

Best for beginner divers, 5-20m, shore entry.
Depot Beach in the Straits of Mackinac offers a shore-entry freshwater reef dive ranging from 5 to 20 metres. The site is suitable for beginners due to the lack of current and consistent visibility of 30 metres. Divers should be prepared for cold water temperatures, which fluctuate between 1 and 17 degrees Celsius throughout the year. A thermocline is present at depth, requiring careful monitoring of thermal comfort. A thick exposure suit or drysuit is recommended for all dives. On-site facilities include parking, toilets, showers, and changing rooms to assist with gear preparation and post-dive rinsing.
45.31838, -85.24053
Water shoes are recommended because the lake bottom turns rocky a short distance from the shore before smoothing out.
Located at 307 Chicago Ave, Charlevoix, MI 49720. The beach has rollout beach access mats for wheelchairs and strollers.
Expected in this region. No sightings logged here yet.
Depth
5-20m
Visibility
30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
1-17°C
Current
None
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners as there is no current to manage and the visibility is high.
The reef dive site ranges in depth from 5 to 20 metres.
Depot Beach is a shore-entry dive site.
The main hazards are the cold water temperatures and the presence of a thermocline at depth.
A thick wetsuit or drysuit is essential year-round to manage the cold freshwater temperatures.
Diving at Depot Beach in Charlevoix requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Visibility at Depot Beach in Charlevoix typically ranges from 30 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.