Bonson Rock
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.
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.
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.
Reviews for Bonson Rock
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)
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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