The Iona Bridge at Grand Narrows is
one of the most popular dive sites in Cape Breton and a must to see when you
are a diver. Easy access from shore, the dive will take you through the piles
of an old train bridge in just 5m of water, before you drop down to sandy bottom
on 15m.
You follow the 80m long iron barge, that sits in an upright position on sandy
bottom. With a maximum depth of 21m, the main structure of the barge starts
in just 12m of water.
Giving it's geographical layout ( bottleneck ), the dive site is subject to
very strong currents. Getting two dives in slack tide requires some calculation,
but it is worth the planning. But even in stronger current, you can always hide
behind the wreck and enjoy the dive. Due to the strong current, this dive site
is a heaven for filter feeders and all kinds of fish. There is rarely a dive
site in Nova Scotia, where you can see more marine life.
If you follow the first wreck to it's end, you will find a guidance rope that will lead you to the remains of another shipwreck, just 80m behind the first one. Being exposed in the channel, you will have no shelter from the current, and the line is just there for orientation. Careful dive planning is a must.
The remains of the second wreck rest on sandy bottom in 21m. You will see one of the big anchors as well as lots of marine life and smaller items left from the wreck.