Scuba dive, Snorkel, Kayak, Swim in Tobermory

Scuba Dive, Snorkel, Kayak, Swim in Tobermory

1. Scuba Dive, Snorkel, Kayak
2. Diving Sites In Tobermory Harbor
3. Swimming And Snorkeling
4. Swimming For Children In Tobermory

1. Scuba dive, Snorkel, Kayak

Scuba dive in Fathom Five National Marine Park, all divers MUST register at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre in the village before entering the water. Here you will get all details about diving in the Park and the surrounding areas. There is a Hyperbaric Chamber located at the Medical Facility on HWY 6. You will find 5 dive locations in the harbor itself. Diving commences from the last Friday in June to the end of Labour Day (first Monday in September) inclusive. Registered Divers can dive daily between 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Snorkelers do not require a dive permit but do need to stick to designated areas.

Learners and beginners can take lessons at one of the many diving shops in the village. Divers Den is one of the places to start. They have a beginners 4 hour explorer dive course for $185/-. It comprises of a 1hr in-class instruction of what to do or not, fitting for diving gear, a walk to the diving deck and 40 minutes of diving to explore the Tugs shipwrecks at a depth of 13 meters (40′).

For Snorkeling mask and Flippers, G + S Watersports in Tobermory rents and sells all the equipment needed and provides maps and literature on the sport.

Rent Kayaks at Tobermory Cruise Line on Bay Street. They have a direct-in-water kayak slip, no slip charge or portage required.

2. Diving Sites in Tobermory Harbor

1. Sweepstakes: A schooner, at a depth 30 meters (100′) lies in Big Tub Harbor and is one of the most popular wrecks in the park. Penetration of the wreck is not permitted. Suitable for Diving, Snorkeling and Kayaking.
2. City of Grand Rapids: A steamer, is besides the Sweepstakes in Big Tub Harbor. Suitable for Diving, Snorkeling and Kayaking.
3. Big-Tub Lighthouse Point: Lighthouse was built in 1885, diving depth of 23 meters (75′). An interesting wall dive of the submerged Niagara Escarpment. Look for numerous crayfish in crevices in the rock. For safety, contain diving to the area inside the restricted boating markers. Suitable for Diving and Kayaking.
4. The Anchor: Lies at a depth of 21 meters (70′). This large wooden-stocked iron anchor from an unknown vessel provides an interesting dive. You can approach the site by boat or by swimming from the “Gap” access area. It is recommended to stay close to shore and tow a dive flag. Please respect the rights of adjacent property owners. Suitable for Diving and Kayaking.
5. The Tugs: Consist of the wreckage of four small steam tugs at a depth of 13 meters (40′) and can be accessed from a wooden deck area in the NorthEast corner of Little Tub Harbor. A popular site for open water check-outs and those wanting to observe divers in action. Divers are requested to contain diving activities to the area inside the restricted boating buoys. Washrooms and limited parking available at the deck. Suitable for Diving, Snorkeling and Kayaking.

For experienced and advanced divers, the shipwreck “Arabia” is a must-see. It is a Barque that sank in 1884 off Echo island and diving has to be under the careful direction of a dive master.

3. Swimming and Snorkeling

Is fun at most of the coves along the hiking trails because of the clear water. People gather in droves at the Grotto to swim and snorkel.

4. Swimming for children in Tobermory

Singing Sands Beach is 6.2 miles (10 kms) south of Tobermory on Hwy 6, turn west on Dorcas Bay road. Paid parking $11.70 for 4 hours, vehicle specific (not transferable). Parks Canada Annual DISCOVERY Pass holders can display Pass and park for FREE. The water in this large natural sandy beach is shallow for at least 40 meters and thereafter with a very gentle gradient. It is ideal for small children to frolic in.

Picnic benches, flush toilets, change-rooms, a drinking-water fill station and boardwalk can be found here. This beach is dog-friendly. The dog has to be leashed at all times. You will find three trail loops (2 beach focused) for nature lovers. Singing Sands is part of a dark sky preserve and a popular place for star-gazing. Sunsets here are glorious!

Dunks Bay is 1.5 miles (2.5 km) by car from Tobermory. South on Hwy 6 and east on Dunks Bay road to a small parking lot. This is a small beach with very fine powdery white sand and private property (beaches) on both sides but a good swimming location. Keep an eye on children and non-swimmers. There is a pit toilet available here.

TIPS

• A good time to visit are the shoulder months of May, June, September and October when everything is still open but the crowds are way less.
• Book parking for the Grotto in advance as it gets full very quickly.
• Long weekends are heavily booked in advance, make sure you have everything covered.
• Do not forget to take with you your Parks Canada Annual DISCOVERY Pass if you have one.