

Best for beginner divers, 2-30m, shore entry, mild current.
Shanty Bay in Georgian Bay offers a diverse freshwater diving experience featuring a mix of natural reefs, wrecks, and artificial reef structures. The site spans depths from 2 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres, making it suitable for beginners to build experience. Divers can expect visibility between 5 and 15 metres and mild currents. Entry is from the shore, though divers should be prepared for potential surf and shore break conditions. Due to cold water temperatures, drysuits or thick wetsuits are recommended. The site is accessible for night diving, with typical dives lasting around 50 minutes. Parking is available for site access.
44.40905, -79.57833
Non-residents of Oro-Medonte must pay for a parking permit or risk a $60 ticket; consider dropping off gear at the wharf and parking on Melissa Crescent or at the baseball diamond on Ridge Road.
Take highway 400 to highway 11 north, exit at Line 2 south, continue to the Shanty Bay wharf, turn left on Bay St to find the larger wharf.
Expected in this region. No sightings logged here yet.
Depth
Up to 30m
Visibility
5-15m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
50 min
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners, as the varied depth range allows divers to build experience at shallower depths before exploring deeper areas.
The site features a depth range of 2 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres.
Shanty Bay is a shore entry site. Divers should scout conditions before entering due to potential surf and shore break.
Conditions include mild currents and visibility ranging from 5 to 15 metres. Water temperatures are cold to cool, requiring appropriate exposure protection.
Hazards include cold water, low visibility, surf, and the risk of entanglement. Divers should monitor buoyancy carefully.
Diving at Shanty Bay in Barrie requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.