BALEINE

Best months: Aug–Oct

Protected Area

Cap La Ronde Nature Reserve

Why dive here

With 77+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and jellyfish lake - BALEINE offers some of Nova Scotia's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 1-17°C, warmest August, September, October.

Best timeAug–Oct

WetsuitA 7mm wetsuit with a hood

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Jellyfish Lake · 77+ species recorded

Water1-17°C · warmest August, September, October

CharacterWreck dive · max 18m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Baleine wreck, just off Nova Scotia's rugged coast, isn't your typical tropical jaunt, and that's exactly why we love it. This isn't about blinding sun and warm water, but rather the stark beauty of a historical trawler, swallowed by the cold Atlantic. We've spent a fair few hours nosing around her 18-meter depth, often finding ourselves alone with the resident wolfish and their grumpy stares. She’s a dangerous wreck, for sure, but that means a lot of her character remains intact. You'll find yourself gliding past collapsing deck structures, the ghostly shape of the bridge still discernible. The thrill here is in the exploration, in piecing together her past as you navigate around twisted metal and the occasional lost trawl net. Inside, the light filters down, playing tricks on your eyes, and that’s where the larger critters often hide. Look for the lobsters tucked into every available crevice, their antennae waving slowly in the gentle surge. Visibility can swing dramatically, from a murky ten feet to a respectable twenty, so pick a calm, sunny day if you can. It makes a world of difference. This isn’t a site for beginners; some solid cold-water experience and good buoyancy are a must to truly appreciate the Baleine.

Typical BALEINE Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Cold water this month (avg 15°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

Today06:1517:3011h 15m daylightGolden hour 16:50

BALEINE Wreck History

Year Sunk

1963

Vessel Type

fishing vessel

Cause

storm

Tonnage

255 GRT

The MV Baleine was a 255-ton steel fishing trawler that met its end in a fierce storm on March 25, 1963. While returning to port, the vessel was battered by hurricane-force winds and heavy seas, eventually succumbing to the elements and sinking near the notoriously rugged coastline of Scatarie Island. The tragic event underscored the unforgiving nature of the North Atlantic, a constant reality for the fishing fleets of Nova Scotia.

Today, the Baleine rests in just 18 meters of water, making it an accessible but challenging dive. Its classification as a 'dangerous wreck' is a testament to the strong currents and potential for entanglement that characterize the site. Divers who brave the conditions will find the scattered remains of the trawler, its metal plates and machinery now colonized by the vibrant marine life of the Atlantic. It serves as a somber memorial and an exciting exploration for experienced local divers.

Reviews for BALEINE

Conditions

Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BALEINE

BALEINE Ocean Conditions

Monthly averages for BALEINE, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (44.6, -63.5) (0km away)