Location:
Straddling the U.S.–Canada border, the Great Lakes — Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario,  make up the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth, covering over 240,000 square kilometers.
 
Why it’s a top dive destination:
The Great Lakes are often called the “freshwater wreck diving capital of the world.” Their cold, clear, and low-salinity water has preserved thousands of shipwrecks in remarkable condition — from 19th-century wooden schooners to early steamships — creating an underwater museum of maritime history.
 
Highlights:
Dozens of perfectly preserved wrecks in Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay
Deep wrecks and dramatic geology in Lake Superior
Wooden sailing ships with intact masts and rigging
Freshwater diving with minimal corrosion or marine growth
 
Fun Fact:
Because there’s no salt or shipworm activity in the Great Lakes, many wrecks remain almost perfectly intact, and divers can still see steering wheels, anchors, and even cargo as if time stood still.