Chicago Area

[Atlaua]

What Lake Michigan dive sites are accessable from the Chicago area? Any recomendations on shops or charters to use?

[juls64]

While there are several charters in and around Chicago, there are only two I have used. Great Lakes Explorer is out of Burnham Harbor. Captain Bob Schak has a modest boat now, that works for diving, but he is suppose to be taking delivery of a brand, spanking new boat in March. Custom made for diving, with a 4-stage compressor on board. I look forward to going out with him this summer.

His most frequent run right now is out to the the wreck of the "Straits of Mackinac" (that is the name of the wreck, not the place). This is a car ferry which was sunk several miles off shore a couple of years ago. It sits in about 75 feet of water and has lots of cutouts so it is easily penetrated by most divers.

The other dive I did with him was a night dive right off of Navy Pier. The dive on the Flora Hill was OK, but the location was FANTASTIC. On a busy July evening, we rode out among boats of all shapes, sizes & types. We entered the calm, comfortable 65 degree water just before dark. When we surfaced an hour later, the fireworks had just started at Navy Pier. We were able to just float there, watch the show and the skyline was amazing!

The other charter we have used is N'Pursuit Charters located at Pastrik Marina in East Chicago, Indiana. (The southern most tip of Lake Michigan). Captain Mike Tepper has a nice 6-pack, one of the few I know of in the area that uses an in-water divemaster. We visited 4 sites over 2 days. The Tacomah, Material Service Barge, Louisville and the David Dows. The Louiville was about 55 feet of water the others around 40. These are all good locations for beginners.

Hope some of this info can help you.

Julie

[Atlaua]

While there are several charters in and around Chicago, there are only two I have used. Great Lakes Explorer is out of Burnham Harbor. Captain Bob Schak has a modest boat now, that works for diving, but he is suppose to be taking delivery of a brand, spanking new boat in March. Custom made for diving, with a 4-stage compressor on board. I look forward to going out with him this summer.

His most frequent run right now is out to the the wreck of the "Straits of Mackinac" (that is the name of the wreck, not the place). This is a car ferry which was sunk several miles off shore a couple of years ago. It sits in about 75 feet of water and has lots of cutouts so it is easily penetrated by most divers.

The other dive I did with him was a night dive right off of Navy Pier. The dive on the Flora Hill was OK, but the location was FANTASTIC. On a busy July evening, we rode out among boats of all shapes, sizes & types. We entered the calm, comfortable 65 degree water just before dark. When we surfaced an hour later, the fireworks had just started at Navy Pier. We were able to just float there, watch the show and the skyline was amazing!

The other charter we have used is N'Pursuit Charters located at Pastrik Marina in East Chicago, Indiana. (The southern most tip of Lake Michigan). Captain Mike Tepper has a nice 6-pack, one of the few I know of in the area that uses an in-water divemaster. We visited 4 sites over 2 days. The Tacomah, Material Service Barge, Louisville and the David Dows. The Louiville was about 55 feet of water the others around 40. These are all good locations for beginners.

Hope some of this info can help you.

Julie

Thanks for the info Julie. I'm doing Dry Suit (finally) in April so I'm looking forward to being able to do some of these without freezing....