Nova Scotia Marine Wildlife & Ocean Activities
NOVA SCOTIA MARINE ENVIRONMENT:
• Coastline: 13,300km of Atlantic coastline and tidal waters
• Marine Biodiversity: 500+ fish species, 30+ marine mammals
• Ocean Temperature: 8-18°C surface temperature range
• Tidal Range: Up to 16 meters in Bay of Fundy
• Protected Areas: 5 marine protected areas and reserves
• Ocean Activities: Kayaking, diving, surfing, wildlife watching
• Best Season: May-October for marine activities and wildlife
Marine Mammals
WHALES IN NOVA SCOTIA WATERS:
• Humpback Whales: 12-16m, acrobatic behavior, common July-October
• Minke Whales: 8-10m, most frequently seen species
• Fin Whales: 18-20m, second largest whale species
• Pilot Whales: 4-6m, travel in large social pods
• North Atlantic Right Whales: Critically endangered, 340 remaining
• Blue Whales: Rare sightings, world's largest animals
• Sperm Whales: Deep water species, occasional sightings
• Best Viewing: Bay of Fundy, Brier Island area
SEALS AND PINNIPEDS:
• Harbor Seals: Most common, year-round residents
• Grey Seals: Larger species, breed on Sable Island
• Hooded Seals: Arctic visitors, winter appearances
• Ringed Seals: Rare Arctic stragglers
• Viewing Locations: Rocky shores, harbor areas
• Best Times: Low tide when seals haul out
• Behavior: Curious but maintain respectful distance
• Photography: Telephoto lens recommended
Sea Kayaking
KAYAKING LOCATIONS:
• Halifax Harbour: Urban kayaking, beginner-friendly
• Peggy's Cove: Scenic granite coastline paddling
• Mahone Bay: Sheltered waters, numerous islands
• Bras d'Or Lakes: Saltwater lake system, calm conditions
• Eastern Shore: 100 Wild Islands, experienced paddlers
• Kejimkujik Seaside: Protected coastline, diverse wildlife
• Chester Area: Island hopping opportunities
KAYAK RENTAL AND TOURS:
• East Coast Outfitters: Halifax area rentals and tours
• Coastal Adventures: Multi-day kayak expeditions
• Murphy's Cable Wharf: Halifax harbor tours
• Rates: $60-80 CAD per day rental, $75-150 CAD guided tours
• Equipment: Kayak, paddle, PFD, safety gear included
• Experience Levels: Beginner to advanced options
Scuba Diving
NOVA SCOTIA DIVING:
• Water Temperature: 8-18°C, wetsuit or drysuit required
• Visibility: 5-20 meters depending on location and season
• Dive Season: May-October optimal, year-round possible
• Certification: PADI/NAUI certification required
• Marine Life: Lobsters, scallops, various fish species
• Wrecks: Historic shipwrecks including Titanic survivors
• Dive Shops: Multiple PADI centers in Halifax area
• Equipment: Full gear rental available
TOP DIVING LOCATIONS:
• The Ledges: Sambro area, abundant marine life
• Chebucto Head: Advanced diving, strong currents
• Portuguese Cove: Shore diving, beginner-friendly
• Lunenburg Area: Historic wrecks, good visibility
• Cape Breton: Clear waters, diverse marine life
• Wreck Diving: Several historic shipwrecks available
Surfing
SURFING IN NOVA SCOTIA:
• Surf Season: September-May, winter best for waves
• Water Temperature: 4-16°C, full wetsuit essential
• Wave Height: 1-4 meters typical, storm swells larger
• Best Breaks: Lawrencetown Beach, Long Beach
• Surf Schools: Professional instruction available
• Equipment Rental: Boards and wetsuits available
• Competitions: Annual surf contests at main breaks
• Surf Culture: Growing East Coast surf community
TOP SURF SPOTS:
• Lawrencetown Beach: Most popular, consistent waves
• Long Beach: Cape Breton, powerful winter swells
• Martinique Beach: Exposed Atlantic swells
• Singing Sands: Good for beginners when small
• Point Michaud: Cape Breton, advanced surfers
• Cow Bay: Halifax area, convenient access
Marine Birds
SEABIRDS AND SHOREBIRDS:
• Northern Gannets: Large seabirds, spectacular diving
• Atlantic Puffins: Seasonal visitors, offshore islands
• Cormorants: Common, excellent fishing birds
• Great Blue Herons: Tall wading birds, patient hunters
• Ospreys: Fish eagles, dramatic fishing behavior
• Various Gulls: Herring, ring-billed, great black-backed
• Sandpipers: Shorebirds, massive Bay of Fundy flocks
• Storm Petrels: Ocean specialists, rarely seen from shore
Tidal Pool Exploration
TIDAL POOL LOCATIONS:
• Crystal Crescent Beach: Accessible rocky pools
