Great Lakes Diving

[DeepDiverBob]

Can anybody tell me anything about Tobermory on the Bruce Pinninsula on Lake Huron. I am hearing good things about diving there, but would like to hear from someone with personal experience first, before I drive all the way up there.

[juls64]

But if no one reports, you can drive all the way up and give a report!

[DeepDiverBob]

As my cousin pointed out to me, for about the same driving distance, I could easily be down to the Gulf, or even better yet, the Florida Caves.

I'll hold out for a report.:D

[decodiva]

Yeah-- because I can accompany to the gulf---- and I want to go badly

[MgicTwnger]

Bob, I'll talk with you at Mermet. I'm planning a trip there this summer.

[reefraff]

Tobermory (http://www.tobermory.org/) is a very special place with some of the best freshwater wreck diving in the world. Perched at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula (http://www.naturalretreat.com/) along the Niagara Escarpment (http://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/geolwisc/niagesc.htm), dividing Lake Huron from the Georgian Bay, I'd rate it right up there with the Straits of Mackinac and the Kingston area. Godalmighty beautiful topside, too. Anyone who considers themselves to be a serious Great Lakes diver should make the trip to Toby at least once.

The escarpment is part of the reason the diving is so terrific. Ships navigating around the tip of the penninsula are funneled into some fairly narrow channels and have been blown against the rocky shores of the many islands that dot the area. Others have suddenly found themselves in catastrophically shallow water as they sail over the escarpment and had their bottoms ripped open. Most of the most popular wrecks are located inside the Fathom Five Marine Park (http://www.pc.gc.ca/amnc-nmca/on/fathomfive/index_e.asp) - a pioneering effort at protecting the underwater world set up by the Canadian government

There are only a few operators up there and they are all pretty good. I'm partial to Diver's Den (http://www.diversden.ca/), but G+S Watersports (http://www.gswatersports.com/) ain't half bad, either. It's a tight little community and they take diving and protecting the wrecks very seriously. Expect to have to prove yourself if you want to do any of the more advanced wrecks.

Ahh, and the wrecks... I don't know how many there are but it's a bunch - and many of them are spectacular. They range from shallow to some very serious technical dives. Ice cold water has preserved many of them in nearly pristine condition, though many of the shallower wrecks have been damaged by storms and ice over the years. The Arabia and the Forest City are personal favorites but there are enough different kinds of wrecks (and even a cavern or two and some pretty amazing wall dives) to keep anybody happy. One interesting phenomenom unique to the area are the number of wrecks that lie on the steeply sloping escarpment, which means that the same wreck can be in 20 feet of water at one end and 150 feet at the other.

Toby isn't just a dive destination, so you'll find a wide range of accomodations, dining and other services. You can even grab your dive gear and camp on Flowerpot Island out in the park - its very primitive and totally cool for a day or two. Be sure to budget a day or two to explore the area - it really is stunningly beautiful. Take a ride on the Chicheemaun (http://www.chicheemaun.com/chi/tour/index.shtml) ferry and you'll find yourself on Manitoulin Island (http://www.manitoulin.ca/), a great waystation if you have the time for the grand circuit (which will take you through the Sault and the diving in Whitefish Bay and the Straits of Mackinac.

As you may have guessed, I really like this place. I started going there in the early 70's and have been back as often as time permits and will go back again. It's a long drive but there is enough to keep you entertained for weeks and well worth the effort. This would be a worthwhile destination for a group trip...

[Atlaua]

Great post Steve.

[DeepDiverBob]

That is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you very much. Great post.