Features
About this place
Off the left side of the breakwater in Victoria lies a kelp forest full of life with enough happening at the surface to keep you interested snorkeling and more to discover deeper for those who freedive.
Accessible from downtown Victoria, The Breakwater at Ogden Point makes a fun, easy-access shore-dive. I've been freediving here a couple times now and have loved it each time. You can access the granite stepping blocks by a staircase on the left side (if you're facing the water) of The Breakwater. Walk out along the granite blocks until you start to see the bull kelp floating at the surface, put on the rest of your gear and be mindful of the gooseneck barnacles when getting in. The life in and around the kelp forests includes kelp crab, perch, rock fish, greenling, wolf eels, giant pacific octopus, harbour seals and more. The usually good visibility means you can see a lot of this by snorkel-only if you are not freedive certified.
The good visibility and amount of life makes this a great spot for underwater photography!
Average water temp: 10 C (50 F). Bull kelp grows spring - fall, dying off in the winter.