Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25126
COLD WATER + CANADIAN ECOLOGY = GREAT ILiTY. DO THE MATH. ~-- Iy, we're recommending the near-gelid waters encircling Vancouver Island , where chances are you just might spot a Pacific octopus. With an arm span of almost 20 feet and a body weighing more than a hundred pounds, this is the largest octopus anywhere in the world. Not to be outdone, the local lion's mane jellyfish is also the largest jellyfish in the world, nearly three feet in diameter and with tentacles several times that length. Then, just when you thought we were done with superlatives, here are two more: the local Tochni nudibranch is the largest nudibranch in the world, while the local sunflower starfish can have twenty or more arms and DIVE TRAVELER FACTS LEVEL: Advanced WATER CONDITIONS: Water temperatures range from the mid-40s to the low-50s year-round. You could heap on as much neoprene as money can buy, but you'd be far better off wearing a dry suit. If you don't know how to use one, then this is your opportunity to learn. Visibility ranges from 0 to 120 feet. LIFE ON LAND: Now that you've braved the cold, you may want to focus the rest of your energies on getting warm. Go hike the lush temperate rainforests that line the shores. Or book a room with a nice little fireplace. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Virtually none for Americans. Just have your passport on hand at the border. ENTRY POINT: Vancouver, Canada. CONTACTS: Try www.fishbc.com/adventure/scubadiving. or Ocean Centre, 800-414-2202, www.oceancentre-scuba-diving-snorkeling.com/index.htm , reach four feet across, making it the largest starfish in the Pacific Northwest. But why else are divers so willing to brave these inclement waters? Could it be the wolf eels, six-gill sharks, coral, sponges and enormous green anemones? Or is it the passing orcas and prides of cavorting sea lions? For dive sites, try the Queen Charlotte Strait, the Broken Group Islands in the Barkley Sound, or Nanaimo Island in the Strait of Georgia-these last two are also great for visiting wrecks. The hardiest divers are also welcome to continue their underwater adventures to the north, all the way to Alaska's Alexander Archipelago (that is, assuming they keep their laminated passports handy). the world to go for those heart-thudding, queasy- at me?" shark dives that are all the rage these white sharks. How about ragged-tooth sharks, sharks, blue sharks, mako sharks, hammerhead ... "'-.~--. whites, who like nothing more than a tasty little 60,000 cape fur seals at Gansbaai is an "all you can i llslni ~'a""ourld'ยท~in~:the Grji~! \"hil:eSlcoriletrom near and far to dine. Climb into the shark cage and waters waiting for the gush of adrenaline that acc:ornipaiiie!;;:t.hl! ~al)pearalhce of that infamous ~eat white silhouette. Keep all hands and to capacity with raggetl-tooth sharks (less-menacingly known creature so in~:~~,!~:~~~~.~~~~~head up the east coast to Aliwal Shoal and Raggies caves, a 'el sa~lo.,tlger sharks). Float amongst the packs of raggies and wonder why a in need of an orthodontist would float about with its mouth permanently agape. Try to visit during the August sardine run when you can see up to 60 raggies in a pack. If you head further up the coaSt and stop 230 miles north of Durban at Sodwana Bay, you'll find tropical marine life, more sharks, rays, dolphins, game fish and seriously big potato gtoupers.-Rotiert Longnecker PHOTOS (ClOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): MAD OOG EXPEDITIONS. MAD OOG EXPEDITIONS. CORSIS DIVE TRAVELER FACTS LEVELS: Intermediate to advanced. waters, rough waves and rlirl,eat'iM:,>', lI'I~'a;lk:':!':;-; encounters. WATER CONDITIONS: Gansbaai Shoal 60-72. Sodwana Bay 65-80. LIFE ON LAND: Rumors are that :tli(~~gaii.l~~;'j;:: parks are a gOOd place to see wildlife. of the South African waves are known to be sunable. Avoid at all costs playing a game called Splat. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Passport. ENTRY POINT: cape Town, South Africa. CONTACTS: South African TouriSt Board (East Coast 800-822-5368, West Coast 800-782- 9772). Mad Dog Expeditions, 212-744-6763 or www.maCi-dog.net. 55