Alaska, United States

    Bonson Rock

    Good diving all year

    Why dive here

    With 58+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, blue whales, humpback whales, orcas and seals & sea lions - Bonson Rock offers some of Alaska's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 5-15°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA drysuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, Orcas and Seals & Sea Lions · 58+ species recorded
    Water5-15°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Bonson Rock in Alaska offers a proper cold water dive, a real contrast to those tropical trips. Drop down onto rocky slopes, where the big draw is often the chance to spot some hefty Big Skates cruising along the bottom. We’ve also seen plenty of Spiny Dogfish hanging around, and if you have a good eye, tiny Roughpatch Shrimp hiding in the nooks. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the unique beauty of northern waters and don't mind a bit of chill.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Cold water this month (avg 11°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

    Today05:5516:5511h 0m daylightGolden hour 16:08

    Bonson Rock Wreck History

    Vessel Type

    schooner

    Cause

    unknown

    Shrouded in mystery, the '17 Fathom Wreck' is a beautiful, unidentified two-masted schooner resting in the cold, clear depths of Lake Huron, near Tobermory, Ontario. Like so many vessels that plied the Great Lakes in the 19th and early 20th centuries, her name, cargo, and the story of her final voyage have been lost to history, likely claimed by one of the sudden, violent storms for which the lakes are infamous. She was discovered by sport divers, identified only by the depth at which she was found.

    Thanks to the cold, fresh water, this wooden schooner is remarkably well-preserved. She sits upright on the lakebed at approximately 102 feet (31 meters), with her bowsprit still pointing forward as if sailing into the abyss. Divers can explore the intact hull, see the remaining deadeyes and railings, and imagine the vessel in her prime. The '17 Fathom Wreck' is a quintessential Great Lakes dive, offering a hauntingly beautiful and perfectly preserved window into the golden age of sail.

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Bonson Rock

    Bonson Rock Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Bonson Rock, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (57, -135.4) (0km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    11°C

    51°F · Range: 8.5–12.8°C

    Air Temperature

    8°C

    47°F

    Wind Speed

    6.44 m/s

    12.5 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1007.9 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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