We are planning a trip to Mackinac island in late July/early August. Are any of the hotels etc accomodating to or at least tolerant of divers and all the gear?
mackinac Island accomodations question
- Thread starter jbd
- Start date
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crpntr133
lost, even with a compass
Mackinac Island!! Is this a deco trip?
JEScholz
Contributor
I was wondering why you want to lug all your gear over to the island? I am not aware any charters or dive sites on the island. You would probably be better to stay in Mac. City and day trip over to the island, or leave the gear in the car on the mainland.
Stay away from the weeks of the 14th and 21st of July. Those weeks are the Chicago and Port Huron races to Mackinac and the island will be flooded with about 2000 drunken sailors!
Stay away from the weeks of the 14th and 21st of July. Those weeks are the Chicago and Port Huron races to Mackinac and the island will be flooded with about 2000 drunken sailors!
There's a lot to do on Mackinaw Island, but diving isn't one of them. There is a dive boat out of St. Ignace, that's at the north end of the bridge. That said, there's a ton of great diving to be done in the Straits of Mackinaw. and the Island has a lot to offer, but diving isn't on the list unless you have your own boat.
Here's a link for the charter boat Rec Diver...http://www.straitsscuba.com/
Here's a link for the charter boat Rec Diver...http://www.straitsscuba.com/
If you do use straitsscuba Larry would let you leave the gear in his shop, trying to carry it on the Ferrys would be a big PITA. I stay at the Pontiac Lodge a few times a year and they have large rooms but you would have to go up a flight of stairs.
diver_paula
Contributor
jtivat:
Very true. Larry would keep your gear in his shop. Just make sure you make ferry arrangements from St. Ignace. The shop and dive boat launch are in the Star Line ferry parking lot. We always use their bathroom facilities prior to going out on a charter.
The ferry schedules should fit with the charter scheduling. The wife of one of my dive buddies often brings her bicycle along on charter weekends. She's normally already taken off on a ferry before we take off on the charter. & the ferrys run hours after the charter ends.
Paula
OP
Thanks for all the responses!!
If it was up to me I would just stay at the Driftwood Inn again and hop on one of the dive boats that are there. I have used Abyss with great success in the past. When the diving was done I would take a ferry to the island. However, I'm married so we know its not up to me
and the wife wants to stay on the island.
cpntr133---I would like it to be a deco trip but most likely anyone that might join me won't be ready for deco yet. Much will depend on what boat arrangements I can make.
If it was up to me I would just stay at the Driftwood Inn again and hop on one of the dive boats that are there. I have used Abyss with great success in the past. When the diving was done I would take a ferry to the island. However, I'm married so we know its not up to me
and the wife wants to stay on the island.cpntr133---I would like it to be a deco trip but most likely anyone that might join me won't be ready for deco yet. Much will depend on what boat arrangements I can make.
Tiny Bubbles
Contributor
There is also a KOA campground just west of St. Ignace that we have used before and are happy with.
http://www.koakampgrounds.com/where/mi/22156/
-Ray
http://www.koakampgrounds.com/where/mi/22156/
-Ray
JEScholz
Contributor
If you are staying on the island, where to stay depends on what you have in mind. The Bayview B&B is right next to the marina and has some real nice rooms overlooking the marina with private balcony. Chateau Loraine is off the beaten path but close to downtown and less expensive if you don't mind sharing a bath. Mission point lodge is also a great place. I like to walk down there for drinks and dinner.
We love the Murray across from The Arnold Transit dock,Take the Cats!
The Murray has period fixtures, could be a mini Grand Hotel Love the Grand Hotel Too! some day you need to spend a night the meals are worth it! @ THE GH,
THE Murray has a Free breakfast spread in the A.M. hot tub on deck, fudge store inside,and a cute porch if you wait grab a chair and look at the folks come and go.
As said drag dive gear no way<,we did all dives from St.Ignace
Lots to do on the Island and see,
The locals hang for a cool one at the Pink Pony,do the Island tour and make sure if she can do the Lunch at the Grand Hotel,have fun diving but make sure to note the times the boats run as this will cost you some $$ for the back and forth.
dive safe,
Brad
The Murray has period fixtures, could be a mini Grand Hotel Love the Grand Hotel Too! some day you need to spend a night the meals are worth it! @ THE GH,
THE Murray has a Free breakfast spread in the A.M. hot tub on deck, fudge store inside,and a cute porch if you wait grab a chair and look at the folks come and go.
As said drag dive gear no way<,we did all dives from St.Ignace
Lots to do on the Island and see,
The locals hang for a cool one at the Pink Pony,do the Island tour and make sure if she can do the Lunch at the Grand Hotel,have fun diving but make sure to note the times the boats run as this will cost you some $$ for the back and forth.
dive safe,
Brad
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