The fastest tidal currents of any navigable waterway on the planet are found in Nakwakto Rapids to the north of God's Pocket Resort. Water can flow at speeds up to 17 knots. One authority suggests that they sometimes even reach 23 knots. Strong tidal currents are a feature of diving the west coast of Canada, but even for this part of the world this is extreme environment.

For me, the main attraction is the very unusual ecological community associated with this high current area. Large areas of reef are covered with large tube worms and even more impressive vibrant red goosenck barnacles.

The currents here are so fast that most seastars get washed away. The lack of these predators means that tube worms and goosenck barnacles can survive in deeper water, and as a consequence large areas of the rocky reef are covered by these invertebrates.

This species of goosenck barnacle is normally gray black between the white shells. This is due to exposure to sunlight in the surf swept shallows where this species is usually found causing a reaction analogous to tanning in people. In contrast, gooseneck barnacles that live on the subtidal reefs in the Nakwakto Rapids display a rich red coloration as a result of the low light.

Obviously, this channel can only be successfully dived at around slack water. Bill, from God's Pocket, times dive operations perfectly, but even then the water never seems to actually stop moving. To dive these reefs you get in just before the water changes direction and work you way along the reef in behind boulders and outcrops to shelter from the current while you take in the unique scenery.

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