Sambro Harbor - Torpedo Rays Scuba Adventures

HOLLAND COVE
Sambro Harbor
Site Briefin2 :
Holland Cove is a small inlet located in the south eastern portion of Sambro Harbor. This
particular cove is usually sheltered from the majority of the inclement weather that we are so used
too aro und Nova Scotia at times. This cove is an ideal location for the many novice scuba divers
throughout our area and comes highly recommended for all skill levels to experience. The site is
relatively shallow in depth for the most part unless you and your dive buddy are up to the
challenge of a long hard swim. Schools of various bait fish frequent this site in the summer months
making Holland Cove a healthy marine habitat with dozens of other species calling its topography
home. With this in mind the potential for underwater photography is very high pending visibility,
light penetration and of course the patience of the photographer for that perfect shot . Holland
Cove has the benefit of having a somewhat sheltered, easy entry and exit point, slight to no serge
pending the wind direction, averages visibility and finally a very gentle sloping botto m. Seasonal
temperatures are average for this location and similar to other dive sites thro ugho ut our area.
Bottom compositions are labeled onto the attached map.
Hazards :
There are a few above average size lobsters at this location and if they happened to grab
you, you' re more than likely in for a nasty pinch, so mind the wildlife and let the curious diver
look at the biggins from a distance . Also, local lobster fisherman pot this area heavily so be
vigilant for possible entanglement situations. In addition they don ' t take kindly to their traps being
disrupted. Always ensure when diving this site during the regional lobster eason try to make
yourself as visible as possible, such as diving with a dive flag and float and inhering to the federal
fisheries laws and regulations. This should keep the local fisherman happy.
Location : (See attached to pographical maps)
l. From Torpedo Rays Scuba Adventures proceed to Halifax acro ss the new bridge
traveling through the city outbound through the rotary, for number 349, Spryfleld to Sambro.
2. Continue through Spryfleld on the 349 passing by Green Acres heading toward Herring
Cove.
3. Pass throu gh Herring Cove Staying on the 349. This in turn will take you through
Halibut Bay, Bear Cove and finally Portuguese Cove.
4. From Po rtuguese Cove continue out the 349 past Duncans Cove and head towards
Ketch Harbor.
Location : (continued)
5. As you enter the head of Ketch Harbor, remain on the 349 passing by the harbor. The
next reference you' ll see is the CCG communications station on the left. Less than a click dow n
the road will be andy Cove Ro ad also on the left. From this point the only road you' ll have to
tum onto is Bald Rock Road, on the left very close after Sandy Cove Road. As you tum down
Bald Rock Road insure to keep the speed down for the road is narrow and winding as you get
closer to the water. Also there are several families with homes and small children that have been
known to ride their bicycles all over the roadway in this area . So please be cautious. Parking will
be on the right side just before the road turns to dirt. The total distance to the dive site from the
shop is approximately 38 km.
Special Notes:
1. Parking is limited so try to double up and limit the number of vehicles you 'll take out.
2. Do not block any home's driveways and try to park over to the steep shoulder as close
as possible on the right, because at the end of the pave is the school bus tum around. If a vehicle
was too far into the turnabout, the bus will have difficulty turning around in the confined area.
3. Although this is a rural area please mind common courtesy and keeps unnecessary noise
and profanity to a minimum.
4. There are no washroom facilities.
5. Since this area has been used a lot by local diver' s try to pick up after yours elf and
ot hers in order to keep garbage non existe nt. This should ensure further use of the site for you
and other sport divers.
6. If you bring a boat and trailer be earful of the loose stone at the head of the entry . You
might just find yourself stuck if you don 't have four wheel drive and sufficient clearance under
your vehicle. The first little drop off the edge of the road is just steep enough to cause difficulty
when towing a load.
Contactine Emer2ency Assistance
If assistance is required, use the following listed numbers in case an emergency arises. If
you do not have a cellular phone or other means of communication available do not hesitate to
approach a residence and ask for the use of a phone. Ensure you inform the owner that you have a
d iving em ergency Isituation and you require their cooperation. For reference, the nearest
Volunteer Fire Department is out near Sambro just before the Crystal Crescent Beach turnoff
RCMP (Police)
..
Dia1911
Ambulance
.
Dial 911
Search and Rescue
.
Dial 911
Rescue Coordination Center (Direct)
.
Dial 1-800-565-1582
Divers Alert Networ k (DAN)
.
Dial ( 919) 684-8111 or
( 919 ) 684-4326
collect calls are accepted
Ma rine
.
VHF Channel 16
00
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RecompresslOn
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( Queen Elizabeth II Hospital - Dixon Center )
Dial ( 902 ) 473-7998
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Sambro Harbor
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Scale is in yards.
Depths are in feet at
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