• Duncan's Cove: Diverse intertidal life
• Peggys Cove: Granite pools with marine life
• Chebucto Head: Advanced exploration
• Long Beach: Cape Breton tidal zones
• Best Times: Low tide, 2 hours either side
• Safety: Wear non-slip shoes, watch for waves
TIDAL POOL LIFE:
• Sea Anemones: Colorful, tentacled creatures
• Sea Stars: Various species and colors
• Periwinkles: Small spiral-shelled snails
• Barnacles: Filter-feeding crustaceans
• Small Fish: Sculpins, gobies in pools
• Crabs: Green crabs, hermit crabs
• Seaweed: Various species adapted to intertidal zone
Marine Conservation
PROTECTED MARINE AREAS:
• Sable Island: Protected seabird and seal habitat
• Kejimkujik Seaside: Marine component of national park
• Musquash Estuary: Important bird and fish habitat
• Liscomb Game Sanctuary: Protected coastal waters
• The Gully: Deep-sea marine protected area
• Conservation Efforts: Habitat protection, species recovery
• Research Programs: Ongoing marine research projects
• Volunteer Opportunities: Beach cleanups, monitoring
Fishing and Shellfish
RECREATIONAL MARINE FISHING:
• Species: Cod, haddock, mackerel, striped bass
• Licenses: Not required for saltwater fishing
• Regulations: Size limits, bag limits apply
• Shore Fishing: Popular from rocky shores and wharfs
• Charter Boats: Professional fishing excursions
• Best Times: Early morning, evening, incoming tide
• Equipment: Rod, reel, tackle, bait
SHELLFISH HARVESTING:
• Lobster: Requires special license and traps
• Clams: Recreational digging allowed with limits
• Mussels: Blue mussels abundant on rocky shores
• Scallops: Limited recreational harvesting
• Regulations: Check current closures and limits
• Safety: Monitor biotoxin warnings
Marine Tour Operators
SPECIALIZED MARINE TOURS:
• Murphy's Cable Wharf: Harbor and whale tours
• Ocean Explorations: Zodiac marine wildlife tours
• Ambassatours: Sightseeing and marine tours
• East Coast Outfitters: Kayak and marine adventures
• Coastal Adventures: Multi-day marine expeditions
• Rates: $45-150 CAD depending on tour length
• Season: May-October for most operators
• Group Bookings: Special rates for large groups
Ocean Safety
MARINE SAFETY ESSENTIALS:
• Cold Water: Hypothermia risk year-round
• Tides: Extreme tidal ranges, know tide times
• Weather: Maritime weather changes rapidly
• Life Jackets: Required by law in small boats
• Communications: VHF radio, cell phone in waterproof case
• Float Plan: Inform others of marine activity plans
• Emergency: Coast Guard 911 or Channel 16 VHF
Marine Research and Education
MARINE SCIENCE OPPORTUNITIES:
• Bedford Institute of Oceanography: World-class research
• Dalhousie University: Marine biology programs
• Marine Museum: Educational exhibits and programs
• Citizen Science: Marine monitoring opportunities
• Research Cruises: Some public participation programs
• Educational Tours: Learn about marine ecosystems
• Internships: Marine research opportunities
• Conferences: Annual marine science meetings
Underwater Photography
MARINE PHOTOGRAPHY:
• Equipment: Underwater housing essential
• Lighting: Strobes needed for color underwater
• Subjects: Marine life, shipwrecks, underwater landscapes
• Techniques: Get close, use natural light near surface
• Ethics: Don't disturb marine life for photos
• Courses: Underwater photography workshops available
• Competitions: Annual underwater photo contests
Seasonal Marine Activities
SEASONAL MARINE CALENDAR:
• Spring: Whale migration begins, seabird nesting
• Early Summer: Optimal kayaking, marine tours begin
• Mid-Summer: Peak whale watching, warmest water
• Late Summer: Best diving visibility, marine life active
• Fall: Excellent surfing, dramatic marine weather
• Winter: Storm watching, winter marine wildlife
• Year-Round: Seal watching, tidal pool exploration
Marine Equipment and Gear
WHERE TO BUY MARINE EQUIPMENT:
• MEC Halifax: Kayaks, marine outdoor gear
• Coast Outdoors: Specialized marine equipment
• Sail Nova Scotia: Sailing and marine supplies
• Canadian Tire: Basic marine and fishing gear
• Local Dive Shops: Scuba and snorkeling equipment
• Marine Stores: Boat supplies, safety equipment
• Rentals: Available for most marine activities