IntermediateBoat entry

Sandusky Wreck (Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve)

Michigan, United States

AOW suggested21–26 m depthBoat entry

Sandusky Wreck (Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve) at a glance

Sandusky Wreck (Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve) is an intermediate boat dive site in Michigan, United States with depths of 21.3–25.6 m (70–84 ft). Typically most favorable Aug · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Zebra/quagga mussel, Burbot, and Lake trout. Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Wind model · graded 1h ago

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Tap a factor for its source and model point

Site hazards: Strong currents possible in the Straits, ship traffic, cold water, fragile aging structure

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Mon

Fri14:00–20:00

Sat17:00–20:00

Sun8:00–14:00

Mon8:00–20:00

Tue16:00–20:00

Wed8:00–20:00

Thu8:00–17:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 6:43 · Sunrise 7:13 · Sunset 19:58

Source: Open-Meteo wind · graded 1h 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: Zebra/quagga mussel, Burbot, Round goby

Best time: June-early September while moorings are in place

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.

Jan84% 10 kn
Feb79% 11 kn
Mar78% 11 kn
Apr76% 11 kn
May95% 9 kn
Jun91% 9 kn
Jul97% 8 kn
Aug99% 9 kn
Sep97% 8 kn
Oct88% 10 kn
Nov79% 11 kn
Dec82% 11 kn

August 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 Sandusky is an 1848 two-masted brig, the oldest known dived shipwreck in the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve, lost with all hands in a September 1856 gale while carrying grain from Chicago to Buffalo. Her hull sits intact in about 85 ft of Lake Michigan five miles west of the Mackinac Bridge, slightly heeled to port, with deck depths around 70 ft. A replica scroll figurehead adorns the bow below the intact jib-boom, and the windlass, bilge pumps and centerboard winch remain in place; a seasonal mooring buoy marks the site.

boatwreck

Strong currents possible in the Straits, ship traffic, cold water, fragile aging structure

How deep is Sandusky Wreck (Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve)?

Sandusky Wreck (Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve) ranges from 21.3 to 25.6 metres deep (70–84 feet). It is a freshwater site rated as intermediate difficulty. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.

Is Sandusky Wreck (Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve) a shore dive or a boat dive?

Sandusky Wreck (Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve) is a boat dive — access is by boat rather than from shore. The entry area is recorded as 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 Sandusky Wreck (Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve)?

Sandusky Wreck (Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve) is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 21.3 to 25.6 metres (70–84 feet). Access is by boat. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive Sandusky Wreck (Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve)?

The best time to dive Sandusky Wreck (Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve) is typically June-early September while moorings are in place. Seasonal closures are recorded: Mooring buoy installed roughly mid-May to mid-September. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Sandusky Wreck (Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve)?

Divers at Sandusky Wreck (Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve) in United States commonly report sightings of Zebra/quagga mussel, Burbot, Lake trout, and Round goby. Zebra/quagga mussel, Burbot, and Round goby are recorded as common sightings, while Lake trout is reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

Reviews

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