25-40m
    Great Lakes, United States

    Ironsides Wreck

    Why dive here

    Ironsides Wreck lies in a species-rich stretch of Great Lakes, with 30+ marine species recorded in the area.

    Marine life30+ species recorded
    CharacterWreck dive · max 25-40m

    Diving the Ironsides Wreck feels like stepping into a time capsule, a real peek into Great Lakes history. This isn't your average shipwreck; she's remarkably intact, especially for a wooden steamer from the 1800s. We love tracing her bow, the anchors still visible, and then finning along her length, imagining her full glory. The stern section is particularly impressive, with the rudder and propeller still in place, almost defying the years underwater. Schools of perch dart in and out of the broken decking, and we’ve often spotted burbot lurking in the darker corners of the hold. Visibility can shift, but on a good day, the light filtering down creates an almost ethereal glow, really highlighting the vessel's preserved details. Our favourite time to dive here is early morning before any lake traffic stirs things up. It's a dive that suits those who appreciate maritime history and a good exploration, though some cold water experience definitely helps.

    Typical Ironsides Wreck Dive Profile

    10m20mSafety Stop0m25m max~30 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Depth of 25m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.

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

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today05:5317:1211h 19m daylightGolden hour 16:34

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Ironsides Wreck

    Ironsides Wreck Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Ironsides Wreck, sourced from NOAA NDBC buoy data - nearest station: South Haven Light, South Haven, MI (20km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Air Temperature

    13°C

    55°F

    Wind Speed

    6.4 m/s

    12.4 knots

    Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC buoy data

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