Madeira Wreck is a intermediate both dive site in Minnesota, United States with depths of 3–33 m (10–108 ft). Typically most favorable Jul · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Lake trout, Burbot, and Sculpin. Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.
Tap a factor for its source and model point
Site hazards: Depth · Site has had diver fatalities
All 5 hazards ↓Dive windows this week
Best: SunFavorable windowModerate window— no window
First light 5:00 · Sunrise 5:37 · Sunset 20:46
Source: Open-Meteo wind · graded 5h ago
Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.
Forecast · NOAA tide model
Loading tide predictions
Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.
No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.
Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.
What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.
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.
Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.
No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.
The Madeira was a 436-foot steel schooner-barge driven onto Gold Rock Point beside Split Rock Lighthouse in the great Mataafa Storm of November 28, 1905. The hull broke into several large sections that now lie from about 10 feet down past 100 feet along the base of the cliff, including the pilothouse, bow and huge hull plates. It is the most famous and most dived shipwreck in Minnesota, reachable as a strenuous shore dive from the beach north of the lighthouse or, more comfortably, by charter boat. Cold water, depth and exposure to northeast seas demand solid cold-water skills.
Very cold water at depth (often 2-4 C below the thermocline)
Demanding shore entry with wave action on cobble/rock beach
Long, steep gear carry from parking and long surface swim
Depth — stern sections drop past 30 m
Site has had diver fatalities — conservative planning required
Madeira Wreck has a depth range of 3–33 metres (10–108 feet). Check the dive site page for current conditions and any depth-specific guidance before planning your dive.
Madeira Wreck is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. A Advanced Open Water recommended (deep sections); Open Water divers can tour the shallow bow wreckage certification or equivalent is suggested. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.
The best time to dive Madeira Wreck is typically June-September on flat-calm days; visibility 20-60 ft, often best in late summer/fall.. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.
Divers at Madeira Wreck in United States commonly report sightings of Lake trout, Burbot, and Sculpin. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.
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