Nanaimo Dive Outfitters - Nanaimo, British Columbia

Angela P.

My husband and I dived with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters over the Labour Day long weekend. Prior to diving with them, we had less than 5 cold water dives and over 50 warm water dives. We rented the full dry suit package and 2 days of guided diving. Our gear worked as intended keeping us completely dry, and everyone at the dive shop was really helpful and friendly. Our experienced guides Chris and Carl (both ~800 dives) also helped us fine tune our weights and trim. We felt safe with both of them as they were very knowledgeable about the dive sites and knew where the cool critters were. Both of them also happened to be amazing underwater photographers in their free time. On day 1, we dived with Chris who gave us a great run down of Tyee Cove, helped us with fin tuning our gear and setting up. Chris took us to see Grandpa wolf eel and we were really surprised to see his young girlfriend too who came out to greet us and then got in trouble with grandpa. On day 2, we dived with Carl at Oak Leaf who found 6 octopuses for us! He knew all the dens like the back of his hand. Carl was really helpful and encouraging during our dives with him. Overall we had an absolutely amazing weekend and glad to explore our phenomenal underwater backyard here in BC! Looking forward to next time!

Scott J.

One of the best dives of my life was with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters on two dives lead by Carl. He was absolutely outstanding! Arrived early, totally prepared and helpful beyond measure. Carl had very good knowledge of recent conditions, tides and latest site intel. In one dive we were able to see six different Giant Pacific Octopus amongst many other species. Next time I dive I’m asking for Carl to lead the way!

Emilie H. F.

My two days diving with NDO just came to an end and I had the best time diving with Ingrid!! She gave me the time and patience I needed to get used to diving in cold water. I felt completely safe and well-guided underwater and she showed me so much amazing marine wildlife. It really was a pleasure diving with her! The shop itself is amazing and full of kind people who are always happy to help out and answer questions. I would travel to Canada again just to dive here & with NDO again. Money and time well spent!! 🙌🏼

Hayley B.

We had a great experience diving with NDO. Brenda in the shop is a wealth of knowledge of the tidal patterns, shore dives, wildlife and Vancouver Island in general.

We did a guided shore dive with Ingrid, who was very knowledgeable of the area, and did a boat dive with Chris who was a good captain getting us to the HMCS Saskatchewan and went out of his way to help us with a gear challenge. We will be coming back to them next time we're in the Nanaimo area!

Andy F.

I took my dry suit and nitrox courses with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters and also did four days of guided diving with Carl and I had the best experience I could have hoped for.

Carl was super knowledgeable about the local shore diving sites and was also able to provide me with a lot of additional information on getting the hang of dry suit diving.

Everyone I encountered at the dive shop and while diving was extremely friendly and accommodating.

I would highly recommend this dive shop for training or for the guided dives and I will definitely be coming back to check out some of the wreck dives with them in the Nanaimo area.

Maclean T.

I just got back from two fantastic dives with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters. My father and I are relatively new divers, and if there was ever a problem, our divemaster, Carl, was very helpful. We saw two octopuses, large schools of fish, and numerous nudibranchs. Fantastic experience.

Sam G.

DO NOT DIVE WITH THIS CLUB. This place is unprofessional, unaccommodating, and completely lacks integrity. If you expect respect, or even basic customer service — do NOT dive here. Go somewhere that values people and takes diving seriously.

I booked and paid for a refresher and dive course. I was upfront about having a weaker leg, but I’m healthy and medically cleared to dive. After needing a bit of help exiting the water, the instructor cut the dive short and refused to complete the course — simply because he “didn’t want to put in extra effort.”

Worse, they refused to fully refund me. I emailed and called daily — no response. I only got any traction after threatening to escalate to BC Consumer Protection. They ignored me until they were pressured.

Ian L.

Had 2 great dives with Carl and got to see octopus, nudibranchs, lingcod, jellyfish, and a surprise sea lion appearance! Definitely recommend diving with this shop and with Carl! Thank you guys!