Diving the Great Lakes
Great Lakes diving include Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and Lake Huron. Scuba diving in the Great Lakes means wreck diving. The fresh water has preserved shipwrecks that would have disappeared long ago in saltwater. There are thousands of wrecks both charted and yet to be found. Marine parks and preserves are scattered throughout the lakes, and the removal of any object from a shipwreck in any of the Great Lakes is illegal. Intact wooden ships, 100+ year-old wrecks, and large steel hulled ships litter the Great Lakes. If you are an avid wreck diver, then the Great Lakes is your area. These dives can be very advanced do to the depths and temperature of the water. If you haven’t dived the area, try to start off diving with local divers or local charters familiar with the area.
Best time to dive
Summer months when the water is warmer.
Visibility
With the accidental introduction of Zebra mussels, visibility has increased significantly in the lower lakes. Visibility ranges 5 to 50 feet.
Water temperatures
Water temperatures range from 32 to 50 °F.
Weather and climate
The weather can change daily and very quickly in the Great Lakes region, especially in the spring and fall. That’s because the region is affected by both warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico and cold, dry air from the Arctic. In general, the north experiences cooler weather, while the south has warmer temperatures. The entire basin experiences four distinct seasons.
The Great Lakes also have a big influence on the areas climate. The lakes moderate the temperatures of the surrounding land, cooling the summers and warming the winters. This results in a milder climate in portions of the area compared to other locations of similar latitude. The lakes also increase the moisture content of the air throughout the year. In the winter, this moisture condenses as snow when it reaches the land, creating heavy snowfall in some areas.
Language
English
Passport/Visa requirements
U.S. entry: Canadians do not require a visa, only a valid passport or a birth certificate or citizenship certificate if arriving directly from Canada. Valid passports are required for all other nationalities. Visas are required for many nationalities. You should check current requirements before traveling as requirements can change very quickly. Visitors must have return or onward tickets and the necessary documents for further travel.
Canadian entry: Although a passport is the ideal identification, U.S. nationals do not require a passport to enter Canada if holding other identification to establish citizenship, such as a birth certificate and at least one photo ID card. European passport holders do not require a visa. A valid passport, a return ticket, and sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependents are required. International travelers may require a visa to enter or transit Canada. You should check current requirements before traveling as requirements can change very quickly.
Currency
U.S. Dollar – Get exchange rates at http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Electrical current
110 volts AC, 50 cycles. Plugs are mainly the two, flat-pin type, though three-pin plugs are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter, which can be purchased in most major departure airports.
General information
The Great Lakes are located in North America between the U.S. and Canada. The Great Lakes are the largest bodies of freshwater in the world and are made up of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and Lake Huron.
Map
Get a map of the Great Lakes areas at WorldAtlas.com.