at 6:00pm followed by a pool session at 8:15-9:15pm.

What do I need to bring to the course?

It is recommended that you bring your own mask to get the most out of thise course, however we do provide all rental gear if needed. Bring a bathing suit, towel and water.

Why should I take my Snorkel Course with Olivia’s Reef?

Our goal is to help new snorkelers thrive!

Join Vancouver’s growing snorkeling community!

British Columbia has incredible bio-diversity in our marine ecosystems, snorkeling is a fantastic way to observe and appreciate this wildlife. As the snorkeling community is growing, we believe in ensuring our students are confident and properly prepared for exploring cold water. Our courses are designed so you can safely explore and share the underwater world with others. Through meetups, guided snorkel tours and weekend snorkel adventures, we’re aim to continue to refine their skills and witness the beauty of our coastal ecosystem in a safe and fun way.

Where does this course take place?

The course takes place in a class room in the UBC Life Building from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

6138 Student Union Blvd.
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
Room 0022

The Pool portion takes place at the UBC Aquatic Center just across the street from 8:15pm – 9:30pm

University of British Columbia
6121 University Blvd,
Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1

  • Be 10 years of age or older

Meet your instructor:

Olivia has a passion for the ocean, wildlife and its protection. She has been diving since 2022 and logged over 1100 dives in British Columbia’s waters. As an avid technical sidemount diver, Freediver, community volunteer and underwater photographer, she brings a healthy pool of knowledge to every course she teaches.

She is an enthusiastic underwater videographer and loves sharing all the amazing wildlife in our waters. Her underwater photography can be found on Instagram @olivias_reef