Bonnie Castle Dive Park, Alexandria Bay, NY
Bonnie Castle Dive Park is a designated scuba diving site located in Alexandria Bay, New York, along the St. Lawrence River. It is a popular destination for divers exploring the underwater treasures of the Thousand Islands region.
Key Features
• Location: Adjacent to Bonnie Castle Resort, providing convenient access for divers.
• Accessibility: The dive park offers shore entry points, making it suitable for divers of all skill levels.
• Depth Range: Typically 6–18 meters (20–60 feet), depending on the specific dive area.
• Visibility: The St. Lawrence River is known for good underwater visibility, often exceeding 15 meters (50 feet) in optimal conditions.
What to Explore
• Wrecks: Several small wrecks and remnants of vessels lie within the dive park boundaries, offering historical and recreational interest.
• Artifacts: Divers often encounter remnants of river commerce, such as bottles, tools, and hardware.
• Aquatic Life: The site is home to a variety of freshwater species, including bass, perch, and pike, as well as invertebrates like freshwater mussels and crayfish.
• Geological Features: Unique rock formations and riverbed contours add to the site’s natural appeal.
Diver Tips
1. Dive Flag: Required for safety due to boat traffic in the area.
2. Current Awareness: Moderate river currents can occur; ensure appropriate experience and equipment.
3. No Artifact Removal: Adhere to the “take only photos, leave only bubbles” philosophy to preserve the site’s history.
4. Seasonal Conditions: Water temperature and visibility vary seasonally; plan dives accordingly.
Historical Context
Bonnie Castle Dive Park is named after the nearby Bonnie Castle Resort, a landmark in Alexandria Bay. The park reflects the rich maritime history of the St. Lawrence River, where steamboats, barges, and ferries once thrived, leaving behind a wealth of underwater heritage for modern explorers.
Bonnie Castle Dive Park is a must-visit site for divers seeking a combination of history, aquatic life, and scenic underwater exploration in the Thousand Islands.