Welcome to the Salish Sea

Also known as the Emerald Sea it spans Southwestern, BC to Northwest Washington State. Part of the Pacific Ocean it’s filled with diverse life and fascinating geology. It is named for the indigenous Coast Salish people of the area. There are over 253 species of fish in the area, 37 species of mammals and 172 species of birds. It never fails to amaze after even the most uneventful dive. If you look close enough you’ll find something wonderful.

Dive our amazing Salish Sea from Powell River!

Being in Powell River and not diving is like being in an amusement park and not going on the rides! The PADI Open Water Diver course is the world’s most popular scuba course, and has introduced millions of people to the adventurous diving lifestyle. Salish Sea Dive offers the PADI Open Water Diver course. Many other PADI specialties are available as well!

The PADI Open Water Diver course consists of three components:

Knowledge Development: Online, at your convenience and in the comfort of your own home.

Confined Water Dives: Learn basic scuba skills.

Open Water Dives: Review your skills and explore!

PADI’s Open Water Diver materials cover what you need to know about basic scuba diving skills, terminology and safety procedures. For each concept you’ll read a description and watch a video demonstration. Then you’ll jump in and practice these skills with your instructor. Later, as a certified diver, use the course materials as a reference guide for future diving adventures and to review what you learned.

PADI Open Water Course

Millions of underwater explorers started right here. Scuba lessons unlock the door to new adventures and amazing animal encounters. By the end of your scuba certification course, you’ll see our ocean planet through new eyes.

PADI Advanced Course

The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver eLearning is designed to improve your underwater knowledge and skills. You can enroll immediately after earning your PADI Open Water Diver certification regardless of your skill level. The course helps you build confidence in navigation, fine-tune buoyancy skills and introduces you to different diving activities such as wreck diving, night diving or underwater imaging.

PADI Divemaster

There are many reasons to become a divemaster or scuba instructor: to work and travel, to share your love of the underwater world with others, or simply for the personal challenge. Along the way, you’ll meet other adventurers like you and work with experienced instructors who will help you find the job of your dreams.

Gary Lambeth

Gary is the one you’ll usually see when you come to the shop. He’s our instructor and service tech.

Anji Smith

Anji is the brains and beauty around here. She also happens to be an excellent divemaster and photographer!

Wes Turnbull

Wes is the world’s greatest divemaster! You can feel an added level of safety knowing he’s riding herd.

Helen Whitaker

Helen is an instructor and divemaster. she also runs our first aid courses!