God’s Pocket off North Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Greeted with chilly water temps (around 45 F), but clarity and visibility made of dreams, God’s Pocket was a dive destination so remarkable, it’s already time to head back. Most diving takes place in nearby Browning Pass, an area rated by the late underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau as one of the best cold water diving destinations in the world. Conditions can be difficult however, due to currents, so all divers should be experienced and well-equipped. Because most diving is done from a boat, going with a trusted operated who knows conditions and how they affect diving is best. This undeveloped park is comprised of a group of islands at the entrance to Queen Charlotte Strait, including Hurst (where the resort is based), Bell, Boyle, Crane Islands, and numerous smaller islets. Because of the nutrient rich waters due to the currents, the wildlife we saw included white-sided dolphins, sea otters, sea lions, bald-eagles, black rockfish, hooded nudibranchs, soft corals (not just for the tropics!), sunflower stars, basket stars, various nudibranchs and more.

April 2023