Cottam Point

Cottam Point is a shore dive site located at Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, accessed from the end of Sea Dog Road. The site features a large rocky reef composed of boulders, overhangs, and walls that drop to a maximum depth of 24 m (80 ft). The reef is divided into distinct sections: the east side presents a less dramatic profile, while the western side, near zoanthid-covered boulders, holds the densest concentration of life, and the area toward Mistaken Island is noted for swimming scallops, sea cucumbers, and nudibranchs.

The reef holds a rich mix of invertebrates and fish, including crimson anemones, zoanthids, numerous nudibranch species, chimney sponges, swimming scallops, and sea cucumbers covering the boulders. Fish life includes rockfish, copper rockfish, quillback rockfish, lingcod, and kelp greenlings, with octopus encountered occasionally. Steller's sea lions are also seen at the site.

Visibility ranges from 6 to 18 m (20 to 60 ft) depending on conditions. Currents are generally mild to moderate but can become unpredictable, with areas of strong downwelling and upwelling that become particularly challenging below 18 m (60 ft). The site is best suited to intermediate and advanced divers, and some familiarity with local conditions is advisable given the variable currents and exposed rocky shallows. Parking is limited at the end of Sea Dog Road, and there are no washroom or waste facilities on site.