Michigan's underwater preserves include nearly 1,900 square miles of Great Lakes bottomland (an area the size of Delaware). Shipwrecks, artifacts, and natural features attract snorkel enthusiasts and scuba divers from all over the world, who come to explore these shipwrecks and observe how the cold, fresh waters of the Great Lakes preserves marine history. Many sport divers are surprised to find shipwrecks in such well-preserved condition. Small items, such as ceramic cups, tools, silverware, ornaments, and other artifacts often remain where they were discovered by the first divers many years before.

The "Underwater Preserve System" was created in 1980 through legislation supported and largely drafted by Michigan sport divers.

Dive charter operators will be found near the underwater preserves. If divers bring their own boats, they will find convenient boat launches, marinas, and other facilities. Most of the popular dive sites are indicated with buoys in the summer. Check out our boating page for our harbor guide and lots of valuable boating info.

A word of caution: Lake Michigan is as unpredictable as it is beautiful. Storms and heavy seas can arise suddenly and with little warning. Do not head out onto the Great Lakes unless you have proper equipment, an appropriate vessel, and adequate experience or guide. If trouble arises, the U.S. Coast Guard monitors VHF channel 16 and search and rescue service is available. Although surface water temperatures may reach 65 degrees or more in midsummer, temperatures below 40 feet may be substantially less. Most Great Lakes divers use full wetsuits.

NOTE: It is a felony to remove or disturb artifacts in the Great Lakes. People caught removing portholes, anchors, anchor chain, or other "souvenirs" will have their boat, car, and equipment confiscated immediately and will face up to two year's imprisonment and stiff fines.

Before you plan your day exploring our underwater preserves it is a good idea to plan ahead and have your accommodations and dining reservations. For help, visit Tired and Hungry).

Remember when visiting us, out of courtesy for the enjoyment of all those who follow you, please leave no trace of your visit behind.

The Air Shack, 9982 West Higgins Lake, Higgins Lake, 517-821-4488.

Divers Central, 6441 East M-115, Cadillac, 231-876-3483.

Great Lakes Scuba, 302 N. US 31 South, Traverse City, 231-943-3483.

Scuba North, 13380 S. West Bayshore Drive, Traverse City, 231-947-2520.

The Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve offers divers a variety of Lake Michigan attractions, from historic dock ruins to fascinating shipwrecks of two centuries.

The Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve's most popular dive site is the wreck of the FRANCISCO MORAZAN, a package freighter that ran aground during a December 1960 snowstorm. The wreck is a few hundred yards offshore from the south end of South Manitou Island.

The FRANCISCO MORAZAN is easily accessible and lies in only 15 feet of water. Those factors make it a great dive for those just learning about Great Lakes shipwreck diving. Divers enjoy exploring the hull of the 246-foot ship. Some machinery remains in the engine room.

Although much of the FRANCISCO MORAZAN is not submerged, divers should not attempt to explore the superstructure. This is a nesting area for cormorants and gulls.

A few hundred yards south of the FRANCISCO MORAZAN are the wreck of the WALTER L. FROST, a wooden steamer that ran aground in 1905. The WALTER L. FROST is broken up because the FRANCISCO MORAZAN literally landed on top of the wreck during the disaster of 1960.

Divers enjoy the WALTER L. FROST because so much of the vessel remains. Large sections of the hull, machinery, boilers and related artifacts offer exploration opportunities for divers of all skill levels. The WALTER L. FROST lies in about 12 feet of water.

Visibility in the 282 square mile preserve ranges from 12 to 25 feet.

The Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve is a great place for family attractions because it is adjacent to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The dune climbs, scenic overlooks, two islands, historical museums, acres of public beaches, miles of trails and hundreds of scenic campsites are enjoyed by divers and non-divers alike.

The preserve is also near Traverse City, a nationally known resort area. Wineries, water sports, shopping and special events make this a popular family vacation destination. When visiting this area, don't forget to plan your vacation through TraverseArea.com

For information: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, P.O. Box 277, Empire, MI 49630. 231-326-5134

The 148 square miles of the Straits of Mackinac Underwater Preserve hosts a variety of underwater attractions. St. Ignace Harbor is the third-oldest city in the US As a result, artifacts from man's earliest presence may be found in this area.

The best area of the harbor to dive is the northernmost portion, away from the busy ferry traffic that transports visitors to Mackinac Island. There is a boat launch at the end of the harbor and divers can swim about two hundred yards to an old break wall. In this area, divers will find an unidentified shipwreck, piles of slabwood, tools, crockery, dinnerware and a variety of other household items that tell the story of this region's maritime heritage. The advantage of diving in this area is that it is protected so that heavy seas rarely interrupt a dive, and because the depth is only 15 feet or less, visibility is excellent and the water is often warmer than in other portions of Lake Huron. Visibility in the harbor is usually 10 to 30 feet.

The Straits of Mackinac Underwater Preserve also has its share of shipwrecks. Among them is the CEDARVILLE, which was a 588 foot, self-unloading freighter that sank with a load of limestone in 1965. The CEDARVILLE was heading west and approaching the Straits of Mackinac in a light fog when it was struck by another ship. The CEDARVILLE capsized in about 110 feet of water, with the hull of the ship within 35 feet of the surface. The ship's superstructure and cabins lie at 75 feet and provide exciting exploration opportunities. This dive is suitable for divers of intermediate to advanced levels. Visibility ranges from two to 20 feet, depending upon currents that are sometimes found in this area.

Another popular dive site in this preserve is the wreck of the SANDUSKY. This 110-foot sailing vessel had two masts and a square stern. She sank in a gale in September 1856. The cool, fresh water of the Great Lakes has preserved this vessel well. It sits upright in about 90 feet of water. Although the masts are broken, most main features remain, including a kedge anchor, pin rail, wheel and tiller.

Divers will also find a figurehead at the bow of the SANDUSKY. The original ram's head was nearly stolen by vandals who had loosened it. Sport divers arranged to have the artifact removed and conserved; it was replaced by a replica soon after the rescue effort. This dive site is suitable for intermediate to advanced divers. Visibility ranges from 2 to 15 feet.

The Straits of Mackinac area is an extremely popular tourist destination. The island features carriage rides (motorized vehicles are prohibited), many historical attractions, excellent scenery, hiking and biking trails and unusual gift shops. Use TraverseArea.com as your one-stop vacation planning resource.

For information: St. Ignace Area Chamber of Commerce, 11 S. State Street, St. Ignace, MI 49781. 906-643-8717 or 800-338-6660.