Viz on Chaudiere compared with Saskatchewan Wreck

[jim T.]

How is the viz on the Chaudiere reef/wreck in Sechelt inlet compared with the Saskatchewan/Breton Georgia Strait wrecks? Is there a best annual time to choose the best viz? How does winter viz balance out with the chance of bad weather (I'd be traveling a fair ways at some expense...) so would like good viz. What's the average current speed going to be on that wreck seeing as it's near the narrows?

I am in the area on my own sailboat each summer though...

If I missed a thread somewhere, please give me a link?

Thanks! Jim T.

 

[JackConnick]

Hi Jim;

I've dove the Chaudierre twice, both times it was pretty "fuzzy". It unfortunately was put down in a less-than-optimum place that is pretty silty.

The wrecks in Nanaimo are in a much better place and have much more growth on them too.

Spring/Fall are always going to be better diving.

Jack

 

[nadwidny]

How is the viz on the Chaudiere reef/wreck in Sechelt inlet compared with the Saskatchewan/Breton Georgia Strait wrecks? Is there a best annual time to choose the best viz? How does winter viz balance out with the chance of bad weather (I'd be traveling a fair ways at some expense...) so would like good viz. What's the average current speed going to be on that wreck seeing as it's near the narrows?

Viz is always a hit and miss thing. Generally I've had better viz on the Chaud as opposed to the Saskatchewan but it can be really good or really crappy on either. I find the best chance for good viz in the late fall and winter.

Can't say I can ever ran into any current on the Chaud.

 

[jim T.]

Thanks Guys.

Appreciate the reports and the Fall and Spring advice! Winter I figured was good viz but nasty southeasters were likely.

 

[toodles]

Was on the Chaud all last weekend.........had 100+ feet of crystal clear viz.
Except for the first ten feet.

 

[jim T.]

Wow, glad you had such a great dive! Sounds like the viz (like most places) is kind of a crapshoot. It's always chancey when traveling, paying for ferries, charters, etc. so I appreciate hearing from divers who've experienced both extemes of viz. Maybe I can develop a "system" like in Las Vegas for picking the right day

 

[JackConnick]

The Chaud is pretty protected. I don't think it'd be all that bad in the winter. No current, that's sort of the problem with it. Glad to hear others have had some good dives, I never really did. The walls in Pender harbor were great though.

Jack

 

[jim T.]

Jack, which walls did you dive in Pender Harbour? I anchor there every summer at least a couple of times. Usually in Gerrans Bay if not Garden Bay. Did you use a local charter or your own boat?

I don't know if you've seen it, but a local diver put out a self published (only 100 copies) of a Pender Harbor, Francis Penninsula dive guide. The only place I saw it was in the little gift shop at Madeira Park, just around the corner from the IGA/liquor store strip mall. Kind of wish I'd bought one now...