Outbound Collective logo

Cliff Jump at the Grotto

Tobermory, Ontario

4.6/5
based on 7 reviews

Description

Added by Shalee Blackmer

70 foot cliff jumping. Free diving. Unlimited hiking trails. Dramatic landscapes.

What if you could free dive, cliff jump and embark on a hundred mile hiking journey, all in the same place? Well, you can!

The Grotto is a small cave on the shores of the Georgian Bay. It is accessible by land, if you are willing to scramble down a rock face to the base of the water.

Inside, the water glows a light blue from light shining through an underwater cave and into the Grotto. Instead of escaping the tunnel by foot, you will free dive below the rocky cliffs and out to the bay on the other side. The underwater tunnel is located beneath the water about 10 feet, and is roughly 30 feet long.

The entire free dive can take anywhere from 30-50 seconds, depending on the diver. Strong swimming skills are required. Because the dive is deep, ear plugs are highly recommended, along with goggles.

After free diving, you can take advantage of the areas cliff jumping. Beginner jumps range between 15-20 feet high, medium jumps clock in at 25-45 feet, and the highest plunge is a 70 foot cliff located about a ¼ mile south of the Grotto.

Lastly, the Bruce Trail runs along the shoreline, which can be hiked in sections or in its entirety, at 550 miles.

Parking fills up quickly, so get there no later than 9:00am if you do not have a campsite.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Camping
Photography
Swimming
Hiking
Diving
Beach
Forest
Lake
Picnic Area
Scenic
Cliff Jumping
Swimming Hole

Reviews

One of the most beautiful places in Ontario. Check out this video: https://youtu.be/tWkvxXsMqyM

went on a camping trip here with some buddies and had an amazing time. check this video for footage of the jumps at tobermory https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0yAK84Ub1c

Dove through the grotto. Amazing. Would highly recommend

The Grotto is a stunning destination—but unfortunately lots of other people think so too. This isn't a hidden getaway, it's a well-known destination on the peninsula. Still that doesn't change the clear water, the rocky cliffs and of course the mesmerizing grotto. Aim to be there at sunrise or sunset, if you can. Although it also makes for a great lunch destination!

Definitely a gorgeous spot to be enjoyed but please don't cliff dive. There are signs prohibiting it for a reason. Extremely dangerous and there have been deaths associated with it. Dangerous undertow has also been reported. Go down the cave and enjoy the grotto by all means but be safe!

The water is mesmerizing and will leave you wishing you were a mermaid! It is a bit too cold for swimming, but I'm sure to visit again in the summer months. I camped at the Cyprus Lake campground and enjoyed being able to hike to 3 different trail heads. If you haven't experienced the Bruce Peninsula yet, I suggest you plan a trip!

This west shore of Georgian Bay near Tobermory is my most favourite place to go. The Grotto is an awesome sight anytime. I prefer the winter when the ice is baby blue. Four season camping at Cyprus Lake is only a 45 minute hike to the Grotto & The famous Bruce Trail.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp at Stormhaven Beach

Hike the Bruce Peninsula to the Grotto

Spirit Rock Conservation Area

Hike the Granite Ridge Trail

Hiking MacGregor Point Provincial Park

Photograph the Sunset at Killbear Provincial Park