Tobermory Aug 6th

[scubadoobygio]

We (me and my fiancee) are heading to Southampton and plan on diving Tobermory on Aug 6th. Nothing too deep as this will be our first Great Lakes dives, well maybe our second if we can get a dive in at the long dock in Southampton. We are used to the waters off the coast of North Carolina and Florida, warm.

We were thinking of Lighthouse Point and The Tugs. Anybody have any other suggestions?

Also are there any concerns with crossing the border with Scuba gear?

Thanks

 

[boney]

Tobermory is awesome!!! I've been there a couple of times in the past and hope to go again this year.

Are you planing on using a boat or strictly shore dives?

The link below goes to the Fathom Five website for Parks Canada site.

http://parkscanada.gc.ca/amnc-nmca/on/fathomfive/activ/activ2_E.asp

Many of the wrecks require a boat but if you click on the "Harbour Area" link that will show you where the Tugs are located plus some other good shore dives that are not very deep like the Sweepstakes and the City of Grand Rapids.

I can't say if there are any concerns with your gear coming across the border, from what I've read I think they just ask you some questions to make sure you don't sell it here or anything. Like I said though I've never taken my gear across the border so you may want to see what others post.

Have fun!!!

 

[JohnF]

scubadoobygio once bubbled...


Also are there any concerns with crossing the border with Scuba gear?

Thanks

I go back and forth with a van full of gear 6 or 8 times a year with absolutely no problem. Have fun.

JohnF

 

[maj2]

I cross the border at Windsor/Detroit several times per year with my gear. Never encountered a problem so far in either direction.

As for Tobermory, the other common Shore dive is the Anchor. Finding it can be a bit tricky if you've never done it before, so perhaps check at one of the local dive shops or hook up with some other divers at the site.

Also, don't rule out a charter. There are some great dives, even at shallow depths. Check what is going out at the dive shops. Alternatively, both G&S (www.gswatersports.com) and Divers Den (www.diversden.ca) have web sites.

Water temps will vary somewhat from site to site, but expect it to be chilly. Make sure you have adequate protection.

Have a great trip. I'll be leaving Tobermory just as you are arriving.

 

[simcoediver]

Im planning a trip up to Tobermory to dive the Niagara II and the Carolyn Rose.Is there still a fee to dive the Niagara?How much is it? Do I pay this fee at the parks office? I also have my own large zodiac boat,will I be permitted to tie up at the mooring bouys for these 2 shipwrecks?

 

[maj2]

The Niagara II is not within the park, so the park collects no fees for diving this wrech.
The Tobermory Maritime Association was responsible for co-ordinating the sinking of the Niagara II and has historically collected heir fees through the local dive shops.
That being said, I have been to the Niagara II twice this season, and have not been asked to pay the fee (once from Diver's Den, once at G&S). Seems like the Niagara II fee might be relaxed a bit this season.
Don't know if that is official, but it is my experience for 2003..
Hope this helps.

 

[Scuba_18]

I just got back from my first toby trip and the story regarding fees is that because the park fees went up this year they decided to not charge although g+s is taking donations.

I had a blast and can't wait till my next trip.

 

[Tractor Tom]

and G&S collected a fee to dive the Niagara II from every diver. I don't recall anyone saying it was a "donation" or that it was "voluntary". We all were expected to pitch in 2 dollars a piece for the dive.

By the way, it was the best dive of the six dives we made in two days. Was 34 degrees at the deck, but vis was excellent and the weather for that trip was very nice.

G&S put on "Capt. Dave" the second day and he was a really excellent addition to the trip. Rigged and unrigged every diver, had lots of background info on every wreck and was comical as well. He was very well taken care of at the end of the days diving ($$$$$)

 

[scuba_junkie]

I did my very first wreck dives last year in Toby... I went with a group from my LDS and they set us up with G&S. The skipper we had on Saturday was really cool as well, but the dives we did on Sunday at the Grotto and NiagaraII where with Capt. Dave... he is a riot.

 

[bladerunner]

Hey I'm trying to collect up some info on a future vacation. I really interested in diving the Tobermory area, but he is the kicker
I'm hard core freediver and very intrested in diving this sites. Does anyone know if there are places in there area that rent boats for diving use because I'm sure all the of the dive chart will not allow freediving. I do alot of freediving and spearfishing from a kayak. I'm also very experienced rough water seakayaker, but I want to save my energy for diving and shorten the time to get to some of the other wrecks further out from Tobermaory!
any help would be appreciated very much

BladeRunner OUT=-)