FAQ
Q. : What advantages do I have to book a package rather than arrange my own lodging and add daily diving?
A. For VIP packages, your domestic roundtrip flights (Montreal, Quebec or Mont-Joli) and meals are included as well as most of your on-island transportation. For Basic Dive & Stay packages you will, in most cases, need to either rent a vehicle or transport your own vehicle to the island. Gear storage and rinsing areas are also at your disposal. We will also provide many extras on the boat such as warm coats, towels and personal drybags. When booking a package, your spot is also booked on our boat. Daily diving is based on availability.
Q. : Since your VIP diving packages include the Sépaq lodging package, are there advantages to booking with you rather than booking directly with Sépaq?
A. Our VIP packages are the Sépaq packages that we are reselling at cost and have added our diving services. We have however negotiated a special agreement to allow you to fly with more luggage. Our package includes an allowance of 100 lbs. vs. the Sépaq package that limits you to 50 lbs. Also, our packages include transportation to the dock (located a little over 2 km away) on diving days.
Q. : Are there campsite on the island?
A. : Yes. There is a municipal campground in Port-Menier but it only has 5 lots, all without services. As well, there are no facilities on the island to empty an RV sewage tank or to fill water. All other available camping sites are managed by Sépaq and they are usually booked well in advance. These camping spaces are booked within packages that include flights. It is important to also note, if you wish to dive, that all these camping areas are located too far away to allow for day trips to the dock from which we depart.
Q. : When should you visit Anticosti?
A. : Summer. Mid-June to September is the best time to visit unless you are interested in hunting. For diving purposes, we typically dive between mid-June and mid-September. If you want to visit the island in other seasons, please contact us since lodging options are very limited, as is access to many parts of the island. In wintertime, only the town of Port-Menier is accessible. The main road that traverses the island is not plowed and from mid-January to mid-April, only air travel is available.
Q. : What is the weather like?
A. : During Summer, you can expect air temperatures to be between 15° and 25°C.
Q. :Are there a lot of bugs and mosquitos on the island?
A. : No. Anticosti is very different from most northern regions and has hardly any bugs.
Q. : What type of clothing should I bring?
A. : Life on Anticosti is very simple and very nature/wildlife oriented. For exploring the island in summertime, you will want to have comfortable clothing and good walking shoes. You may want to pack a light rain coat and rubber boots. Some of the available activities require crossing shallow river beds so your feet will get wet. Weather permitting, there are a few waterfalls, riverbeds and lakes where you can go for a swim so don’t forget to pack a swimsuit.
Q. : Is there cell phone coverage on the island?
A. : Only in the village of Port-Menier for now. Otherwise, consider that you will not have coverage. A good alternative is to use the "Wi-Fi calling" function. Please verify with your phone carrier that your phone and SIM card are compatible and configure your phone accordingly before arriving to the island.
Q. : Is Wi-Fi available on the island?
A. : Yes but only in Port-Menier. Most lodging options offer free Wi-Fi.
Q. : What type of electrical outlets are available?
A. : Standard North American outlets, 120V, 60 Hz, type A and B (B is the most common).
Q. : What commodities are available?
A. : Port-Menier is very modest. There are only 2 restaurants in the village, a small grocery store with liquor (wine, beer and spirits) and a general store. There is also an ATM but no bank. The independent ATM charges a small fee to make a withdrawal.
Q. : Are there medical services on the island?
A. : There is a small infirmary on the island but no doctor, no hospital and no drugstore. If you need more important medical care, you will have to be transported off the island. We strongly suggest having emergency medical insurance when traveling to Anticosti. You may also want to consider subscribing to Airmedic ($30 CAD for 10 days) for emergency medical care and transportation by helicopter or airplane. To subscribe: https://www.airmedic.net/adherer-en
Q. : What kind of exposure protection should I bring?
A. : Drysuit diving is recommended in Anticosti. We suggest you pack your warmest undergarments and accessories. Water temperature in Anticosti is typically in the 3°-8°C (36°-46°F) range although it can be a little warmer in some areas (up to 16°C/60°F). A double layered 7mm (14mm) wetsuit could be a replacement but your scuba dives might be shorter in some areas.
