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Isle Royale Wreck Diving - - Lake Superior
Isle Royale National Park | In the northwestern portion of powerful Lake Superior exists a unique and remote island archipelago. Isle Royale National Park preserves 132,018 acres of land-based wilderness that was federally designated on October 20, 1976. The park consists of one large island surrounded by about 400 smaller islands, it encompasses a total area of 850 square miles including submerged land which extends 4 1/2 miles out into the largest fresh water lake in the world. Due to Isle Royale's biological and ecological uniqueness, it was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980. These isolated islands have barely 20 species of mammals compared to over 40 found on the surrounding mainland. Some species have come and gone, often due to the influences of humans. The heavily forested shoreline of Isle Royale appears similar to the mainland’s landscape prior to development. Gulls, ravens, and an occasional eagle or osprey dot the skies; squirrels, toads, mice, and spiders move about the forest floor. | Photo: James McKay, Scuba CenterIf wreck diving is your passion, Isle Royale is the place.

Isle Royale National Park -- "This wilderness archipelago is 45 miles long and nine miles wide at its widest point. Isle Royale National Park encompasses a total area of 850 square miles including submerged lands which extends four and a half miles out into Lake Superior."

On land, Isle Royale National Park is home to diverse plant and animal species. Below the surface, the park includes some of the best wreck diving in the world. If wreck diving is your passion, Isle Royale is the place.
Isle Royale National Park | Rock of Ages Lighthouse | The Rock of Ages reef consists of outcroppings of rocks west of Isle Royale that is a hazard to navigation. Several wrecks occurred on the reef prior to the construction of the lighthouse. In 1908, construction began on the lighthouse. The construction crew established a base at Washington Harbor and used the lighthouse tender Amaranth to ferry men and materials to the site. A section of a rock was blasted to provide a flat area for the foundation. A steel cylindrical wall was erected and filled with concrete to give a pier that was 50 ft (15 m) in diameter and 25 ft (7.6 m) tall. The skeleton of the tower was built from steel. The inner and outer walls of the tower were constructed of brick. The concrete floors were supported on radial steel beams. The spiral stairs were cast iron. When the tower was enclosed, a bunkhouse, mess hall, and galley were built on a timber platform on the rock. The lighthouse was lit in 1908 with a temporary light. | Photo: James McKay, Scuba CenterThis trip will require Advanced Certification or higher.  Due to the water temperatures, use of a drysuit is highly recommended.  Dive sites and depths are determined by the experience and wishes of the group (subject to weather and Captain's discretion). Isle Royale Charters requires all divers to complete a packet including liability forms and a medical statement. Certain existing medical conditions will require a signed physicians approval before your trip. You can download and review the PADI Medical Statement here. If you answer yes to any medical history questions, please print a copy to take to your physician for their approval and signature.

Isle Royale National Park | Two divers enjoying a dive at Isle Royale | Lake Superior maintains a variety of shipwrecks in outstanding condition for exploration and photography. These sunken vessels are protected by the National Park Service as cultural treasures to be enjoyed by you, the experienced scuba diver. | Lake Superior water is cold at all times. At the surface, water temperature rarely reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Below 50 feet, divers can expect 34-37 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures. Protect yourself; a full wet suit is necessary and a dry suit is recommended. | Photo: James McKay, Scuba Center
National Parks Service | Isle Royale National Park | This wilderness archipelago is 45 miles long and nine miles wide at its widest point. Isle Royale National Park encompasses a total area of 850 square miles including submerged lands which extends four and a half miles out into Lake Superior. The archipelago is composed of many parallel ridges resulting from ancient lava flows which were tilted and glaciated. Isle Royale has 165 miles of scenic hiking trails and 36 campgrounds for backpackers and recreational boaters. There is excellent fishing, historic lighthouses and shipwrecks, ancient copper mining sites, and plenty of spots to observe wildlife.

Isle Royale National Park | This wilderness archipelago is 45 miles long and nine miles wide at its widest point. Isle Royale National Park encompasses a total area of 850 square miles including submerged lands which extends four and a half miles out into Lake Superior. The archipelago is composed of many parallel ridges resulting from ancient lava flows which were tilted and glaciated. Isle Royale has 165 miles of scenic hiking trails and 36 campgrounds for backpackers and recreational boaters. There is excellent fishing, historic lighthouses and shipwrecks, ancient copper mining sites, and plenty of spots to observe wildlife. | Photo: James McKay, Scuba Center

For more information on Isle Royale, click the National Park Service logo...

The PADI Wreck Diver Specialty can be completed on Isle Royale trips.
Call for details.
The Royale Diver is a 36 foot Pacemaker Cruiser which is inspected by several agencies. For navigation it is equipped with radar, loran, GPS, VHF radiotelephone, depth sounders, and a compass. It is also equipped with a 5000 psi 9 cubic foot/minute compressor, oxygen resuscitator, and other equipment necessary to support safe wreck diving. Conveniences include a 110 VAC generator, refrigerator, electric galley, microwave oven, and of course a marine head (toilet). You can expect delicious meals (good home style cooking and a charcoal grilled dinner meal). Sleeping accommodations consist of two queen size bunks and two single bunks.
Where:  Isle Royale (trip departs from Grand Portage, MN). Divers typically arrive at the boat the evening before and sleep on board. The Royale Diver departs for Isle Royale early on the first morning of the trip.
When:  Aug. 6-10, 2010

Price:  $895.00

(Includes boat charter, meals, and air fills).

Nitrox and argon fills can be available on request (at an additional price)

If you are interested in diving some of the best fresh water wrecks in the world, call (651) 681-8434 or email us as soon as possible. Spaces are limited and these Isle Royale trips always fill fast!  You may pick up a trip application at either store or print out our Scuba Center Trip Application.