Discover Local Diving:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Illinois
Contents
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Photo courtesy of
Cal
Kathrode |
With countless shipwrecks at modest depth and above average visibility, Lake Michigan diving is both breathtaking and challenging. Although many of the shipwrecks date back to the 1800s, most wrecks are in excellent condition because they have been preserved by the cool freshwater. For this reason, Lake Michigan offers some of the best diving in the Midwest and some of the
most spectacular wreck dives in the world.
For descriptions of our favorite wreck dives on Lake Michigan, see our Lake Michigan Wreck Dives web page.
Our Lake Michigan Dive Charter Schedule is a
good place to find out about upcoming dives.
Temperatures: The recreational dive season on Lake Michigan starts in
May and ends in early November, though it is possible to dive Lake Michigan year
round. Temperatures above the thermocline rise to between
60º-70º F during the summer and early fall. At depth, temperatures can be as
high as 68º F. More commonly, temperatures at depth range from 50º to 60º F. During the colder months, water temperatures can drop to nearly 32º F
and temperatures below 150 feet are consistently 38º to 40º F year round. A 7mm
wetsuit is generally sufficient protection for most divers in late June through
the end of October. During the colder months, a dry suit and redundant air
supply are required.
Visibility: Visibility can vary dramatically from day to day. At times visibility can exceed
100 feet, but generally divers will find visibility at about 35 to 40 feet.
Following storms, visibility can drop to as little as 5 feet on near-shore dives. As in other
places, visibility tends to be better during the colder months or at depths
below 80 feet.
Special considerations: Currents may be present and conditions can
change quite quickly. Boaters should be sure to check with the National
Weather Service before going out. Surface conditions can be found on the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association's (NOAA) National Data Buoy
Center (NDBC) website at http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov
or
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/zone/gtlakes/mkxmz.htm.
Please note that under US federal law it is illegal to remove artifacts from any wreck older than 50 years. If you are going to take anything, take pictures and leave the remaining artifacts for others to see.
Pearl Lake, South Beliot, Illinois
Pearl Lake is located 10 minutes south of the Wisconsin-Illinois border just
outside of South Beloit, Illinois. Pearl Lake was a former rock quarry. The lake
boasts numerous underwater attractions such as several boats, an airplane, a
submarine, concrete culverts, an underwater buoyancy course, and a bus. Because
of these attractions and the numerous underwater training platforms, Pearl Lake
is considered one of the best dive training facilities in the Midwest. Other
on-site facilities include a restaurant, showers, beach, and campground. At the
time of this writing, the entrance fee to Pearl Lake was $20 dollars per day for divers and $10
for non-divers. Pearl Lake allows night diving, but all divers should make
arrangements for a night dive in advance.
Directions: Map to Pearl Lake
Maximum depth: 85 feet
Average dive depth: 20-40 feet
Special considerations: Once you have arrived at Pearl Lake, head toward the restaurant. To the left of the entrance is a flight of stairs leading down to the dive shop where you will need to pay your entrance fee. All divers are given a card at check-in that must be returned before they leave. Entry fees can be paid with cash, credit card, or personal check. Air fills are available at the dive shop.
Devils Lake is not only well-known for above-water activities like camping, hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking, it is also great for underwater activities such as underwater photography, night diving, and marine life observation. Below the surface of Devils Lake divers will encounter large boulders, fallen trees, and many species of fish such as bass, walleye, bluegills, carp, croppies, and crawfish. Facilities include a campground and numerous picnic areas. Air fills are available at Three Little Devils dive center located one minute outside of the park.
Maximum depth: 45 feet
Temperatures: Range from the mid 70s during the summer to the low 30s in winter. A 7mm wetsuit is generally sufficient protection for most divers from May through October.
Special considerations: Entries into Devils Lake can be quite difficult given the rocks along the shore. Divers should exercise caution when entering and exiting the water. The best diving is found along the northwest shoreline. The State of Wisconsin operates the park, and an annual or daily entry permit is required for all vehicles.
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