Q. : Do you rent scuba diving gear?
A. : Yes, we have brand-new gear available for rental. For rental rates please click here.
Q. : What kind of cylinders do you have?
A. : Our tanks are aluminum 80 cf. Optionnally, you can inquire for steel 100cf. A surcharge will apply. All of our cylinders are equipped with convertible valves (compatible with DIN or Yoke regulators). No need to bring an adapter.
Q. : Can I bring my own cylinders?
A. : Yes. Please keep in mind that fills included in our packages are for 80 cf. Larger cylinders will incur a surcharge for the extra volume. We will not give credits for transporting your own cylinders. If you are traveling on the ferry you should know that cylinders are considered dangerous goods/hazardous material so you will need to secure the necessary paperwork to carry them on board and they will be considered as cargo. Extra fees will apply.
Q. : Is shore diving available in Anticosti?
A. : Not really. Although you can access the sea on foot in many areas, shore diving is nearly impossible or extremely strenuous given the island’s topography. You will have to walk with your gear and swim several thousands of feet to reach depths of less than 20 feet. Even with a scooter decent shore diving is not acessible. Our dive sites (accessible only by boat) are typically 3-5 miles offshore to reach reasonable depths and be away from the surge and surf zones.
Q. : Can we add a third dive?
A. : Yes. It is possible to make 3 dives a day but it has to be planned accordingly to weather, tides and schedules. Extra fees apply. In most cases, this will be decided during your stay and can't be predicted well in advance.
Q. : Do you have Nitrox?
A. : Yes. Prices vary and are available on a per-fill basis or as an add-on to our diving or rental packages. Our fills are 32% but we can provide other mixes on request. Click here for our air and nitrox rates.
Q. : Can you accommodate technical divers and rebreather divers?
A. : Yes, but we suggest contacting us well in advance for logistical purposes. Everything that needs to be shipped on Anticosti becomes a long and complex process that we will gladly organize for you.
Q. : Do you offer scuba dive training?
A. : Yes, we have a Master Instructor on staff and we can offer a wide range of courses. Please keep in mind, that the instructor is also the Captain, so training must occur outside of regular dive day. Contact us for details or visit our dedicated training website at: http://www.absolute-dive.absolueplongee.com
Q. : What documents do I need (visa & passport information)?
A. : Information on entry requirements for Canada can be found at: https://travel.gc.ca
Q. : Which currency is accepted?
A. : The Canadian dollar is the currency used. Major credit cards are accepted but expect to be billed in CAD currency. Debit cards are accepted and an ATM is available on the island. If you want to use cash, foreign currencies are typically not accepted. Anticosti Ecotours accepts Euros, American Dollars and Canadian Dollars for local purchases that are paid in cash only.
Q. : What is the tipping policy?
A. : As a rule of thumb, tips are not included in Canada. Customary tipping for services (meals, lodging, tours, guides) is 15%. Please note that at the Auberge Port-Menier, tips are already included in the meal package only.
Q. : How do I get to Anticosti?
A. : You can only access the island by ferry (seasonal) or by plane.
Q. : How do I book a flight to Anticosti?
A. : The best way to fly to Anticosti is on a chartered flight although a few small local airlines offer regular flights to the island. Please contact us for details or pricing.
Q. : Does the ferry operate all year?
A. : No, the ferry typically runs from April 15 to January 15 depending on ice conditions. Also, the ferry doubles as a cargo ferry and travels to other isolated areas on the North Coast and only docks in Anticosti twice a week. Although the ferry has a scheduled route, it can be delayed due to bad weather, even in Summer. If the ferry is running late, it can cancel altogether the scheduled crossing and postpone it to the following week. It is advisable to keep this in mind for your travel plans.
