need info on Straits of Mackinac

[Rooster1]

posted this in the freaks forum but there are no bites over there so I will try this forum since Geographically you folks are the next closest. I am looking to set up a dive trip for this summer for our dive club to the straits of Mackinac. Most of our club have never dove there. I am looking for information on dive operators, lodging, etc. I'll take all information and links. thanks

 

[Ber Rabbit]

St. Ingnace, MI hotel directory We stayed at the Bay View. It was an inexpensive rather basic hotel but it was comfortable. We even got the end room so our window looked out onto the water which was only about 40 or so feet away.

Discount hotels in St. Ignace from hotel-rates.com The hotels listed here only seem to be the larger ones who probably pay to be here. Rodeway Inn, if you aren't familiar with them, is going to be fairly cheap and a reasonably good deal for what you get. The one close to Gilboa has rather hard beds and it sounds like a plastic sheet covers the mattress under the bed clothes, I don't know if that's true for the whole chain.

Straits area lodging. This link seems to have more of the smaller privately owned places to stay. I've always had interesting experiences when dealing with this sort of hotel operator. I love the mom-n-pop hotels.

I'll let the others (JBD, Diverbrian, etc.) comment on the diving and operators since I didn't dive there we were just vacationing.

Hope this helps!
Ber :lilbunny:

 

[diverbrian]

Lodging:

I always stay at the Driftwood Inn. It is right across from the piers and has great food, along with very reasonable room rates.

Operators:

Straits Scuba and Abyss Charters are great and have boats already up there. I highly recommend them. I tend to use Abyss Charters, but both are knowledgeable and safe operators that still don't tell you how to do your dive.

To me, the Straits is among the best freshwater diving available. The wrecks are in great shape and you have wooden schooners no more than ten minutes from modern freighters. It is definitely cold water diving (think akin to Toby) with strong potential currents along the ascent line.

There are novice wrecks like the Barnum. The Sandusky is about 70 ft. down and is just beautiful.

As well, the Eber Ward is at approximately 120-140 ft. and is one of the prettiest wrecks that I have been on.

What I am trying to say is the variance in diving conditions is such that you can do as challenging or "easy" of a dive as you want to do!

Good luck!

 

[MgicTwnger]

I'm planning a trip there myself for next summer. When are you guys going?