DIVE SITE INFORMATION #
- Location: Cape Vincent, NY, St. Lawrence River
- Coordinates: N 44.13292, W -76.33271
- Site Type: Breakwater Wall, Artificial Reef
- Access Points: Market Street, Point Street, Club Street (Ferry Ramp)
SITE DESCRIPTION #
The Cape Vincent Breakwater Wall in the St. Lawrence River offers an exciting underwater adventure, characterized by its artificial structure and diverse marine life. This site is popular among divers due to its accessibility and the unique experience of exploring a submerged man-made structure that has become an artificial reef over time.
Access #
- Market Street: The primary access point, featuring benches and a picnic table, making it a convenient spot for gearing up. The old timber crib wharf provides protection and the small gravel beach offers easy water access.
- Point Street: Another accessible site with similar amenities, including benches and a gravel beach, which is easily reached by walking around the protective railing.
- Club Street (Ferry Ramp): Suitable for drop-off access due to limited parking. This location is closer to the water but lacks parking facilities.
Underwater Landscape #
The breakwater wall sits on a muddy bottom and is constructed from timber crib filled with stones, topped with large blocks of concrete and stone. This structure creates numerous nooks and crannies, making it an ideal habitat for various marine species. The underwater environment is dynamic, with sections of the wall offering different exploration opportunities, from peeking into crevices to observing the interaction of marine life with the man-made reef.
Marine Life #
Diving at this site offers the chance to encounter a variety of freshwater species, including bass, pike, perch, walleye, and occasionally muskellunge. The breakwater is also home to crayfish, freshwater mussels, eels, and other aquatic organisms, making it a rich environment for underwater observation.
CONDITIONS #
- Water Temperature: Can vary, especially due to proximity to Lake Ontario. It’s essential to check with local dive shops for current conditions.
- Currents and Visibility: Conditions can be unpredictable, with varying currents and visibility influenced by nearby boating activity and river conditions. This area is particularly busy due to the nearby US Coast Guard station and the St. Lawrence Seaway River Pilot outpost.
SAFETY MEASURES #
- Always dive with a buddy and ensure all equipment is in good working order.
- Use a surface buoy with a diver-down flag to signal your presence to nearby boats, especially as you drift along the breakwater.
- Be cautious of boat traffic and follow local regulations.
LOCAL REGULATIONS #
Some areas near the shore within the breakwater are private property, so it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with local guidelines and respect property boundaries.
GUIDED DIVES #
If you’re new to the area, consider joining a guided dive. Local dive shops or instructors can offer valuable insights and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS #
Practice responsible diving by avoiding contact with marine life and the structure itself. Maintain proper buoyancy to prevent damage to the underwater environment. If you come across trash, consider removing it and disposing of it in the trash receptacles available at the waterfront park.
PREPARATION #
Before diving, ensure that all necessary equipment, such as scuba gear, dive computers, underwater lights, and safety gear, are prepared and functional. Discuss your dive plan, signals, and emergency procedures thoroughly with your dive buddy.
EXPERIENCE #
Diving at the Cape Vincent Breakwater Wall provides a unique opportunity to explore the underwater architecture and observe the local aquatic life. Take your time to appreciate the historic elements, such as old bottles from the 19th century, which may be found on the riverbed. Whether you choose to take these as souvenirs or leave them for others, the experience promises to be memorable.
Rules to Shore Dive by
- Pick up after yourselves and others if need be
- Take only pictures, memories, and trash off the bottom
- Many shore dive sites are busiest on weekends so plan ahead
- Remember you’re the ambassador for the sport when approached by onlookers and locals. Paying attention and being polite can lead to other opportunities and locations.
- Have fun and lots of it after all that’s why you are there just like underwater beware of others around you for both positive and negative experiences
- If you’re the guy with the camera, video, or go pro, take a minute to show those outside your group what’s underneath.
