Scuba Diving in the Thousand Islands, Ontario

The Thousand Islands is the name for a collection of almost 2,000 islands that straddle the Canada/U.S. Border. This region is the gateway of exploration from the Atlantic to Lake Superior for the St. Lawrence Seaway system. At 3860km, the St. Lawrence River is the longest inland waterway in the world – and with so much water on offer, its no surprise that diving has become so popular in the region. The crystal clear waters of the river are home to many shipwrecks and a diverse range of sub-aquatic wildlife - so much so the St. Lawrence is reputed as one of the best freshwater wreck diving spots around!

The water boasts record levels of clarity as light penetrates all the way down to sport diving limits and beyond, providing an unprecedented experience of underwater life. During the summer months the water temperature is typically 25C, even at 100ft deep. This pleasant diving environment is created as the St. Lawrence skims the warm water from the surface of Lake Ontario, allowing for extended periods of exploring for even novice divers.

Diving in the Thousand Islands region is exceptional all year round – reduced traffic and clearer water in the off-peak months (May, June, September, October, November) brings added peace and tranquility. The majority of the St. Lawrence freezes over during the winter months until Spring, so diving is possible only for the most experienced – or adventurous – ice-divers among you! The good news is that other than local ice-fishermen, you'll have the waters to yourselves!

All skill levels are accommodated for, from beginner divers comfortable in relatively shallow waters, to highly-skilled divers who wish to explore depths exceeding several hundred feet. Dive-schools and training facilities are scattered across the shoreline, providing gear, instruction, and certification if you're totally new to the sport.

The shape, geology and eco-system of the St. Lawrence make it the ideal location for scuba diving. Unique in its clarity, warmth, and unrivalled number of archaeologically significant wrecks, diving in the Thousand Islands has been a well-kept secret. The hundreds of wrecks that lie beneath its surface provide a journey through history. Dating back to the early 18th century, there are rowboats and runabouts, and even huge sea-liner vessels. Thankfully, the majority are within safe diving limits of recreational sport divers, making this underwater adventure even more exciting.

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