Hayes Gardens

Hayes Gardens in Nova Scotia is a beginner-friendly site named for the lush underwater gardens of cold-water organisms that carpet the rocky bottom. Dense colonies of frilled anemones, northern red anemones, and breadcrumb sponges create a colorful tapestry over the granite substrate. The gardens support an active cleaning station ecosystem where small shrimp and fish service larger species. Rock crabs, lobsters, and sea urchins populate the crevices between garden patches. The shallow, protected location makes this an excellent macro photography site, where patient divers can spend entire dives exploring a small area rich in invertebrate life.