Diving in Les Escoumins is considered by many divers to be a must for saltwater diving in Quebec. The fauna and flora, typical of the Côte-Nord, are rich and very diversified. A few hours drive from Quebec City, you will discover underwater Arctic flora and fauna such as you would find in Nunavut, Nunavik or the Northwest Territories. So why go anywhere else? It's warmer and more accessible to come to Les Escoumins! In addition, we provide you with everything you need to dive.
Attention, however: diving in Les Escoumins is done in cold water. The water temperature varies between 0 oC et 8 oC. Dans de bonnes conditions, la visibilité peut atteindre 50 pi (15 m).
The dives usually last about thirty minutes. Divers are most often dressed in a drysuit. Those who dive in a wetsuit use 14 mm thick clothing, with double thickness at the top of the body. The balaclava, boots and gloves are required.
The Bay of Anemones
Located in Anse-à-Robitaille, just outside the changing rooms, Baie des Anémones is the site furthest to the left. You must follow the landscaped path that leads to a rocky mound to access the water.
The site is in a calm bay facing north-east, mostly sheltered from waves (prevailing south-westerly winds) and currents. The rocky bottom covered with pink algae is densely populated with anemones and sea urchins.
A long mooring cable indicates the exit point. In order to protect it from winter ice, we made it stop at a depth of 5 m. It is therefore an excellent benchmark where to make your decompression stop.
The west cove
The west cove is located completely to the right at the bottom of the CDMM. A short walk over the rocks will take you to a cement staircase that enters the water.
A long mooring cable indicates the exit point. In order to protect it from winter ice, we made it stop at a depth of 5 m. It is therefore an excellent benchmark where to make your decompression stop.
The est cove
Just at the foot of the CDMM, walkways and wooden stairs will lead you to a cement staircase that enters the water. This site is quite busy. It is therefore necessary to be extra vigilant in order not to touch the bottom, already subject to a strong presence of divers.
A long mooring cable indicates the exit point. In order to protect it from winter ice, we made it stop at a depth of 5 m. It is therefore an excellent benchmark where to make your decompression stop.
