

Best for intermediate divers, 15-20m, boat entry, mild current.
The Lucinda Van Valkenburg is a shipwreck located 3200 metres offshore in Thunder Bay, near Alpena. Resting at depths between 15 and 18 metres, the wreck is accessible only by boat. Divers experience mild currents and visibility ranging from 15 to 30 metres. Due to cold freshwater temperatures that remain near 3 to 4 degrees Celsius at the bottom, drysuit use is essential. The site is suited for intermediate divers, as the structure presents entanglement hazards in confined areas. Surface marker buoys are required for safe ascents due to local boat traffic. Guided tours are available through local dive shops to assist with navigation around the wreck.
45.05405, -83.17662
Water temperature can drop close to 2C in winter, so a drysuit is strongly recommended outside summer months even for short dives. Book through the local dive shop in Alpena, as guided tours give you the best routing around the wreck and keep you clear of the trickiest entanglement points.
The site is accessible via mooring buoys maintained by the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Expected in this region. No sightings logged here yet.
Depth
15-20m
Visibility
15-30m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
2-17°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
40 min
Best Time
Jun, Jul, Aug
No, this site is rated for intermediate divers. The wreck structure presents entanglement risks in confined areas, requiring more experience than a standard open water certification provides.
The wreck lies at an average depth of 18 metres, with the site depth ranging between 15 and 18 metres.
This is a boat dive located 3200 metres from the shore. A boat is required to reach the site.
Water temperatures range from 2 to 17 degrees Celsius throughout the year. At the bottom, temperatures are consistently cold, between 3 and 4 degrees Celsius, necessitating drysuit use.
Primary hazards include cold water exposure, potential entanglement with the wreck structure, and boat traffic. Divers should use a surface marker buoy upon ascent.
Diving at Lucinda Van Valkenburg in Alpena requires the following certifications: Open Water, Wreck. Always dive within your training limits.
A drysuit recommended is recommended for diving at Lucinda Van Valkenburg in Alpena. Water temperatures range from 2°C to 17°C.
The best months to visit Lucinda Van Valkenburg in Alpena are June, July, and August. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.