Cross Island - Nova Scotia

Cross Island isn't your typical colourful reef dive, and that's exactly why we love it. Out here on the exposed Atlantic coast, the wrecks are gnarly, broken, and utterly compelling. We’re talking about a graveyard of ships, really, especially the remains of the SS **Cape Breton**, a freighter that met its end here in 1957. Dropping down, the gloom feels… different. It's colder, darker, but incredibly atmospheric. The wreck itself is pretty mangled, split into sections, but that just adds to the sense of history. You push through the kelp, thick like a forest canopy, and suddenly you’re over these twisted metal plates and beams. Look closely and you’ll find wolfish lurking in the crevices, their grumpy faces peering out, and often schools of pollack swirling above the wreckage. The visibility can be hit or miss, but even on a murkier day, the sheer scale of the wreck, silhouetted against the emerald light filtering from above, is impressive. We'd suggest checking conditions carefully before heading out, as currents can be strong, and the exposed location means swells are often a factor. This one’s for divers who appreciate history, a bit of an adventure, and don't mind trading bright corals for a truly wild, rugged dive experience.

Location
Nova Scotia, Canada, North America
Coordinates
44.314445, -64.200554
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Grassy Island Nature Reserve

Best Time to Dive in Nova Scotia

The warmest water temperatures in Nova Scotia occur in August, averaging 17.1°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 1.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 3.3°C
  • February: 1.6°C
  • March: 1.3°C
  • April: 3.0°C
  • May: 6.6°C
  • June: 11.0°C
  • July: 15.9°C
  • August: 17.1°C
  • September: 16.0°C
  • October: 13.9°C
  • November: 10.4°C
  • December: 6.5°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Nova Scotia

Nearest Dive Centres to Cross Island

Marine Life in Nova Scotia

Home to 80 recorded species including 48 reef fish, 9 sharks & rays, 5 crabs & lobsters, 5 whales & dolphins, 4 other, 2 starfish.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Cross Island

Based on average water temperature of 8.9°C, currents 2 cm/s.

  • Drysuit - water at 9°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories