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Diving in Quebec

Dive site characteristics

Types Conditions Interests Services Planning

Diving notes

Source: Pêches et Océan Canada -- Fisheries and Oceans Canada On the aerial photo, you can see the wharf of Percé. On the very left side, if you follow the beach, you will find the dive center (off picture). Behavior to have: respect the environment and the fauna. The picture on the left shows Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island. The picture on the right shows a side view of the Percé Rock from Surprise Hill (Côte Surprise). The dives are done from a boat (except otherwise). The water current is mild (except otherwise). Ask to local dive operators. The dives are done in sea water, watch your buoyancy. Raise the weight on your weight belt accordingly. A 7.5mm thick neoprene wet suit is mandatory. A dry suit may be more suitable depending of your comfort habits. Water temperature varies around 60°F but with underwater currents it may drop to around 48°F. For each day of diving, you will have to pay an access fee of about 3.50$ (price in 2001). Make representation to the authorities of the SEPAQ by asking them to install a dive permit with certification card inscription valuable for a year like the system put in place at Tobermory in the georgian bay in the Great Lakes. This way it would be more practicle for divers and dive operators. Otherwise, you need to have a permit each day. Imagine the time it takes each morning for a group of 20 divers! It is important to note that if you do your dive from the shore, a dive flag is mandatory. It is important to know that you may encounter lobsters which may have claws as large as a man’s hand...watch your fingers. Watch your buoyancy otherwise you may sting yourself on urchins. Seals on their side like sometimes to play with you... Take note that in case of emergency, the cell phone can be used on most of the dive sites, please ask and test (phone someone before diving).

Entry points

Note: directions are accurate as possible. It is recommended to go with someone who knows the site.

Site   Depth   Characteristics  TideWeather To display on Google map, click on .  1- Rocher Percé 30-70′  Be CAREFULL a dangerous dive for expert only. From shore, the distance to cross is quite important by foot. Taking into account the strong currents up to 5 to 7 knots, they can drift the diver within the ferry crossing line. This is a dive that should be done under the supervision of the Club Nautique. Rock base and hole. Watch for the high tide and waves backwash. At 70′ deep, an underwater lobster tank can be visited with authorization.  2- Cap Blanc 40′  From the shore the distance to cross is quite important, at the base of the white calcareous cliff whose summit is called Surprise Hill. At ~40’ deep the rest of shipwreck can be seen.  3- La Roche Carrée 30′  1st site while arriving on the island. The immense block of rock can be seen from the shore. In swallow waters. Many small grottos.  4- L'Anse du Bilbo 45′  Comment from Georges Mamelonet: the site is above all doubt the most accessible for elementary divers and for fauna and flora lovers. All kinds of sea animals can be found. The site is full of caverns which make a underwater garden. Absence of current and shallow water dive make the dive absolutely marvelous.  5- La Grotte 35′  Follow the corridor to get to the cave.  6- Le Mur Noir 70′  Along a cliff of the island. An anchor of ~7’ can be seen at the end of a chain over a distance of 170′ (be carefull the chain is many parts and you need to figure out the way it goes). Colony of seals. Marine currents sometimes.  7- L'Anse Chatouilleuse 80′  Just at the base of the cliffs where the Fous de Bassan are nesting. Blue Mussels et starfishes.  8- Le Tombant 60-120′  Shelf at ~60’ et bottom at 120′. Current of about 1-2 knots. Dive for intermediate level or more.  9- La Crevasse 45′  Vertical crack along the cliff down to 20′ deep. Strong current with waves backwash. Dive for intermediate level or more. Many corridors formed by massive rocks freed from the cliff. 10- Le Rocher aux Oies 70′  Located in the way of excursion boats. Need to be done early. Dive for intermediate level or more 11- Baie des Marigots 45-70′  Located uin a bay. Very diversified wildlife. Good visibility. 12- Bull's Cove ?  Informations to come. 13- La plage 10′  Informations to come.

Road directions

Approximative travel time : 10:00 - 12:00 hrs From Montreal, take highway 20 going East toward Quebec city. Follow up to Rivière-du-Loup where the road becomes road 132. Follow up to Ste-Flavie. From there, 2 routes are possible (take a look at the road map). You may follow the 132 by the North road along the St.Lawrence River up to Percé or follow the 132 by the South road along the Chaleurs Bay up to Percé.

Diver’s services

Services   Address        Phone        Description  Club nautique de Percé 199, Route 132, Percé 418 782-5403 air, rentals, charter

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