Ocean Quest Newfoundland
The Newfoundland Ocean Quest lodge is one of divings best kept secrets. Built in 2004, it is a home away from home and the best place from which to step into exploring the coast of Labrador and Newfoundland. Conception Bay South may look like a sleepy town but under the surface, the diving is raw and always rewarding. And the team at Ocean Quest are at hand to make sure you dont miss a beat during your stay.
The Ocean Quest Lodge is a 4 star establishment that has 4 rooms, which range from twin to honeymoon suite. There is also a full family suite that sleeps up to 4 people. All have private bathrooms, high speed internet and TV. There is a communal living room where the finds of the day can be traded, as well as a kitchen, BBQ and bar area. The on site sauna makes this a modern choice for modern divers. Or pull up a chair and watch the sun set behind Bell Island from the comfort of the lodge deck.
Ocean Quest dive whatever the weather. A hardy bunch that can deal with a full range of recreational and technical divers, they know how to bring out the best of their cold water environment. Scuba Travel organises a series of expeditions over the summer diving season when the days are warm and long. Flights are with Air Canada to St Johns via Halifax. The heart of each trip is the wrecks - unmissable and splendid dives again and again - but also adds that little something extra, be that whales or icebergs. A longer expedition explores the Labrador coast and dives this diverse and impressive area. There is something for everyone at Ocean Quest, including non divers so dont miss a single breath. Book your spot today and see this extraordinary destination for yourself.
Twin Room
Kitchen and Bar area
Relaxation Lounge
We would be happy to put together a tailormade booking for you, please fill in your details below and one of our diving holiday experts will be in touch with you to discuss your plans.
Covid Information for Ocean Quest Newfoundland
Please ask about the latest in resort covid requirements, where applicable.Country Covid Travel Information
View entry requirements here You must be fully vaccinated to travel on federally-regulated transport, including international flights departing Canada Visitors travelling to Canada by air are now expected to get an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) to enter Canada. Fully vaccinated foreign nationals may enter Canada for discretionary (non-essential) reasons, such as tourism. Use the online tool ‘Find out if you can travel to Canada’ to find out if you are eligible to enter Canada. As well as being fully vaccinated, you must have no COVID symptoms Submit your mandatory information via ArriveCAN (App or website), including proof of vaccination in English or French and a quarantine plan in case you do not meet the necessary requirements at the border; wear a face mask during the flight and in airport terminals. If you cannot wear a face mask for medical reasons, you must be in possession of a medical certificate. take a test on arrival, if selected. From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you: do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form do not need to quarantine when you arrive This applies whether you are vaccinated or not. It includes people who are transiting through England. Updated 13APR 2022
Hi Caroline, Just wanted to drop you a big thank you for all your advice and help prior to our recent trip. As you said the wrecks are world class diving and the people are so helpful and friendly it took a bit to get used to it. We met lots of people there who I am in contact with who have a shared interest in our part of the country and of course diving. And Rick and Debbie are in a class of their own as hosts. I will probably be going again all being well so till next year. Thanks.
In a list of the world's best kept dive secrets, Newfoundland and St Johns are in the top 3. If you just want a run of the mill diving holiday then this place is not for you! If you want meet the nicest people in the world and dive the most fun wrecks in cold water in a sheltered harbour, then head to Oxygene Newfoundland. But that's not all - go diving for giant scallops or snorkeling with whales (different types- minky and humpbacks) and dolphins. And when you get chance, St Johns downtown and screeching await. What a night out!Ps If you want to be warm under your drysuit then take noting but the Fourth Element Arctic undersuit. Oh and say hello to Bill the skipper. Thanks for a great holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Location
Newfoundland and Labrador is the closest part of North America to the UK. Newfoundland is very much an island nation (yet still twice the size of the UK!), with the Northern Atlantic on its door step. It's shores attract millions of migrating and nesting sea birds, while whales and dolphins cruise past. St Johns in on the Eastern coastline. The people are warm and welcoming - and after a tradtional screeching in, you'll feel like a local!
Covid Travel Information
View entry requirements here You must be fully vaccinated to travel on federally-regulated transport, including international flights departing Canada Visitors travelling to Canada by air are now expected to get an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) to enter Canada. Fully vaccinated foreign nationals may enter Canada for discretionary (non-essential) reasons, such as tourism. Use the online tool ‘Find out if you can travel to Canada’ to find out if you are eligible to enter Canada. As well as being fully vaccinated, you must have no COVID symptoms Submit your mandatory information via ArriveCAN (App or website), including proof of vaccination in English or French and a quarantine plan in case you do not meet the necessary requirements at the border; wear a face mask during the flight and in airport terminals. If you cannot wear a face mask for medical reasons, you must be in possession of a medical certificate. take a test on arrival, if selected. From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you: do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form do not need to quarantine when you arrive This applies whether you are vaccinated or not. It includes people who are transiting through England. Updated 13APR 2022
Weather and Climate
Newfoundland has a mild climate, compared to some Canadian destinations. Most diving takes place in the Spring or Summer months. Air temps can go from around 10 to the mid 20s. Do take sun protection, but also remember something long sleved for when you are on a boat or close to the coast. Water temps are more variable and depth dependent. Even in summer it can be around 2-3C at depth with the shallows hovering around 10-12C.
