AdvancedBoat entry

Cedarville (wreck)

Michigan, United States

AOW suggestedStrong, variable currents in the Straits of Mackinac; visibility often reduced to 35 ft or less; severe disorientation risk because the 588-ft hull lies on its starboard side rolled past vertical (partly inverted); penetration hazards11–32 m depthBoat entry

Boat dive — see Entry & access.

Cedarville (wreck) at a glance

Cedarville (wreck) is an advanced boat dive site in Michigan, United States with depths of 10.7–32 m (35–105 ft). Typically most favorable Jul · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Round goby, Burbot, and Yellow perch. Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Wind model · graded 13h ago

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Tap a factor for its source and model point

Site hazards: Strong, variable currents in the Straits of Mackinac; visibility often reduced to 35 ft or less; severe disorientation risk because the 588-ft hull lies on its starboard side rolled past vertical (partly inverted); penetration hazards

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Wed

Fri13:00–20:00

Sat8:00–9:00

Sun8:00–20:00

Mon8:00–18:00

Tue19:00–20:00

Wed8:00–20:00

Thu8:00–20:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 6:42 · Sunrise 7:12 · Sunset 19:58

Source: Open-Meteo wind · graded 13h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

Dived here today — did the forecast match?

What Divers Say

Known for: Round goby, Burbot, Zebra/quagga mussel

Best time: June through September; pick slack-current windows and calm weather in the Straits.

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

Jan63% 13 kn
Feb58% 14 kn
Mar60% 13 kn
Apr50% 14 kn
May87% 11 kn
Jun79% 11 kn
Jul91% 10 kn
Aug87% 11 kn
Sep90% 10 kn
Oct70% 12 kn
Nov49% 14 kn
Dec55% 14 kn

July hastypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.

Data updated June 2026

Site details

The Cedarville was a 588-ft self-unloading limestone carrier that sank on May 7, 1965 after colliding in dense fog with the Norwegian freighter Topdalsfjord in the Straits of Mackinac, killing ten of her crew — one of the largest vessels ever lost on the Great Lakes. She lies broken nearly in two on her starboard side, rolled past vertical, in about 105 ft of water east of the Mackinac Bridge, with the shallowest parts of the hull reachable around 35-40 ft and the pilothouse and cabins near 75 ft. Now the marquee dive of the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve, she is buoyed each season but demands respect for her size, orientation, current, and variable visibility.

boatwreck

Strong, variable currents in the Straits of Mackinac; visibility often reduced to 35 ft or less; severe disorientation risk because the 588-ft hull lies on its starboard side rolled past vertical (partly inverted); penetration hazards — confined passages, silt, cables — have caused diver fatalities; heavy commercial shipping traffic through the Straits; cold water below the thermocline.

How deep is Cedarville (wreck)?

Cedarville (wreck) ranges from 10.7 to 32 metres deep (35–105 feet) — a deep dive at its limit. It is a freshwater site rated as advanced difficulty. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.

Is Cedarville (wreck) a shore dive or a boat dive?

Cedarville (wreck) is a boat dive — access is by boat rather than from shore. The entry area is recorded as moderately exposed to surge. No facilities are recorded at the site, and cell service is recorded as good. Entry details and parking notes, where known, are listed in the access section of this page.

Can beginners dive Cedarville (wreck)?

Cedarville (wreck) is rated as advanced difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 10.7 to 32 metres (35–105 feet). Access is by boat. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive Cedarville (wreck)?

June through September; pick slack-current windows and calm weather in the Straits. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Cedarville (wreck)?

Divers at Cedarville (wreck) in United States commonly report sightings of Round goby, Burbot, Yellow perch, Lake whitefish, and Smallmouth bass. Round goby and Burbot are recorded as common sightings, while Yellow perch, Lake whitefish, and Smallmouth bass are reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

What hazards are recorded at Cedarville (wreck)?

Reviews

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