Cloud Nine

Cloud Nine was an exploratory dive that made the recommended list.

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Near the entrance of Bute Inlet, this sheer wall drops to an impressive depth of 80m/260ft. The glacial runoff from Bute Inlet causes an interesting and healthy marine ecosystem on this particular section of the shoreline. In the area surrounding Cloud Nine, we found bare walls with little to no marine life. As soon as we jumped in the water at Cloud Nine, we knew this was something different.

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The topography at Cloud Nine is nothing short of impressive. Sheer walls, overhangs, and rubble piles make the topography incredibly diverse and captivating. 

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For the best experience, enter at the white spot on the wall just above the waterline. 

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From the surface to 20m/65ft, white plumose anemones cover the wall interwoven with other filter feeders like orange finger sponges and acorn barnacles.

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From 20m/65ft to 30m/100ft, sharp-lipped boot sponges line the wall in spectacular numbers. Decorated warbonnets, sculpins, and crustaceans find refuge inside the sponges.

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Giant Pacific Octopus can be found in the cracks and crevices of the wall. On one dive at Cloud Nine, we found four walking about on the wall.

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The best feature of the dive site starts at 30m/100ft. Walls of cloud sponges begin, and become larger and more impressive the deeper you go. Some are so substantial, they dwarf our divers.

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When planned properly with slack currents, the site is easily managed, although one may find opposing currents due to the curves and features on the wall.