Travel
Flight options
St Johns, Newfoundland is under 6hours direct flight from the UK. Flights are typically with Air Canada or Lufthansa. On certain dates or at certain times of the year, flights are indirect, with a stop in Halifax.
Stopovers
If you have an indirect flight, you can opt to break your journey on the Canadian mainland.
Arrange before you go
Visa requirements
UK passport holders must apply for an electronic travel authorisation before travel (eTa) - this currently costs are $7CAD. Failure to do so may result in being denied boarding. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. This can be completed online click here . It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Insurance
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities. We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation. Find out more about our combined dive and travel policy click here
Immunisations
Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here
Preparing to fly
Seating
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
Check in
As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.
Lounge
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world. click here
Parking
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think. click here
What happens when I arrive?
On arrival please make your way through baggage claim and immigration. There will be a rep to meet you for your transfer. If you have any issues on arrival, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
Transfers
Transfers are typically included in your holiday package.
Departures
You will be advised locally of your final departure transfer details. There is no departure tax leaving Canada.
Info
Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your discretion. We do not make recommendations as to how much to tip. Should you wish to leave a tip for the staff and crew, it should reflect the level of service you have enjoyed.
Currency
Phone coverage
Plugs and electricity
Extras
Hire equipment
Kit hire can be arranged in resort and is paid for locally
Extras
Souvenirs
The dive centre has a small, limited shop on site
Nitrox/Gas
Payments
Deposits and Balances
Ways to pay
We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. If you would like a pay by link to complete check out via email please let us know and it can be set up for you. We do not take AMEX. All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 3% surcharge. Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. Overseas bank transfers must add £8 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees. We are not able to accept PayPal transactions or personal cheques.
Group Payments
If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation
Discounts
Repeat Guests
Are you one of Scuba Travel's repeat customers? Over 60% of our customers trust Scuba Travel to book their next diving holiday, time after time.
And we believe you deserve a huge thanks for your ongoing support over the years, which is what our repeater discount is all about! Travel with us again in either 12 months or 24 months and you will qualify for a discount. That's all you have to do. No forms, no numbers to remember, no fuss, just a good honest price reduction.
Included
Excluded
Tipping is entirely at your discretion. We do not make recommendations as to how much to tip. Should you wish to leave a tip for the staff and crew, it should reflect the level of service you have enjoyed.
Diving in Newfoundland is a non stop thrill from beginning to end. Few places on earth can compete with the astonishing diving experiences you can encounter here. The Bell Island wrecks lure many divers to these cool water, but what a spectacle awaits. There are 4 Second World War relics that met a watery end in the shelter of Bell Island. Infrequently dived by anyone other than Ocean Quest, they are in incredible condition, with decking, masts, portholes and anchors all in place. Enjoy the colourful marine life smothering the decks or peer into the structures to find hidden treasures. During May icebergs drift past Conception Bay and some of these can be dived! In the summer months, humpback whales follow their food to the shores to gorge, sing and play. Minke's speed by and even beluga or narwhal have been seen here.
Ocean Quest have decades of dive experience diving in and around Newfoundland's expansive coast. They have even won a national award recognising their excellence and commitment. The dive centre have everything you would need for any training and courses on site. There is kit a plenty, including dry suits, for rent. The pool is on site and you are only a short ride away from the jetty. As a PADI and TDI training facility, all courses right through to instructor are possible. The wrecks are largely at recreational depth but do lend themselves well to technical diving - who wants to come up when the diving is this good? Ocean Quest can teach Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures TDI courses.
- PADI IDC centre
- TDI technical training
- Pool on site
- Drysuit hire
- Boat diving & RIB excursions
There is no such thing as an average day with Ocean Quest. If you are diving the wrecks the boat will depart around 9am. Grab your gear and away you go. It is a short sail from Conception Bay to the wrecks, all sunk within easy distance of each other. Two dives are made before heading back to the harbour. A light lunch is served on board. If your day's adventure involves whales or icebergs, hitch up the RIB and enjoy the scenery en route to your dive site. Both of these excursions are full day trips. Finally there are some shore diving options such as the Whale Graveyard. The dive programme is flexible and can be adapted to suit your interests and experience levels.

Diving Rates & Prices
If you pre-book your diving as part of a holiday package with Scuba Travel you can take advantage of our special rates and make considerable savings on your dive package or dive course at Ocean Quest Newfoundland.
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Scuba diving has taken me to some cushy Caribbean resorts and some stunning cold water destinations across Canada - but Ocean Quest is by far the best, friendliest, safest, most accommodating, comfortable and enjoyable crew and resort I've had the pleasure of diving with. The wrecks themselves are world class (I mean it -- especially in early summer with clearer water), but even still, it's the hospitality and service that puts Ocean Quest over the top in my books.