Portsmouth Olympic Harbour Shore Dive

Dive Site: Portsmouth Olympic Harbour Shore Dive #

DIRECTIONS TO THE DIVE SITE #

Address: Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, 55 Yonge St, Kingston, Ontario

1. From Highway 401:
   • Head South: Start on Highway 401, heading south.
   • Take Exit 615: Use exit 615 for Sir John A. Macdonald Boulevard toward Kingston.
   • Merge onto Sir John A. Macdonald Boulevard: Continue straight on this road.
   • Turn Right onto John Counter Boulevard: Follow this road.
   • Continue Straight onto Montreal Street: Stay on Montreal Street until the next turn.
   • Turn Left onto Ontario Street: Take a left onto Ontario Street.
   • Turn Right onto Yonge Street: Finally, make a right turn onto Yonge Street.
   • Arrive at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour: Continue straight on Yonge Street until you reach your destination at 55 Yonge St, Kingston, Ontario.

Note: Follow all road signs and traffic regulations to ensure a safe journey.

DIVE SITE FEATURES & CONDITIONS #

Portsmouth Olympic Harbour (POH) is a popular shore dive location, offering a blend of historical wrecks and modern debris, making it an interesting and versatile site for both recreational and training dives.

• Remains of a Hull: The primary attraction is the remains of an old hull, which is adorned with two large anchors. This site provides a rich historical context and is an excellent spot for divers to explore and practice their skills.

• Additional Submerged Items: Divers may come across various other submerged items, including a bike and scattered debris, adding to the exploratory nature of the dive.

• Depth Range:

  • Shallowest Point: 10 feet (3 meters)
  • Deepest Point: 60 feet (20 meters)

• Visibility: During the off-season, visibility can be exceptional, reaching up to 100 feet (30 meters), which is optimal for thorough exploration of the site.

• Marine Life & Environment:

  • Concrete Pilons: The site features concrete pilons that serve as habitats for fish, enhancing the underwater ecosystem.
  • Varied Discoveries: Depending on local activities and environmental conditions, divers may encounter a variety of items, though these can be impacted by occasional acts of vandalism.

SPECIAL FEATURES & NEARBY ATTRACTIONS #

• Scootering to Stacked Hulls: The site serves as a launching point for those wishing to scooter to the nearby Stacked Hulls and an unidentified hull, offering additional adventures for experienced divers.

• Environmental Conservation: Local Dive Stores, in collaboration with PADI Aware, periodically organize clean-up events to help maintain the site’s cleanliness and environmental health. These efforts are vital for combating pollution and preserving the site for future generations.

Admiralty Anchor

DIVING ETIQUETTE & SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS #

• Respect for the Site: It’s important to keep the sidewalks clear of diving gear and to avoid monopolizing the shared beach area. This promotes a positive experience for all visitors and helps maintain good relations within the community.

• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather, especially strong winds, can affect the accessibility and enjoyment of the dive site. Always check the weather forecast and water conditions before planning your dive.

• Training Opportunities: The site offers diverse challenges suitable for various levels of diver training, from beginners to advanced, making it an excellent location for skill development.

Greek Anchor

Photo Gallery 

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RESOURCES & LINKS #

1. Scuba News Canada

   • Information and updates on diving in Canada, including sites like POH.
   • Scuba News Canada

2. City of Kingston

   • Official site for Kingston, providing local information including recreational activities.
   • City of Kingston

3. The Swim Guide

   • Offers water quality reports and information on safe swimming locations, which may be relevant for divers.
   • The Swim Guide

4. PADI Aware

   • Environmental conservation initiatives for divers, including local clean-up events.
   • PADI Aware

5. Dive Buddy

   • A social platform for divers to connect and share experiences, including dive site reviews.
   • Dive Buddy

6. YouTube Videos

   • Search for dive videos at POH to see what the site looks like and hear first-hand accounts from other divers.

7. Waze

   • A useful navigation app to help you reach the dive site efficiently.
   • Waze