Tuwanek Dive Site – Did you see Shrek?

The Tuwanek dive site is in the peaceful cottage community of Tuwanek on the eastern side of Sechelt Inlet, near Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia.

In addition to a number of great Sunshine Coast dive sites, Tuwanek offers a relaxing ocean front cottage/vacation area and some great sight-seeing, ocean kayaking, and hiking in the summer, and snow shoeing, cross country skiing and other outdoor recreational activities in the winter.

And of course, terrific year-round scuba diving!

This Tuwanek dive site is actually two great shore dives, with loads of marine life, easy access, great visibility, and challenges for all levels of divers.

It is referred to as Tuwanek Spit by the locals, and as long as you are respectful of their neighborhood, they are very welcoming to divers.

A fresh water creek empties into the area so at times you may have cooler, fresh water at the surface. But once you pass through this, you will usually have cool, clear water for your dives.

Maybe you would like to try Sechelt Dive Lessons - a Discover Scuba Diving course, or take your PADI Open Water, Advanced Diver, Drysuit, or Enriched Air certification while in the Sechelt area, or need a divemaster to show you the best Tuwanek Dive locations...

Diving at Tuwanek Spit

It is best to surface swim out to the sites so ensure you bring your snorkel to conserve your air.

The Tuwanek dive site is a sheltered cove with no significant currents to worry about. It is a boating area though so watch out for boats and consider bringing a dive float/buoy if you have one.

The visibility is generally very good here, with sunlight reaching as far down as 80 feet.

As mentioned in a recent dive review from one of our viewers, it is "like diving in a tropical fish tank with so much colorful marine life around."

The islet to the right has an easy to follow bottom with gentle slopes, anemones and sponges.

You may also find giant ling cod, octopus, wolf eels, varieties of nudibranch, schools of rockfish and perch, tube squirts, starfish and more.

This is the easier of the dives and is often used as a training ground for beginners. It bottoms out at around 70 feet and the wall isn’t very steep.

The wall on the islet to the left is a little steeper and is better viewed by advance divers. While there is loads of life around the 80 foot level, it bottoms out at around 120 feet.

In addition to all the marine life, octopus and wolf eels, you may also be visited by one of the local seals, and you might even come across an underwater Ogre named Shrek?

We couldn't find him, so if you have a better picture of Tuwanek Shrek, please send it in.

Lots of groups, such as the Sunshine Coast Dive Club, also meet often at dive Tuwanek for regular shore and night dives.

Tuwanek, British Columbia is a quiet community and we ask that you please respect their area by keeping it clean (there is a bear-proof garbage can there) and quiet. There is also a portable washroom facility there now.

Parking is available right near the Tuwanek dive site or further down the road.

Where to stay at Tuwanek Spit

This Tuwanek dive - waterfront rental suite, which is right on the waterfront, has a boat dock, is just steps (or an easy surface swim) away from the dive site, and can easily fit up to 4 divers.

The views and the hot tub on the deck are a huge hit too!

You can view their Tuwanek Suite brochure here.

It is so close to the Tuwanek dive site that you can see the divers and the islets from the deck (above) while you are out enjoying the hot tub after your dives.

When you call the owner, Bob to book, either ask for CoolDives pricing or complete and submit the form below and he will be in touch.

or...

This very nice, two bedroom Tuwanek cabin.

Also just minutes away, it is a great get-away location for your Sunshine Coast dive destination.

With all the features of home, this upgraded cabin is owned by an avid diver/dive instructor and has lots of bonus options for divers and others as well.

Package deals for dive lessons on the Sunshine Coast, divemaster services, accommodation and rental gear are also available.

Mention Cooldives to get their best pricing when you book.

Follow the links above for more details.

As you can see, Tuwanek is very central to many great Sunshine Coast dive sites.

And if you need to arrange for rental gear or air refills, contact us and we can help arrange that too.

Getting toThe Tuwanek Spit Dive Site

Look for the signs and take the Sunshine Coast ferry from the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal in West Vancouver to the Langdale terminal. It takes about 40 minutes and is a very nice ride.

As you exit the ferry, follow the signs to Sechelt which is about 20km from Langdale on Highway 101.

Once you reach Sechelt, head north on Wharf Road or Xenichen. Turn right on East Porpoise Road, which becomes Sechelt Inlet Road. Travel around 10km and you will see the beach and parking area of Tuwanek Spit. As mentioned above, find a good parking spot near the beach or on the road.

You may want to stop in Sechelt to get your food/drinks, etc., as there isn't much available in the community of Tuwanek.

When you are ready to head back, you should note that it is first-come, first-served at the Langdale ferry terminal, and you don't have to pay again as your initial fee at Horseshoe Bay includes your return trip.

Scuba Dive Tip:Your time is incredibly valuable, especially when you are trying to get to a pre-arranged dive departure.

BC Ferries regularly has sailing waits of one hour or more, depending on the season and time of day.

You can either take this possible delay into account, or for a fee of CDN $17.50, you can reserve your spot on the ferry.

Enjoy your Tuwanek Dives.


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