How deep is Smith Moore Wreck (Alger Underwater Preserve)?

Smith Moore Wreck (Alger Underwater Preserve) ranges from 21.3 to 32 metres deep (70–105 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 Smith Moore Wreck (Alger Underwater Preserve) a shore dive or a boat dive?

Smith Moore Wreck (Alger Underwater Preserve) 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 Smith Moore Wreck (Alger Underwater Preserve)?

Smith Moore Wreck (Alger Underwater Preserve) is rated as advanced difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 21.3 to 32 metres (70–105 feet). Access is by boat. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive Smith Moore Wreck (Alger Underwater Preserve)?

The best time to dive Smith Moore Wreck (Alger Underwater Preserve) is typically July-September. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Smith Moore Wreck (Alger Underwater Preserve)?

Divers at Smith Moore Wreck (Alger Underwater Preserve) in United States commonly report sightings of Lake trout, Coho salmon, Burbot, and Lake whitefish. Lake trout and Burbot are recorded as common sightings, while Coho salmon and Lake whitefish are reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

Map of Smith Moore Wreck (Alger Underwater Preserve)

Add the first photo

AdvancedBoat entry

Smith Moore Wreck (Alger Underwater Preserve)

Michigan, United States

AOW suggested21–32 m depthBoat entry

Boat dive — see Entry & access.

Smith Moore Wreck (Alger Underwater Preserve) at a glance

Smith Moore Wreck (Alger Underwater Preserve) is an advanced boat dive site in Michigan, United States with depths of 21.3–32 m (70–105 ft). Typically most favorable Jul · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Lake trout, Coho salmon, and Burbot. 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: Depth (deco risk), very cold water at depth (~40 F), low light, silt inside hull, entanglement; penetration only for wreck-trained divers

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Mon

Fri14:00–20:00

Sat11:00–13:00

Sun8:00–14:00

Mon8:00–20:00

Tue13:00–17:00

Wed8:00–20:00

Thu13:00–17:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 6:49 · Sunrise 7:19 · Sunset 20:06 · all windows sit within daylight

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: Lake trout, Burbot

Best time: July-September

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.

Jan52% 14 kn
Feb39% 15 kn
Mar53% 15 kn
Apr51% 14 kn
May73% 12 kn
Jun71% 11 kn
Jul90% 10 kn
Aug81% 11 kn
Sep82% 11 kn
Oct43% 15 kn
Nov37% 16 kn
Dec43% 16 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 Smith Moore was a 230-ft wooden steam barge that sank in 1889 in the East Channel between Grand Island and the mainland after a collision, and is the deepest and best-known wreck in the Alger Underwater Preserve near Munising. She sits upright and largely intact in 70-105 ft of water with the deck reached around 80 ft. Divers find her boiler, engine, deck winch and broken mast, and open hatches allow trained divers a look into the holds.

boatwreck

Depth (deco risk), very cold water at depth (~40 F), low light, silt inside hull, entanglement; penetration only for wreck-trained divers

Reviews

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