Lake Michigan scuba diving is a thrilling experience, offering incredible underwater adventures and breathtaking sights. From shipwrecks to diverse marine life, the lake offers many opportunities for divers to explore. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just getting started, you can find something amazing to explore in Lake Michigan.
Shipwrecks
Lake Michigan has many fascinating shipwrecks that have been preserved for hundreds of years by the cold and fresh water. Divers can explore these wrecks and learn about their history. Some of the most popular sites include the SS Wisconsin, a steam-powered cargo vessel that sank in 1881, and the SS Cedarville, an ore carrier that sunk in 1965. Both ships are located near Beaver Island, Michigan and offer exciting dives with plenty of artifacts to explore. There are also several smaller vessels scattered throughout the lake, including tugboats and barges that are great for beginner divers.
Marine Life
In addition to shipwrecks, Lake Michigan has an abundance of wildlife for divers to observe and admire. The lake is home to over 120 species of fish such as salmon, trout, bass and walleye as well as aquatic mammals like seals and porpoises. Divers may also come across schools of colorful fish or even see some rare species such as sturgeon or paddlefish during their dives. Other interesting finds include freshwater sponges, crayfish and freshwater clams that can be found on the lake floor near sunken vessels or other debris.
Safety Guidelines
It’s important for any diver exploring Lake Michigan to follow safety guidelines at all times while underwater. This includes staying within your own skill level when it comes to depth and visibility conditions as well as using proper dive equipment such as fins and masks to ensure your safety during dives. Additionally, divers should always research potential dive sites before they go out in order to understand any hazards they may encounter while underwater such as strong currents or large waves from passing boats that could create hazardous conditions for inexperienced divers.
Conclusion
Lake Michigan scuba diving provides an incredible opportunity for adventurers looking for an exciting underwater experience filled with history and wildlife exploration alike! With its numerous shipwrecks waiting to be discovered combined with its diverse marine life population, there’s something new waiting around every corner when it comes to exploring this magnificent body of water beneath the surface!
