Nanaimo and area boast two new artificial reefs. The first, sunk in February of 2005, is the 157' Tug "The Rivtow Lion" and in January of 2006 in Chemainus a Canadian Airlines 737.

The Rivtow Lion:

The Rivtow Lion is a 157' North Sea Rescue Tug built in 1940. The Rivtow lies in about 85 feet of water with the wheelhouse as shallow as 45 feet. She rests in a sheltered area of Departure Bay. We can dive this wreck in almost any weather due to its sheltered location.

Canadian Airlines 737 :

This Artificial Reef the first of its kind is named “Xihwu Reef” It is a Boeing 737-200 with a wingspan of 95' and an overall length of 100'.  It lies in about 95' of water and is set on pedestals about 15' high.  This results in the top of the aircraft being at 60' to 70'.

Photo 49^th Parallel Dive Charters

Photo Chilliwack Dive Academy

Photo Chilliwack Dive Academy

Photo Chilliwack Dive Academy

Photo Larry Virdell

Photo Terry Cuddeford