Big Tub Harbour is a freshwater wreck-diving destination with a site mix that spans shallow beginner wrecks to deep advanced dives. The Sweepstakes schooner and W. L. Wetmore draw newer divers, while The Arabia and The Forest City challenge experienced divers at considerable depth. Carp, Pike, Lake Trout and American Crayfish are consistently observed across sites. Summer brings the warmest water; spring and autumn are cooler but still popular.
Monthly water temperature across Big Tub Harbour's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water temperature climbs steadily from cold late-spring conditions into warm summer months, peaking in August before dropping through autumn. June to September offers the most comfortable diving, though spring and early autumn remain active periods. Winter temperatures are very cold, and diving in those months demands significant thermal protection and experience.
15 more sites to explore
Water temperature around Big Tub Harbour ranges from about 1°C in February to 19°C in August, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 19°C) a 5mm suit is comfortable in Big Tub Harbour; in the coldest months (about 1°C) step up to a drysuit.
Fin maps 27 sites in Big Tub Harbour (26 scuba diving sites and 6 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
Across Big Tub Harbour's dive sites, June, July, August and September are most often reported as the best months to visit.
The harbour's freshwater environment supports a rich variety of species. Carp, American Crayfish, Pike and Round Goby are very commonly observed, while Lake Trout and Small Mouth Bass appear regularly across many sites. Perch, Alewife, Burbot and Walleye are also recorded here.
Yes, a good portion of the sites are rated for beginners. The Sweepstakes, W. L. Wetmore, Tobermory HBC and The Tugs all sit at shallow depths and offer gentle conditions for those new to diving. Shore entry is available at several of these sites, making access straightforward without a boat.
Both options exist. Sites like Tobermory HBC, The Tugs and Lake Wolsley are accessible directly from shore. Others, including the W. L. Wetmore, Niagara II and The Arabia, require boat access. Local operators such as Divers Den, Dive Life Tobermory, Great Lakes Divers and Little Cove Adventures can arrange boat charters.
Beyond the shallow wrecks that suit beginners, experienced divers can explore deeper and more demanding sites. The Arabia and The Forest City are rated advanced and drop to considerable depth, while Big Tub Lighthouse Point combines wall, reef and wreck topography. The Caves offer limestone formations and an underwater tunnel for intermediate divers.
