Boat dive — see Entry & access.
Ottawa Wreck is a boat dive site in Wisconsin, United States with depths of 4–5 m (13–16 ft). Typically most favorable Jul · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Smallmouth bass and Crayfish. Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.
Tap a factor for its source and model point
Site hazards: Very cold Lake Superior water · Boat and kayak traffic in Buffalo Bay
All 3 hazards ↓Dive windows this week
Best: WedFavorable windowModerate window— no window
First light 6:05 · Sunrise 6:36 · Sunset 19:23
Source: Open-Meteo wind · graded 14h ago
Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.
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.
Data updated July 2026
The Ottawa, built in 1881 as the Boscobel, was one of the largest and most powerful wrecking tugs on the Great Lakes until she burned at her mooring off Red Cliff in 1909. Most of her hull structure, including a 158-foot run of port side and large starboard sections, rests on sand in just 12-16 feet of water in Buffalo Bay. The shallow, sheltered site is a favorite of beginner divers, snorkelers and kayakers in the Apostle Islands region.
Very cold Lake Superior water
Boat and kayak traffic in Buffalo Bay
Scattered timbers and iron fastenings with snag points
Ottawa Wreck ranges from 4 to 5 metres deep (13–16 feet) — a shallow dive. It is a freshwater site. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.
Ottawa 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.
June-September in calm weather. None official; ice-bound in winter. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.
Divers at Ottawa Wreck in United States commonly report sightings of Smallmouth bass and Crayfish. Crayfish is recorded as common sightings, while Smallmouth bass is reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.
No reviews yet — this site is waiting for its first. Dived here? Your rating and a few lines help the next diver.
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