Women Beneath the Surface: Diving for Conservation in Fathom Five National Marine Park
The Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association in partnership with Dive Life Tobermory are proud to host a regional fundraiser in celebration of PADI Women Dive Day in Tobermory, Ontario — Canada’s scuba diving capital and gateway to Fathom Five National Marine Park.
This three-day immersive event will bring together female-identifying divers and snorkelers for a unique weekend of diving, citizen science training, environmental education, and community celebration!
All profits from the excursions offered by Dive Life Tobermory are generously donated back to Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association to directly support conservation projects on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula.
Certified Diver Package - $450 - Book Now
- Citizen Science Training
- 2 Dive Charters over 2 Days (4 Dives Total):
Saturday Morning: 2 Citizen Science Dives
Sunday Morning: 2 Citizen Science Dives
- Waves of Change Welcome Party (Women in Diving & Conservation)
- Lunch & Learn Debrief
- Air Fills included
- Rental gear available for a fee
Snorkeler Package - $125 - Book Now
- Citizen Science Training
- 1 Snorkel Charter (2hrs)
- Saturday Morning: 1 Citizen Science Snorkel
- Wetsuit, Mask, Snorkel, Fins included
Itinerary:
Day 1
Friday Evening: Waves of Change Reception & Seminar
Explore freshwater biodiversity, geology, and citizen science in this engaging seminar. Open to the community by donation and included for registered divers.
Featured Speaker: Jenna McGuire — ecologist, educator, and scientific illustrator from the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula, inspiring a deeper connection to the natural world through art and education.
Underwater Life in Lake Huron
In this in-depth seminar, we will meet some of the species that live in Lake Huron and learn more about their lives. Fish are a familiar group but there are also many interesting plants, molluscs, amphipods, insects, worms, freshwater sponges and more! Exploring the stories of these creatures through their everyday biology and evolutionary origins is incredible. We learn about how life colonized the lakes after the retreat of the last glacier and the impacts of geology on a waterscape. We will also touch on how to be a citizen scientist and the areas of knowledge that need our help! Specimens, models, rock samples and a microscope will be on display for exploration and discussion. This session is meant to inspire awe and build excitement for the “hidden” biodiversity of life in Lake Huron.
Some Topics Covered
- Unique fish biology from the jaws of a freshwater drum to the evolutionary radiation of ciscoes.
- Great Lakes seashell makers! Native freshwater pearly mussels, gastropods and limpets.
- Other invertebrate groups like bryozoans, seed shrimp and worms.
- The various zones of the lake (benthic, pelagic, nearshore).
- The geological origins of Lake Huron and how to experience these deep time narratives at dive sites.
- Intro to iNaturalist app
Time: 6-9pm
Location: Parks Canada Visitor Centre 120 Chi sin tib dek Rd, Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0
Day 2
Saturday Morning: Dive Life Tobermory Citizen Science in Action Dive & Snorkel Charters
On Saturday morning, we put our training into practice! Participants will head out into Fathom Five National Marine Park to document local marine life and contribute real data to our conservation efforts.
Saturday morning kicks off with a 7am checkin at Dive Life Tobermory before boats depart at 8am for a hands-on citizen science mission. Participants will receive an onboard briefing on species ID and iNaturalist recording techniques before heading into the water; snorkelers will return at 10am, while divers will complete two dives and return by 12pm. Citizen Science training and air fills are included, but please come prepared with your own gear and approximately $15 for the mandatory Parks Canada Diver Registration Tags.
Time: 8am vessel departures (7am checkin)
Location: Dive Life Tobermory - 3 Bay Street, Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0
Saturday Afternoon: Tobermory Community Centre Lunch & Learn
After a morning on the water, divers will head to the Tobermory Community Centre from 12-3pm to recharge and reconnect. Enjoy a catered lunch while debriefing with fellow participants, sharing findings, and walking through the process of uploading your citizen science images to iNaturalist.
The afternoon features a specialized seminar led by Jenna McGuire on Underwater Sketching as a Tool for Citizen Science. This session builds on Friday’s discussions, teaching you how to use sketching to document marine life and refine your observations in preparation for Sunday’s final dives.
Time: 12pm-3pm
Location: Dive Life Tobermory - 3 Bay Street, Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0
Day 3
Sunday Morning: Dive Life Tobermory Citizen Science in Action Dive Charters
Sunday morning mirrors our Saturday schedule, giving divers a final opportunity to apply their new skills in the water. Following an 8am departure (7am check-in), we’ll head back into Fathom Five for two more citizen science dives.
This is your time to choose your focus: practice the underwater sketching techniques learned from Jenna McGuire or continue documenting species with your camera and iNaturalist. While this morning is dedicated to divers, a snorkel boat can be made available if there is sufficient demand! Divers will return to the dock at approximately 12pm. Citizen Science training and air fills are included, but please come prepared with your own gear and approximately $15 for the mandatory Parks Canada Diver Registration Tags.
Sunday Afternoon: Dive Life Tobermory Closing Ceremony Debrief & Next Steps
Immediately following the Sunday dives, we will gather for a brief Closing Ceremony. We’ll wrap up our findings, discuss the impact of the data collected over the weekend, and outline how you can continue your journey as a Citizen Scientist in your future dives!
Bookings: Reserve your spot with payment directly to Dive Life Tobermory under Events. You may also click on the RSVP and we will be in touch to help answer any questions!
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