Newfoundland and Labrador
Country Name: Canada
Province: Newfoundland and Labrador
Capital City: St. John’s
Population: Approximately 520,000 (2024 est.)
Official Language: English
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Time Zone: Newfoundland Time (NST), UTC -3:30
Diving Overview
Newfoundland and Labrador offers a unique diving experience with its rugged coastlines, dramatic underwater landscapes, and rich marine life. The cold waters around the province host shipwrecks, kelp forests, and an array of cold-water species, providing divers with a distinctive and memorable adventure.
- Number of Dive Sites: Over 50
- Types of Diving: Wreck, drift, wall, and kelp forest diving.
- Marine Biodiversity Highlights: Icebergs, shipwrecks, seals, cold-water fish, and unique marine flora.
- Average Water Temperatures: 4-10°C (39-50°F)
- Visibility Range: 5-15 meters (16-49 feet)
Important Information
Optimal Dive Seasons
The best diving conditions in Newfoundland and Labrador are typically from late summer to early fall, when water temperatures are slightly warmer and visibility is better.
Major Airports
St. John’s International Airport (St. John’s), Gander International Airport (Gander), Deer Lake Regional Airport (Deer Lake)
The Travel Tip
A 7mm wetsuit or drysuit is recommended for diving in Newfoundland and Labrador’s cold waters, especially for extended dives.
Weather Patterns
Newfoundland and Labrador has a temperate maritime climate with cold winters and mild summers. Coastal areas can experience sudden weather changes, so be prepared for varying conditions.
Internal Transportation
Transportation options include regional flights, ferries, buses, and car rentals, providing connectivity between major towns and cities.
Attractions
Major attractions include the historic town of St. John’s, Gros Morne National Park, the scenic fjords of Western Newfoundland, and the Iceberg Alley viewing spots.
Top Dive Regions
Newfoundland and Labrador offer unique and diverse diving experiences with its rugged coastline, cold-water environments, and fascinating underwater landscapes. St. John’s is renowned for its shipwrecks and the nearby marine life in the kelp forests. Gros Morne National Park features stunning underwater scenery and excellent visibility. Twillingate offers opportunities to dive among icebergs and explore unique marine habitats. Lastly, Fogo Island provides remarkable diving with its cold-water ecosystems and historical shipwrecks. These top dive regions showcase the diverse underwater experiences Newfoundland and Labrador have to offer, appealing to divers of all levels.
St. John’s
Known for its shipwrecks and kelp forests, offering exciting diving experiences with abundant marine life.
Gros Morne National Park
Features stunning underwater scenery and excellent visibility, making it a top dive site for its unique landscapes.
Twillingate
Offers diving among icebergs and unique marine habitats, providing a one-of-a-kind diving experience.
Fogo Island
Provides remarkable diving with its cold-water ecosystems and historical shipwrecks, offering a diverse underwater experience.
Marine Life
Newfoundland and Labrador offer diverse marine environments, characterized by cold-water ecosystems and rich underwater landscapes. The waters around St. John’s feature kelp forests and shipwrecks, where divers can encounter a variety of cold-water species. Common sightings include Atlantic cod, sea urchins, and various species of crabs. Gros Morne National Park provides opportunities to see unique marine life adapted to the park’s varied underwater terrains, including sea anemones, flounders, and other cold-water fish. Twillingate, known for its iceberg encounters, also offers sightings of species like Greenland sharks and Arctic char. Fogo Island’s waters are home to a range of species, such as Atlantic salmon and haddock. The nutrient-rich waters and dramatic underwater landscapes make Newfoundland and Labrador an intriguing destination for exploring marine biodiversity.
Common Species: Atlantic cod, sea urchins, crabs, flounders, Greenland sharks, Arctic char, Atlantic salmon, and haddock.
Seasonal Highlights: Icebergs are most commonly seen from May to July. The best time to spot certain species like Greenland sharks is during the colder months, particularly from November to March.
