The following post was submitted by @konrad

If you’re after a truly unique and magical experience look no further than Norris Rocks, a small islet or grouping of rocks off Hornby Island in the Strait of Georgia. The amazing thing about this site is the sea lion colony that you can interact with during the winter months.

Norris Rocks — Hornby Island: Things to see

This dive is all about visiting the winter colony of Sea lions. Depending how early you go in the season you will see a different number of sea lions, apparently more come later and later into the winter. By late November there were plenty for us to see. The sea lions can get very physical and bite wetsuites, fins, cameras; they are simply curious and this is their way of feeling the world. Several of us free divers got bit but no one reported any extreme pain. At any point in time you feel overwhelmed simple withdraw your arms and legs towards your torso, as if to hide them; they seem to respond to this technique and understand you are being more defensive. The staff at Hornby Island diving can brief you on how to interact with the sea lions.

Norris Rocks — Hornby Island: Best diving conditions

Norris rocks is a shallow boat dive. At any point in the tide, your maximum depth only needs to be about 15 meters, but will usually be closer to 8 meters. The beauty of this dive site is that the wildlife you wish to see will come to you! Snorkelers can even enjoy this site to it’s near full potential. The sea lions have varying personalities and some days they are more curious and playful than others. Out of two dives, our first day the sea lions were much more reserved and in smaller numbers but still came close enough to touch. The second day the sea lions were out in huge numbers and were bolder. Several freedivers had their wetsuites and cameras nibbled on.

Hornby Island: How to get there From downtown Vancouver

Take Hwy 99 through Stanley park and make your way onto to Hwy 1 to reach the Horseshoe bay ferry. Take the 1h 45 minute Nanaimo ferry to get to Vancouver island. Once you arrive in Nanaimo, make your way onto Hwy 19 and drive 85KM to Buckley bay (look for signs). Board the Buckley Bay – Denman Island ferry which is a short 10 minute sailing and follow Denman road, which turns into E Road on the east side of the island; look for ferry signs. your last ferry is Denman island to Hornby Island, which is again a 10 minute ferry. Once you arrive follow Shingle Spit road, to Central road, which continues south after a right turn at a 4 way stop. This will take you to Ford’s Cove Marina, which is the nearest marina to Norris rocks and where expeditions to Norris rocks can be made. Hornby Island diving have amazing accomdations but you may be able to find your own. Hornby Island diving also does boat charters to Norris Rocks.