Q. : How long is the ferry crossing?
A. : From Sept-Iles and Havre-St-Pierre on the North Shore, it takes about 7 hours to reach Anticosti. If you embark in Rimouski, the crossing takes 22 hours (cabins are available for overnight crossings at extra costs).
Q. : How much does it cost for a ferry crossing?
A. : From Rimouski, roughly calculate $150 CAD per person each way. From Sept-Iles or Havre-St-Pierre, it costs roughly $70 CAD per person each way. Cabins are extra. For detailed prices visit: https://relaisnordik.com/en/schedule-and-fares/
Q. : What type of baggage can I carry on the ferry?
A. : The term “baggage” refers to any luggage, travel bag, or other similar items used exclusively to transport personal effects belonging to the passenger and accepted as such by the Purser or any ferry representative.
Baggage must remain in the passenger’s possession and be small enough to fit in the designated areas, such as paid lockers or under the passenger’s seat. You cannot leave baggage in your vehicle if you have one. Perishable items and alcoholic beverages are forbidden in luggage. Any perishable item or other goods are considered cargo and are subject to cargo shipment conditions and rates.
Q. : Can I bring my own cylinders?
A. : Yes. Please keep in mind that fills included in our packages are for 80 cubic feet. Larger cylinders will incur a surcharge for the extra volume. We will not give credits for transporting your own cylinders. If you are traveling on the ferry you should know that cylinders are considered dangerous goods/hazardous material so you will need to secure the necessary paperwork to carry them on board and they will be considered as cargo. Extra fees will apply.
Q. : What is the baggage allowance on the ferry?
A. : Each passenger is entitled to a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs) of baggage. An excess baggage fee will be charged for every kilogram of baggage over this limit.
Q. : Can I bring my vehicle on the ferry?
A. : Yes but if it exceeds the following dimensions (2.1 m height x 2.1 m width x 6 m long) it will be highly costly even if it fits in a standard 8-foot container. All vehicles must be in a container as it is not a roll-on/roll-off ferry. Containers are then lifted with a crane and loaded on the ship. Needless to say that you can't stay in your car. The price varies on where you embark and disembark. If your vehicle fits in their standard dimensions, it will cost you roughly between $175 and $330 CAD each way depending on the route.
Q. : What are the road conditions and is it easy to drive on Anticosti?
A. : Yes and no. In Port-Menier, streets are paved and driving conditions are typical to North America. Outside the village, you will be driving on dirt roads. This includes the 270 km-long main road that traverses the island from west to east (Transanticostienne). Although this road is wide and regularly grated, a 4x4 and/or pick up truck is highly recommended. You should also have at least one spare tire and keep I mind that cellular phone coverage on the island is very limited. Should you need assistance outside of town, you will likely not have phone coverage. A VHF, plenty of drinking water and food as well as extras clothing are highly recommended. Lastly, there are only 2 gas stations on the entire island so plan your gas consumption accordingly.
Q. : If the island is so remote, what is the cost of gas?
A. : The current rate is $2,51/liter ($10,04/gallon). That is for regular unleaded (87) gas as there is no premium (89) or supreme (91+).
Q. : Can I rent a vehicle on the island?
A. : Technically yes, but you will want to book it very long in advance. There is a limited number of pick-up trucks available on the island and they are typically sold-out a year or so in advance during Summer/Fall.
Q. : How do you get around on the island?
A. : If you have not rented a vehicle on the island or crossed on the ferry with your own, you will be on foot. There are no taxis, buses or other forms of public transportation.
Q. : Can I bring my dog on the island?
A. : No dogs are allowed. Anticosti has passed a municipal bylaw as it was found that dogs are to the detriment of the deer population (the main economical drive of the island). You will have to make arrangements to keep your loved one at home.
UPDATED JANUARY 1, 2023
Q. : Are there any restrictions related to Covid-19?
A. : No. All Covid related restrictions have been lifted.