Discover the portrait of our 1st diver in the Québec Underwater community: Steven Melanson – diving instructor since 2009. Having started his experience in the Dominican Republic until 2011, Steven became director-instructor at the Percé diving school since 2011.

I have developed a real passion for diving and I have at heart to share this passion with all those who want to discover the underwater wonders of our magnificent Gaspé coast.

Her catchphrase:

“Un party dans le pas creux !”

dit Steven, pour expliquer que l’on peut avoir accès à « bien du fun » sous l’eau sans besoin d’aller en profondeur !

What led you to become a diving instructor?

Diving became obvious to me after a momentous encounter with a couple of instructors in St. Thomas on a personal trip, I needed to change career paths to be more fulfilled. It was then that I realized that I wanted to dedicate my life to this fascinating activity. Otherwise since I was little, I practiced apnea in the lakes of the Laurentians, with my friends we had fun doing contests of the coldest handful of earth. But it was really during an introduction to scuba diving in Cuba that I understood that I wanted to be a complete diver and explore all marine environments.

This is how during my dives in Quebec, I finally found love for Percé, a region of Quebec that seduced me with its beauty and the richness of its seabed.

What do you think are the unique advantages of diving in Quebec? What makes this destination special for divers?

For me, the unique assets of diving in Quebec lie in its interactions with the seals. To be able to play with them, to observe them closely is an unforgettable experience. The underwater fauna and flora are also very rich and colorful, offering excellent visibility. Boat dives are easier and more pleasant, and depending on the season, we can see various species such as bluefin tuna, porpoises, penguins and even whales.

Tell us about your favorite dive sites in Quebec. What makes them so special? What types of marine life can you encounter there?

Among my favorite dive sites are Percé and Bonaventure Island. These places are real gems with their colonies of birds, which bring more nutrients and therefore more marine life. The rocks that stand out from the rocky cape also promote the multiplication of marine life and make it possible to create beautiful reserves.

What are the best times of the year to dive in Percé?

The best time of year to dive in Percé is September, when the water is clearest and the seals are more present. In June, there are more chances to encounter whales and penguins from the boat.

How do you guarantee the safety of your divers during expeditions? What security equipment and protocols do you put in place?

The safety of our divers is our top priority. Our center is a 5 star PADI and we work with the Rivers Coast Guard to ensure optimum safety. We have strict rules regarding air consumption, and every diver must return to the boat with at least 500 psi. In case of non-compliance with this rule, a fine of 25 dollars is invoiced to the diver and donated to the DAN foundation.

We also offer training for beginner divers, with a ratio of two divers per instructor, to ensure the best underwater experiences.

What is the feedback from divers who have already explored your sites?

Divers who have already explored our sites are unanimous: they are amazed by the topographic richness and the interactions with underwater life. Many say that it is an exceptional chance to live such an experience.

The final word ?

"Dive 10 hours away, it's not too bad to dive in paradise"

I want to encourage divers from all over the world to come to Quebec and live a unique diving experience. Diving 10 hours away may seem far away, but a real underwater paradise awaits you here. You can interact with seals, discover colorful flora and fauna, and be amazed by the beauty of our dive sites. Your trip to Quebec will undoubtedly remain a memorable one.

Many thanks to Steven Melanson for sharing his knowledge, passion and dedication to diving in Quebec. We hope this valuable contribution enriches the diving community and inspires new underwater explorations!