Clark Rock is a natural rocky reef just outside Departure Bay, a boulder pile rising gradually from the sand. It is known for its wolf eels, often 6–10 on a dive, along with giant Pacific octopus and passing sea lions, and its moderate depths make it a good first look at Pacific Northwest marine life.
Also known as Clarke Rock.
Where it is and how deep
49.2253° N, 123.9415° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
Most dives start down the mooring line to a large concrete block on the bottom, and a line runs from there to the reef. The top of the reef starts shallow and steps down over boulders to its base on the sand at around 20–21 m (65–70 ft), depending on the tide; typical dives stay between 12 and 21 m (40–70 ft). Giant Pacific octopus hide in cracks and dens under the boulders, quillback, copper and the occasional tiger rockfish hold to the rock, and Steller and California sea lions often buzz divers in mid-water, especially in fall and winter. The site can see light flow on some days.
Marine life and season
- Octopus & cuttlefish
- Seals & sea lions
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prime | Prime | Prime | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime |
Season follows Nanaimo & Gabriola Island: Clearest water runs September to March; spring and summer blooms cloud the surface layer.
Dive videos
Clarke Rock, Nanaimo BC, Jul 2021 · Scubicon on YouTube
Sources
- Clark Rock dive charter — Nanaimo Dive Outfitters
- OpenStreetMap: Clarke Rock — OpenStreetMap
More dive sites in Nanaimo & Gabriola Island
Wall
A sheer anemone-covered face that drops away straight off the boat
Six decks of navy ship, the largest artificial reef in the Pacific Northwest
An upright navy destroyer escort reached from its mid-ship buoy
Wreck
A WWII tug in sheltered Departure Bay that newer divers can manage
A plumose-covered pinnacle rising from deep water beside the navy wrecks
Similar dives elsewhere
Reef
Norris Rocks
Comox Valley & Hornby Island · Canada
Sea lions sharing the reef with rockfish and huge lingcod
A rock just off Porthkerris beach, reached without a boat
A rock outcrop with a resident seal colony
Church stones in Cornish: rocks that have wrecked over a hundred ships