Hornby Island FAQs
Travel Info
Getting To Hornby Island
Hornby Island is located east of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada. It is accessed by ferry from Vancouver Island. You can also fly to nearby Comox Airport (YQQ) or arrive at Ford Cove by boat or by float plane.
If you're driving, carpooling is always a good idea. Share the driving and get to know your dive buddies a little better!
US guests - remember your passport :)
Arrival Time
Check in time is 3pm - 6pm. Dinner is served at 6pm. Early or late check in is possible, please contact us to make arrangements. We recommend the 12:45pm sailing from Tsawwassen or the 12:30pm sailing from Horseshoe Bay. This will put you at Hornby by 5pm. We love it if you call us from Buckley Bay to confirm your arrival time (250) 335-2807.
Ferries
Reservations and schedules are available online at www.bcferries.com or by calling 1-888-BCFERRY. You need a credit card to make a reservation. We highly recommend making a reservation if you are traveling during peak times (school or statutory holidays, Friday afternoon or Sunday afternoon).
Last Ferry
The last connecting ferry from Vancouver Island to Hornby is 6:00 pm (or 9:30 pm on Friday evenings). Take this into account when making your travel plans.
BC Ferries Experience Card - Save $$$
To save on travel costs, we highly recommend that you purchase a BC Ferries Experience Card. You can buy the card at Buckley Bay. You preload the card with credit, then the card is debited at a discounted rate. The remaining credit does not expire and can be used on most BC Ferries routes.
Driving Directions
1) Travel To Vancouver Island
Several ferry connections are available between Mainland BC and Vancouver Island. Most people come via Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay. We recommend using reservations where available. BC Ferries can be reached at 1-888-BCFERRY or at www.bcferries.com
2) Drive To Buckley Bay
Buckley Bay is 1 hour north of Nanaimo, 3 hours north of Victoria, or 30 minutes south of the Comox Valley. From the Highway 19 (Island Highway), take Exit 101 to Buckley Bay. A short connecting road brings you from the main highway directly to the ferry terminal.
Oceanside Route 19a (Old Island Highway) is an alternative that takes you along the waterfront, directly past the Buckley Bay ferry terminal. Allow extra time to enjoy this scenic route.
3) Ferry To Denman Island
A ten-minute ferry crossing from Buckley Bay brings you to Denman Island. A short drive across Denman brings you to Gravelly Bay. Just follow the signs and the traffic.
4) Ferry To Hornby Island
From Gravelly Bay, another ten-minute ferry ride brings you to Hornby. Follow Central Road to the four way stop at the Co-op grocery store (it's the only four way stop on the island…you can't miss it). Turn right and travel to Ford Cove. Our driveway is directly opposite the walkway to the marina, and is clearly marked.
What to Bring
Packing Notes For Diving
Please bring your full personal dive gear, including:
Log book & certification cards (including enriched air)
Drysuit or 7mm two-piece wetsuit, with hood & gloves
Buoyancy compensator device (BCD)
Dive computer
Regulator with pressure & depth gauges and an alternate second stage (octopus)
Spare parts kit
Dive light (it adds a lot to your diving experience by bringing out colour and allowing you to explore crevices and underhangs)
Tanks and weights are included with your charter. You are welcome to bring your own tanks and weights if you like. You only need to bring ONE tank because we come back to the lodge for fills between dives.
Nitrox and argon fills are available.
Rental equipment is available with prior arrangement.
Packing Notes For The Lodge
Please bring:
Layered clothing to adjust for changing coastal weather - be ready for sun or rain - any day!
Beach stuff, camera, binoculars.
'Slip-on' footwear. We request that you remove your outdoor shoes while in the lodge.
Something to wear in the sauna: a bathing suit, or robe.
Cash or cheques. Hornby Island Diving accepts credit cards but many other island businesses do not. Canadian currency is appreciated but US dollars are also accepted.
Pop, beer, wine, etc, if desired.
Out of consideration for our own pets, and for your fellow guests, please leave your pets at home.
Bedding and towels are provided.
How To Get The Most From Your Visit
Carpooling is highly recommended for travel to Hornby Island.
