Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Nova Scotia

The top 53 dive and snorkel sites in Nova Scotia, ranked by diver reviews, with maps and photos. Read the Nova Scotia guide

dive sites
53
dive shops
2
reviews
5
53 sites, ranked by diver reviews
No photos yet
1

Prospect - Indian Pt Rd Cove

4.0(2 reviews)Canada, Nova Scotia

The coastal trail going past the cove is a popular hiking trail and dog walking trail, so late spring, summer and into early fall parking can be tight if you aren't there early. The dive site is very shallow, so close to high tide is recommended to give an additionl few feet of depth. The flanks and sides of the outer shore and islands over really nice, rich kelp and seaweeds. The bottom is varied from cobble in close changing to gravel with some sand. Granite bedrock ont he cove flanks and surrounding ridges, shoals and little islands makes for rich marine life diving and good photo opportunities. Drive out to the community of Prospect along the Prospect Road from Halifax, turning left at the large sign directing one to the community. As you come down the last hill into the buildings of the community and can see the water, look for a small paved road on your right named "Indian Point Road". Turn in the road and park on the left side where signs direct. The dive site is a few hundred meters hike over the hill, onto a good coastal trail, down to the small cove.

BeginnerMax depth 9.8 ftShore entry
No photos yet
2

Cranberry cove

3.0(1 review)Canada, Nova Scotia

Lots of marine life in the summer, mostly lobster, soft coral and lucky tuna You could see Peggys cove light from a distance. there is 5 minute hike to the side. best dive time is high tide.

BeginnerMax depth 9.8 ftShore entry
No photos yet
3

Paddys Head

2.0(2 reviews)Canada, Nova Scotia

The site is contained by granite boulders and ridges to the right (norht) and by a long granite point jutting off the island to the left (south). This makes a very protected spot from east winds, and southly winds as well. The flanks of the granite ridges are cloaked in kelp and under story plants as well. The flats straight out have rich eel grass beds. This is a favourite check out spot for courses. Take the Paddys Head road off the Peggys Cove Road (Route 333), and drive to the little white bridge. Parking is on a crushed rock flat area to the left of the community mailboxes. The small sandy beach is just 10m from the vehicles. There is amble parking for 5 or 6 vehicles. Paddys Head is also known as St. Margerets Bay, Back Cove.

BeginnerMax depth 20 ftShore entry
No photos yet
4

The Muff

No reviews yetCanada, Nova Scotia

The Muff is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Canada, Nova Scotia which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

BeginnerMax depth 55.1 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
5

The Bluff

No reviews yetCanada, Nova Scotia

The dangerous animals are very big lobsters with claws sometimes as big as a man's hand!

IntermediateMax depth 89.9 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
6

Prudent

No reviews yetCanada, Nova Scotia

Next to Louisbourg

BeginnerMax depth 29.9 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
7

Neils Harbour

No reviews yetCanada, Nova Scotia

Neils Harbour is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Canada, Nova Scotia which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

BeginnerMax depth 33.5 ft
No photos yet
8

HMCS Saguenay

No reviews yetCanada, Nova Scotia

HMCS Saguenay is also known as D79.

IntermediateMax depth 89.9 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
9

Célèbre

No reviews yetCanada, Nova Scotia

Next to Louisbourg

BeginnerMax depth 20 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
10

Peach Passage

No reviews yetCanada, Nova Scotia

Peach Passage is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Canada, Nova Scotia which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

BeginnerMax depth 49.9 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
11

Evelyn

No reviews yetCanada, Nova Scotia

In front of Louisbourg

IntermediateMax depth 80.1 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
12

Anemones Alley

No reviews yetCanada, Nova Scotia

Anemones Alley is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Canada, Nova Scotia which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

IntermediateMax depth 60 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
13

Englishtown

No reviews yetCanada, Nova Scotia

Englishtown is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Canada, Nova Scotia which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

BeginnerMax depth 44.9 ftShore entry
No photos yet
14

Birchy Head

No reviews yetCanada, Nova Scotia

Sealife is visable until about 60ft, turns into a sandy bottom Peggys Cove below Halifax Nova Scotia

IntermediateMax depth 65.6 ftShore entry
No photos yet
15

Big Duck Island

No reviews yetCanada, Nova Scotia

Big Duck Island is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Canada, Nova Scotia which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

IntermediateMax depth 49.2 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
16

Bush Island

No reviews yetCanada, Nova Scotia

MARINE LIFE: KELP AND SEAGRASS, LOBSTER, MUSSELS, SCOLPIN, SKATE, FLUNDERS, ANEMONS

IntermediateMax depth 19.7 ftShore entry
No photos yet
17

Ovens point - Rose Bay

No reviews yetCanada, Nova Scotia

MARINE LIFE: LOBSTER, SKATES, KELP

BeginnerMax depth 23 ftShore entry
No photos yet
18

Parliament Rock

No reviews yetCanada, Nova Scotia

SLIPPERY (KELP) AND ROCKY ENTER. WRECK AT 23 MTR. S.S.PERRY. SUNK: 08/06/1915. 957 TONS, CARGO SHIP. Parliament Rock is also known as Chebucto Hear, SS Perry.

IntermediateMax depth 49.2 ftShore entry
No photos yet
19

Second Penninsula

No reviews yetCanada, Nova Scotia

MARINE LIFE: LOBSTER, ANEMONS, CRABS, SEA URCHINS, STARFISH, SKATES, SAND DOLLARS, SCOLPINS, KELP

BeginnerMax depth 32.8 ftShore or Boat entry
No photos yet
20

Hell Rackets

No reviews yetCanada, Nova Scotia

INTERRESTING ROCK FORMATIONS AND MARINE LIFE: LOBSTER, CRABS, SKATES, STAR FISH

BeginnerMax depth 23 ftBoat entry
Numbers match the ranked list of Nova Scotia dive and snorkel sites. Full map with key

Top dive shops in Nova Scotia

All 2

Nova Scotia diving guide

Ready to check out the best sites in Nova Scotia for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 53 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best dive and snorkel sites in Nova Scotia?

Based on Zentacle reviews, the top-rated sites in Nova Scotia are Prospect - Indian Pt Rd Cove (4.0 from 2 reviews), Cranberry cove (3.0 from 1 review) and Paddys Head (2.0 from 2 reviews).

Where is the best snorkeling for beginners in Nova Scotia?

The top-rated beginner sites are Prospect - Indian Pt Rd Cove (4.0 from 2 reviews), Cranberry cove (3.0 from 1 review) and Paddys Head (2.0 from 2 reviews).

Where can I shore dive in Nova Scotia?

Prospect - Indian Pt Rd Cove, Cranberry cove and Paddys Head are the top-rated sites you can enter from shore.

Are there dive shops in Nova Scotia?

Zentacle lists 2 dive shops in Nova Scotia. The top-rated are Torpedo Rays Scuba Adventures (4.8 from 48 reviews) and East Coast Scuba & Watersports (4.7 from 31 reviews).