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Map of SS Appomattox Wreck
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SS Appomattox Wreck

Wisconsin, United StatesDirections
Open Water suggestedLake Michigan waves and surge in shallow water4–6 m (13–20 ft) depthBoth entry

SS Appomattox Wreck at a glance

SS Appomattox Wreck is a both dive site in Wisconsin, United States with depths of 4–6 m (13–20 ft). Typically most favorable Sep · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Smallmouth bass, Round goby, and Crayfish. Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Next window today· 8:00–18:00 · favorable & moderate · sunset 17:53

Wind forecast for this hour · 7:00 · run 7 h ago
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Tap a factor for its source and model point

Site hazards: Lake Michigan waves and surge in shallow water · Low visibility after onshore winds · Long surface swim (~150 yards) from the beach

All 4 hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Sun8:00–9:00 moderate, 9:00–10:00 favorable, 10:00–12:00 moderate, 12:00–18:00 favorable

5 kn wind (5 kn wind)

Mon8:00–18:00 moderate

11 kn wind (11 kn wind)

Tue8:00–14:00 moderate, 14:00–18:00 favorable

9 kn wind (9 kn wind)

Wed8:00–18:00 moderate

8 kn wind (8 kn wind)

Thu8:00–9:00 moderate, 10:00–15:00 moderate, 15:00–18:00 favorable

6 kn wind (6 kn wind)

Fri8:00–17:00 favorable, 17:00–18:00 moderate

10 kn wind (10 kn wind)

Sat8:00–9:00 moderate, 9:00–12:00 favorable, 12:00–13:00 moderate, 15:00–18:00 moderate

3 kn wind (3 kn wind)

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

Every forecast dive window each day, site-local time, from wind forecasts. Numbers under each bar are daylight averages.

First light 6:48 · Sunrise 7:17 · Sunset 17:53 · some windows run past sunset

Source: Open-Meteo wind · updated 25 Oct, 00:26 GMT-5

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Compare this weekend’s windows near SS Appomattox Wreck

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

Loading tide predictions

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, Crayfish
Best time: Calm summer days with west/offshore winds for best visibility (June-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.

  1. January, 83% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 11 knots
  2. February, 71% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 12 knots
  3. March, 66% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 12 knots
  4. April, 63% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 13 knots
  5. May, 80% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 11 knots
  6. June, 79% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 11 knots
  7. July, 91% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 9 knots
  8. August, 91% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 10 knots
  9. September, 93% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 9 knots, historically most favorable
  10. October, 81% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 11 knots
  11. November, 81% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 11 knots
  12. December, 83% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 11 knots

September has typically 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

Rough labels: “Commonly seen” usually means two or more recorded sightings near this site in public dive logs (GBIF), “Occasionally seen” one; “Seasonal” and “Rarely seen” come from dive-guide research. Not a measured rate.

Fills & rentals nearby

Facts from OpenStreetMap, corrected by the community — listed by distance only. Details change; confirm with the shop.

Shop facts come from OpenStreetMap and community corrections, shown nearest first. PickADive lists facts and contacts only — no listing is sponsored or ranked.

Data updated July 2026

Site details

The 319-foot Appomattox, the largest wooden bulk steamer ever built on the Great Lakes, grounded in fog and smoke off present-day Atwater Beach in 1905 and broke up where she lay. A 250-foot section of her lower bilge and a large run of collapsed port hull rest in just 15-20 feet of water about 150 yards offshore, marked by a seasonal WHS mooring buoy. Easily reached from the beach, it is metro Milwaukee's signature shore-accessible wreck dive and a favorite of snorkelers and kayakers.

boatshorewreck

Lake Michigan waves and surge in shallow water

Low visibility after onshore winds

Long surface swim (~150 yards) from the beach

Boat and kayak traffic in summer

Reviews

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