Michigan's Diving Treasures: Shipwrecks and Subaqueous Wonders

Living in Michigan, I often found myself fascinated by the idea of scuba diving, but like many, the lack of tropical or coastal locations to pursue this hobby discouraged me from taking the leap. However, a trip to Hawaii changed my perspective significantly.

I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the water and experience the thrill of scuba diving. During my visit, I completed four introductory dives on Kauai, two on the Big Island, and two on Maui, where the clear waters, marine life, and encounters with sharks made an unforgettable impact. It was a transformative experience that sparked my interest in getting certified and exploring more sites closer to home.

From Land-locked Enthusiasm to MI Decoys

When I returned to Michigan, my search for dive sites did not yield promising results, and I was na?ve enough to believe that there were no good places to dive. A conversation with a local scuba shop owner quickly changed my mindset. They informed me about the hundreds of shipwrecks scattered across the Great Lakes, making Michigan a dive-lover's paradise.

Over 100 dives later, Michigan has become my go-to location for underwater exploration. One of my favorite sites is the Cedarville, a 600-foot-long freighter sunk in the Lake Huron. Its unique story—a collision that caused a gash on the side, pushing it to its final resting place—provides a thrilling and memorable dive experience.

The Cedarville Dive Site

The Cedarville is a particular gem for Michigan scuba divers. Here, you can enter through the gash in the ship's side, swim through the vast cargo hold, and exit through hatch covers. The layout is spacious, making it easy to navigate without the risk of getting stuck in tight quarters. Despite the colder water temperature, which can dip into the 40-degree range, a dry suit is recommended to ensure a more comfortable dive experience.

Exploring the Cedarville feels like being in a derelict space station, with the freedom to explore in three dimensions. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned diver, you'll find plenty of excitement and adventure here.

Visibility and Visibility

Visibility is another highlight of diving in the Great Lakes. While it may not match the crystal-clear waters of the ocean, the visibility is usually between 30 and 49 feet, thanks to the reduction in sediment due to zebra mussels. The underwater environment is as enchanting as it is mesmerizing, with plenty of opportunities to see marine life and explore sunken treasures.

Navigating the Michigan Coast

The coast of Michigan varies, but you can always find a dive site within a few hours of driving. Whether you're near the Great Lakes or the St. Clair River, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the underwater world. In the Mackinac Bridge area, for instance, the unobstructed lake and the choke point between two huge lakes create an ideal diving environment, with plenty of freighters navigating through the area.

The cold water also adds a unique challenge, and many divers prefer dry suits to keep warm and dry, even in the summer when temperatures hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit at the surface. With a dry suit, you'll stay warm during the dive and warm up quickly on the surface interval, making for a more enjoyable experience.

A Hidden Gem in the Midwest

Michigan is one of the best places to live for scuba divers, especially if you love exploring shipwrecks. The state's unique geography and maritime history have created a wealth of dive sites, making it a perfect destination for both beginners and experienced divers. Whether you're near any coast or in the interior, there's always a dive site within reach, opening up a world of adventure and discovery under the water.

For those enchanted by the idea of diving on the Great Lakes, Michigan offers an exciting and fulfilling experience. With the right dive site and the right gear, you can uncover the secrets of the underwater world and create unforgettable memories.

Experience the magic of Michigan's waters for yourself and dive into a world of adventure and wonder.