In the interests of conservation, we do not allow collecting of marine life.
Water conservation is important in every season, but especially in our dry summer and fall. We have never run out of water, but we like to be careful with what we have.
What to Expect
Sample Dive Schedule
Evening Of Arrival
Most groups arrive in time for dinner, which is served at 6pm (confirm this time with us or with your group leader). During dinner, we provide a group welcome and orientation. Then you can relax, or go for a shore night dive.
Full Dive Days
After breakfast, we head out for the first of two boat dives. We return to the lodge between dives, for lunch and to fill tanks. You can catch a quick nap or go for a walk before the second dive. Before dinner, we might go for a beach walk, a forest hike, or shopping. Each evening you can night dive from shore, relax in the sauna or the recreational areas (Hornby Island Diving is known for its fun and inclusive atmosphere).
Day Of Departure
Dive 1, return to lodge and pack your non-diving gear, have lunch.
Dive 2, return to lodge and finish packing. Most groups catch the 4 pm ferry off Hornby.
Sample Menu
Meals at Hornby Island Diving are consistently a highlight of our guests experience. All dishes are homemade using fresh ingredients. Coffee, tea, fruit juice, and snacks are provided.
Sample BreakfastFruit Salad, Granola, Yogurt
Freshly Baked Croissants
Scrambled Eggs and Bacon
Sample LunchRed Lentil Soup
Spanakopitas with Tzatsiki Sauce
Greek Salad
Lemon Bars
Sample DinnerHerb Roasted Chicken
Mixed Seasonal Vegetables
Baby Greens Salad
Steamed Rice
Chocolate Mousse with Whipped Cream
You are welcome to bring snack foods, soda, beer, wine, etc. There is refrigerator space available. There are two grocery stores and two liquor outlets on Hornby.
If you have food allergies or special dietary requirements, please notify us before your arrival.
Diving
When Is The Best Time To Come Diving?
We dive all year! Our favourite season is always the one we're in...
November to February - great visibility and sea lions
March - herring spawn, an incredible wildlife event
April to May - wonderful spring diving with baby jellies, nudibranchs, crabs, fish and more!
June, July, August - summer weather, schooling herring, octopus, wolf eels, sweet & easy diving
September to October - best visibility, a great time for wall dives
Will A Divemaster Dive With Me?
It depends on the group you will be diving with. If you have booked with a dive shop or club they will provide a divemaster. If you would like your own private divemaster/guide we are happy to provide one with advance notice. If you prefer not to dive with a divemaster you will not be required to.
How Cold Is Cold Water Diving? Will I Be Cold?
With proper equipment you will be comfortable. The standard is a 7mm two-piece wetsuit with hood and gloves, or a drysuit with hood and gloves. All dive shops in the area rent wetsuits. Some rent drysuits as well. An orientation is required for safe and proper use of a drysuit so a little more advance planning is required.
You will be pleased to know that Hornby is considered very 'warm' by Pacific Northwest standards. In addition, our dive sites are all very close to our lodge so we come back to shore to warm up between dives.
Do You Have Nitrox?
Yes, we fill nitrox (normally 32%) as well as argon and trimix.
Lodging
Can I Bring A Guest That Is Not A Diver?
Yes, non-divers are always welcome. They should find lots to do on Hornby, and are welcome to join us on the dive boat for sightseeing. We have a discounted rate for non-divers.
Can I Bring My Children With Me?
Yes, we enjoy having children as guests. Hornby is a wonderful place for children to explore nature and enjoy the outdoors. Because our guest lodge is a group space with shared common areas, we will match families with appropriate groups, for everyone's enjoyment. We have a discounted rate for children and we can provide childcare on request.
Can I Bring My Pet With Me?
No. We have our own pets: the famous Hornby Island Diving Ducks. Out of consideration to them, we ask that you leave your pets at home.
Rob & Amanda Zielinski
Owners/Operators
10795 Central Road
Hornby Island British Columbia, Canada V0R 1Z0
Tel & Fax (250) 335-2807
Email: info@hornbyislanddiving.com
Facebook: /hornbyislanddiving