Site Orientation

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Site Name: Marine Museum Dive Site
• Location: 55 Ontario Street, Kingston, Ontario
• Coordinates:  West St Ramp by KYC, Marine Museum, Kingston, ON
• •Depth: 40-50 feet (12-15 meters), depending on the distance swum or scootered
• •Access: Shore dive

DESCRIPTION

The Marine Museum Dive Site, located near the historic Marine Museum of the Great Lakes in Kingston, Ontario, offers an accessible freshwater diving experience. The museum, established in 1892, is a focal point for maritime history in the region, situated at the Kingston Dry Dock—a designated national historic site. This site is ideal for beginner divers, practice dives, or simply exploring local underwater attractions.

UNDERWATER FEATURES

• Marine Railway: Remnants of the historic marine railway visible underwater.
• Marine Museum Barges 1 & 2: Sunken barges serving as primary attractions, situated in approximately 40 feet (12 meters) of water. Often scootered to for easier access.
• Tour Boat Remains: ound near the east yellow marker by the Kingston Yacht Club.
• Water Pipe Cribs: Structures located along the dive route.
• Unidentified Hull (KYC Wreck): A submerged Hull near the Kingston Yacht Club.
• .Additional Features: Cars, a dock, and other submerged artifacts scattered near the museum, reflecting the site’s industrial and maritime history.

DIVING CONDITIONS

• Visibility: Ranges from 16 to 20 feet (5-6 meters), depending on weather and water conditions.
• Water Temperature: Can reach up to 24°C (75°F) in warmer months.
• Entry Points: Entry via the boat ramp or old pilings. Heavy wrought-iron pier provides a descent point.
• Navigation: Poor Visibility can make navigation challenging. Using a compass is highly recommended. Safety stops can be conducted near the underwater pier close to the entry point.
• Aquatic Life: While limited, divers may encounter fish and other freshwater species near the pier.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Parking: Adequate, even during summer weekends.
• Facilities: Concrete ramp available for easy access.
• Difficulty: Suitable for beginners and intermediate divers; excellent for skill refinement and equipment testing.

EXTERNAL LINKS & RESOURCES

Directions: 55 Ontario Street, Kingston ON

Marine Museum of the Great Lakes: Visit their website for historical context and nearby attractions.

CONCLUSION

The Marine Museum Dive Site in Kingston, Ontario, offers a unique blend of historical significance and diving adventure. While Visibility may be a challenge, the wrecks, submerged artifacts, and underwater environment make this a rewarding dive site for those seeking to explore Lake Ontario’s maritime heritage. Ideal for both recreational dives and training, the site stands out as a must-visit location for divers in the region.

KEYWORDS

Marine Museum dive site, Kingston diving, Lake Ontario shipwrecks, Marine Museum barges, underwater railway, KYC wreck, freshwater diving, shore dive, Great Lakes maritime history.