diving recommendations II

[merkin]

Hi everyone, I wrote some time ago about coming up to Toronto (from FL) and trying to do some diving... SARS changed the conference dates so now I'll be there July 11th - 16th and maybe stay an additional 2 days, leaving Friday.

I'm about to re-book my plane tickets, so I'm trying to decide whether I should make time for some wreck diving.

Could I get some decent "wreck" dives on the weekdays somewhere near Toronto? in Kingston/Tobermoray? How long is the drive to the latter areas?

What's the bottom water temperatures in July? How often in July are dives canceled because of marine/weather conditions?

What's the typical dive charter cost? Are they usually 2-tank deals like here in FL?

Thanks!

 

[Marvintpa]

It would likely take 2 1/2 to 3 hours to get to Kingston and around 3 1/2 hours to get to Toby, depending on your driving speed, the area of Toronto your're driving from, and the traffic.

Kingston is likely your best bet - closer and better wrecks (as long as you are at least advanced certified).

My suggestion would be to do the Munson and Comet on one day, and the Davie and Marsh another.

Dive charters cost between $55 and $70 for a two tank dive depending on the operator and distance they have to travel (remember, these are cheaper Canadian dollars).

Temperatures at 100' will be around 45-50 degrees, getting up to around 60 at the surface - entirely doable in a wetsuit.

In July charters in my experience are not cancelled often. In Kinston when the weather turns you can almost always do the Munson, or the Wolfe Islander which is a decent wreck too (one of Ontario's few intentionally sunk wreck dives).

 

[merkin]

Thanks for the info!

I have AOW and 40 dives (10 wreck dives), nothing below 110', most challenging dive was probably the Duane (100-110') on a day with particularly strong currents and surge (and a 8' bull shark off the bow as I began to make my ascent for a safety stop!)

...I know there a lot of deep challenging wreck dives (well beyond my experience), but do you think I can handle Kingston?

If yes, which dive operator(s) in the Kingston area would you personally recommend?

Thanks.

 

[wetman]

You have to watch the mean muskies around here. They make bullsharks look like poodles. Other than that, you'll have a damn good time. Most of the wrecks in front of kingston are 110 feet or shallower (with most in the 70 ish foot range i think). Vis is typically nice and clear below the thermocline, and temp is as stated earlier. Very little to no current on most wrecks.

I only know two operators out of there, Suspense Charters and Northern Tech Diver. Both are good. Don't know the rest so can't comment.

There are about 40 or so wrecks you can do right out of Collins bay so there are plenty to choose from.

Good luck.

steve

 

[divebuddydale]

To answer your other question about marine weather.. Heck some of us dive in ice so weather does not faze us > seriously though, unless there are severe rain/thunderstorms the waves are not that bad. It depends on the charter, and what type of boat they have.

One other place you could go diving is Brockville (another hour from Kingston). Water in July would be approx High 60's to low 70's, with no themocline.

Dale

 

[Ontario Diver]

merkin once bubbled...
Thanks for the info!

I have AOW and 40 dives (10 wreck dives), nothing below 110', most challenging dive was probably the Duane (100-110') on a day with particularly strong currents and surge (and a 8' bull shark off the bow as I began to make my ascent for a safety stop!)

...I know there a lot of deep challenging wreck dives (well beyond my experience), but do you think I can handle Kingston?

If yes, which dive operator(s) in the Kingston area would you personally recommend?

Thanks.

Shouldn't be a problem.. Most of the wrecks are in the 70-90 foot range and the current is slight, so you should be OK Check your PMs for reccomendations...

 

[Jimmy B]

Give the boys over at NTD a call. www.northerntechdiver.com 4 small boats, and 2 large boats, always room.

JB

 

[sisterJ]

merkin once bubbled...

Could I get some decent "wreck" dives on the weekdays somewhere near Toronto? in Kingston/Tobermoray? How long is the drive to the latter areas?

What's the bottom water temperatures in July? How often in July are dives canceled because of marine/weather conditions?

What's the typical dive charter cost? Are they usually 2-tank deals like here in FL?

Thanks!

Merkin,
Your best bet for diving is Kingston. When my club makes the trip from Toronto it takes us 2 1/2 to 3 hrs. There are some decent hotels and motels to stay in. The wrecks off Kingston are world class. It is a lot of fun to dive there.

Our club dives out of www.northerntechdiver.com the rate is approx $65.00 for a 2 tank dive, but you should verify this as we pay a group rate for 10 divers. The staff at NTD also have a DM on staff. John is a great dive buddy to have if he is availible. They also have a second dive on staff. I think his name is Vinny. He too is a great dive buddy.

Photos of the kingston wrecks are availible for viewing on the NTD web site. THere are also some pictures at www.expeditiondivers.ca but this site looks like it is still being developed.

The water temp is still in the mid to high 40's but it is promising to warm up fast. Last year we were diving in late July and the temp was in the high 60's.

Usually you do not get blown out in Kingston but in the event that you do there are some decent shore dives availible,

Enjoy your trip
sJ