Dive The Straits of Mackinac with Dan’s Dive Shop

Dive the Straits of Mackinac with Dan’s Dive Shop in Michigan and see explore the most phenomenal recreational shipwrecks in the Great Lakes. The Straits offers the finest recreational and entry level technical diving sites possible.

The Straits of Mackinac are located at the point where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan meet in Michigan. The Straits are known for a rich maritime history and having some of the biggest and best dives that the average recreational diver can explore.

If you want to see the best sites in rec limits, advanced to deep diver recreational range and light technical diving depth ranges you need to dive the Straits. Divers can explore the crystal-clear waters of the Straits, which are home to a diverse array of marine life, shipwrecks and historical artifacts.

This trip is for experienced, cold water Great Lakes Diver. If you have dived all our most popular wreck areas in Ontario and looking for even better diving the Straits of Mackinac dive sites are for you

Check out Becky Kagan Schott’s article in Diver’s Alert Network about diving the Staits of Mackinac.

About the Trip

Straits of Mackinac includes 4 days of boat diving (June 17-20) 2 dives per day and 4 nights shared accommodation from June 16- 20. Arrive on Sunday and start diving Monday morning. The boat departs from Mackinac City in the morning returning by lunch time each day. Air/ Nitrox fills available on site. Average depths are 80-130 feet.

The lodging is located in down Cheboygan with bars and restaurants  in walking distance. The house has shared bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom facilities and washer and dryer. Bonus air hockey table, massage table and tanning bed! Only 23 minute drive to Mackinac City.

Spend your afternoons relaxing and exploring this beautiful part of Michigan. Or star gaze at night at the nearby night sky preserve. Accommodations have full shared kitchen facilities so you can make meals or go out on the town. The small group size makes it a fun and relaxing trip with epic diving.

Diving Conditions Surface temperatures are usually around 55°F, and bottom temperatures are typically around 39°F but can vary depending on the depth of the wreck. The minimum visibility is usually 50 to 100 feet.

Cost $1499 CDN or $1099 USD. 

Payment Terms 50% deposit due at booking. Final payment due March 16, 2024.

Dive The Straits of Mackinac, Michigan Wrecks

Here are some of our favourite wrecks from last years trip! Learn more about scuba diving theses amazing wrecks by visting the Straits of Mackinac Shipwrecks Preserve.

Cedarville 

Depth: 40′ – 112′ — This modern shipwreck is the result of controversial conduct by two ships. Carrying a cargo of limestone, the Cedarville was westbound when she ran into very heavy fog. The Cedarville continued moving relying on her radar and radio contact. The M.V. Topdalsfjord did not respond by radio resulting in confusion by the Cedarville officers. When the ships were near collision, the Cedarville attempted an emergency turn but was struck hard amidships on the port side. She rolled and sank during an attempt to beach the vessel, and lies nearly inverted on the bottom. Learn more…

Dolphin

Depth: 110′ — The 2-mast schooner Dolphin suffered a collision with the bark Badger State in July on 1869, sinking in 20 minutes without loss of life. This vessel was relocated by Ken Merryman in 2021, and his 3D imagery clearly shows the collision damage just as described by the survivors. This site features an intact cabin and wheel, masts strewn about the deck, and at least some of the hatch covers still in place protecting her cargo of coal.  Please do not attempt to open the hatches or to force entry into the cabin – this is our most-intact site currently, and we’d like to keep it that way. Learn more…

Eber Ward 

Depth: 100′ – 140′ — While carrying a cargo of corn, the Ward struck a spring ice floe opening a large hole at her port bow. She went down quickly, taking five members of her crew with her as a lifeboat was dragged under. Eight men survived. Her upper works are gone but the hull remains upright, very well preserved and remarkably intact. Among other features, she has a unique mushroom anchor, two decks, a round stern, engine, boiler, early mechanical unloading equipment, and hand trucks stored in her bow top deck. Her smokestack lies on the starboard bottom and a lifeboat rests off her starboard stern. Topside a porcelain toilet and bathtub sit on the deck. Learn more…

Sandusky 

Depth: 70′ – 84′ — No one survived the sinking of the Sandusky. She was carrying a crew of seven and a cargo of grain. A strong gale overwhelmed her west of McGulpin Point. A passing ship saw three sailors clinging to a spar but the gale prevented help from reaching them. The Sandusky is, perhaps, the best known and most visited dive site in the Straits of Mackinac. She is in relatively shallow water and is a well-preserved example of early Great Lakes sailing vessels. Upright on the bottom, her bowsprit still points upward and a ram’s head figurehead crowns the bow. Figureheads are not typical on Great Lakes ships and this one is a replica. The original was removed for preservation after an attempted theft some years ago, and is now on display at the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum at Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. While much of her hardware has illegally disappeared over the years, her rudder, tiller, capstan, working bilge pump, masts and rigging are still on site. Learn more…

Terms and Conditions

Diver Responsibility: All Divers are responsible for insuring they have the appropriate scuba gear for cold water diving, redundancy and exposure protection. No scuba gear, tanks or weights are included. If rentals are needed the diver is responsible to pick them up in store during retail hours. DDS Charters are not guided. All divers are expected to only attend dives within their diver certification level and experience. Lastly, unsafe divers putting themselves and others at risk may be asked to leave.

Cancellation Policy: All Trip Payments are Non-Refundable. If the trip goes full, or you are able to fill your spot, you will be reimbursed for everything except your non-refundable trip deposit. If the dive charter is cancelled by Dan’s Dive Shop or the boat operator due to unforeseeable circumstances a credit or full refund will be provided.