Site:

Lake Champlain

Location:

Border between New York state and Vermont 

Dive Type:

Lake

• 6th largest freshwater lake in the U.S.
• 12 miles wide (at widest point)
• Over 70 islands
• Approximately 95ft above sea level
• Common Game Fish include landlocked Salmon, Walleye, Northern pike, Lake Trout, Largemouth and Smallmouth bass
• NOTE: THERE IS NO "LOCAL" RECOMPRESSION CHAMBER
• Weather conditions can change quickly on Lake Champlain! Rapid moving and violent thunderstorms are common during summer months. Monitor conditions carefully and get the latest weather forecast.
• REMOVAL OF ARTIFACTS IS FORBIDDEN BY LAW
• PENETRATION OF WRECKS IS NOT PERMITTED
• Mooring Yellow buoys marked "Underwater Historic Preserve" identify the preserve areas.The buoy systems are designed for use under FAIR WEATHER AND MODERATE WIND CONDITIONS ONLY and for vessels less than 35 feet long.
• By law, no anchoring is permitted within 200 feet of a buoy.
• Anyone diving at these sites must tie their boat to a buoy. Only one boat at a time can be tied to a buoy and should remain only for the duration of the dive. Please show courtesy and cooperation in rotating use of the mooring system.
• Divers must fly a "Divers Down" flag from their boat for the duration of the dive.
  
  
  

Office Phone:

Registration Procedures
Seasonal registration is required for every diver prior to using the Preserve System. Registration and information can be obtained from the locations listed below or through most local dive facilities and charter operators. Registration need only be done once during the season.

Depth:

400', average 65' 

Temperature:

Winter – COLD!!! (Drysuit); Summer – Cold below thermocline (thick Wetsuit and hood)

Take note: dramatic thermoclines (radical temperature changes) occur as you descend. Even in the warmest months, be ready for cold-water conditions at any preserve site. Bottom temperatures from 40–50°F (5–10°C) are common. The depth at which thermoclines occur can change from place to place, day to day.

Visibility:

Visibility can vary dramatically. Some influencing conditions include run-off of sediments from storms, wave action, and algae growth. Expect visibility to range from near zero to upwards of 40', averaging 10' to 15'.

Things to see:

• Canal Schooner General Butler
• Canal Schooner O.J. Walker
• Burlington Bay Horse Ferry
• Canal Boat A.R. Noyes
• Steamer Phoenix
• Steamer Champlain II
• Schooner Water Witch
• Diamond Island Canal Boat
  
  

Diving Hours:

24

Air Fills:

Yes

Local Shops:

New York Side

Champlain Dive Center
4013 Rte 9 - Plattsburgh NY 12901
(518) 562-3483

DIVE CHARTERS http://www.divechamplain.com

Jones' Aqua Sports
71 Klein Drive - Willsboro NY 12996
(518) 963-1150


Vermont Side

Waterfront Diving Center
214 Battery St - Burlington VT
(802) 865-2771
http://www.waterfrontdiving.com

WRECK CHARTERS AVAILABLE!!!!

Camping:

Vermont Side

• 10 Acres Campground & RV Park
  (802) 759-2662 
  
  Directions 1 mile south of the bridge to New York at Route 125 and 17W
  
  
• Apple Tree Bay Campground
  (802) 372-5398
  
  Address: 71 Rt. 2 South Hero VT USA 05486-0183
  

New York Side

http://www.nycanal.com/lakechamplain/campgrounds.html#plattsburgh

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