Vancouver Island 2026
July 12 to July 18
**Limited Last Minute Invitation - RSVPs close 6/19**
SUMMARY:
My dive buddy bugged me at the right moment, and the stars aligned for us to book a last minute week at my favourite dive lodge on Vancouver Island. Because so many of you have asked me for it, and I promised Bill I would, the least I can do is invite you to come along. So here is a rare last minute opportunity to visit the emerald waters of beautiful British Columbia. If you are looking for a unique adventure next month, I would love to share the magic with you!
Since we are close to the travel dates, we are doing this one a little differently. Traveling to the lodge has some complex logistics. Our vendors are all ready for us, but the number of attendees will determine things like how much nitrox we order, how big our coach needs to be, etc. Once I have a proper head count at the end of next week, I will customize everything to the size of our group.
Feel free to reach out to me at Tiffany@powerscuba.org if you have questions. I'll be happy to write or chat with you.
REQUIREMENTS:
– Advanced Open Water certification and skills if diving
– Nitrox certification if you want to order nitrox
– Current passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
TRAVEL:
Getting to the dive lodge is complex, but never fear. We have chartered coach transport for our group between our hotel in downtown Victoria to Port Alberni, and arranged the very scenic boat transfer between Port Alberni and Rendezvous Dive Adventures, which is only accessible by water. All you need to do is fly into YJJ Victoria Airport and meet us at Days Inn Victoria on the Harbor anytime on July 12th. We can meet up for an optional dinner at Red Fish Blue Fish. The coach will arrive to start our journey together by noon the next day.
People often choose to add a day or two on either end of the trip and explore on their own. Your half Canadian trip host has recommendations on things to do if you want them! Victoria tourism guides also have an abundance of activities. From high tea at the Fairmont, the Victoria Bug Zoo, world famous Butchart Gardens, or a road trip to more diving and wildlife by the Salish Sea, there is always more to discover.
HOTEL:
The first and last night of the trip requires an overnight stay in Victoria. Days Inn Victoria on the Harbour is well situated, walking distance to popular sights and restaurants in downtown Victoria. It can be reached by taxi, rideshare, or BC Transit public bus from YJJ Victoria International Airport.
DIVE LODGE:
Built directly into the side of a coastal mountain in Rainy Bay, Rendezvous Dive Adventures is tucked into an inlet on the western side of Vancouver Island. Owners and operators supercouple Peter Mieras and Kathy Johnson are phenomenal hosts I am grateful to call friends. When you round the corner on your sea approach, ushered by evergreen forests and bald eagles, you will immediately sense its magic. Watch the shoreline and you may see deer, seals, or black bears. If you are lucky, you may encounter humpback whales or orcas during your stay. Breakfast and dinner are provided at the lodge with lunches out on the boat. When not out diving, borrow a kayak for a wildlife excursion, relax in the hot tub on deck for sunset, edit photographs in the dedicated camera room, or enjoy some down time in our private rooms or the living room. Though it is off grid, the lodge is well equipped with its own air compressor, electricity, and water maker. Nitrox or oxygen can be ordered in advance upon request. Water conservation measures will be in effect during the summer.
DIVING:
Protection of outer islands and mild summer conditions bring exceptionally calm conditions for diving in Barkley Sound. It is not uncommon for the surface to be mirror flat. Unlike the east side of the island, timing for tides is not necessary. The Rendezvous dive boat will take us out to two dives each day, with a scenic lunch stop on board. Sometimes a salp layer sits near the surface, but the emerald green waters below are crystal clear. Bring your lights to peer into nooks for warbonnets or giant Pacific octopus. Rainbow nudibranchs stalk tall tube anemones, and fields of orange and white plumed anemones set the scene at many sites. Every inch of rock is covered in life. Bring your macro lens if you like, but you may find some nudibranchs won’t fit in frame. And always we will hope to meet the ever elusive sixgill shark. Spot the shiny copper colored ratfish that is their food, and perhaps they will be near. Depending on the distance of the first two dives, there can be the option of a third back at home base at the house reef, a treasure in its own right with many camouflaged creatures to find.
Drysuits are most common, but wetsuits are not out of the question. Bottom temperatures in the summer are typically in the mid 50s°F, not so different from here at home.
INCLUDED:
– First night double occupancy at Days Inn Victoria on the Harbor
– Coach charter transport from Victoria to Port Alberni
– Boat transport from Port Alberni to Rendezvous Dive Lodge
– 4 days and nights double occupancy accommodation at Rendezvous Dive Lodge
– Lunch on the boat, breakfast and dinner at home base
– 2 boat dives a day with an optional dive 3 on the house reef
– Air tanks and weights
– Dedicated camera room
– Hot tub
– Kayaks and wildlife watching from the private dock
– Boat transport from Rendezvous Dive Lodge to Port Alberni
– Coach charter transport from Port Alberni to Victoria
– Last night double occupancy at Days Inn Victoria on the Harbor
NOT INCLUDED:
– Flights between home and YJJ Victoria International Airport
– Taxi or rideshare between YJJ Victoria International Airport and Days Inn Victoria on the Harbor ~US$40 (or BC Transit bus ~$5)
– Meals on the transfer days in Victoria
– Optional Nitrox must be ordered in advance ~US$20/cylinder
– Dive gear rentals if not bringing your own
PRICE:
The current price of this trip is US$2152 per diver with the few of us already committed to going. While that is already good, the number can drop substantially if more people choose to join. Any reductions received will be distributed amongst trip attendees. The absolute maximum group size is 10 people for this trip. Non-divers are welcome at a slightly reduced rate.
