June, 2023.
Renowned for having the highest concentration of shipwrecks per mile worldwide, Bermuda has earned a prestigious spot on National Geographic’s list as a must-visit diving destination. It boasts an abundance of 300 relatively shallow wreck sites, vibrant fringing reefs, a unique system of historical forts, and limitless topside activities. Discover why Bermuda deserves a spot on your short-list.
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July, 2022.
Fiji has a well known and deserved reputation as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World”, and easily ranks within the top five coral reefs to dive. This trip focuses on the main Island of Viti Levu on the Bligh reefs (yes, that Bligh!) in the North, and the famous Beqa Lagoon shark dive in the south.
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August, 2021.
Southern Georgian Bay near Penetanguishene (“Penetang”) has some of the most interesting and photogenic wrecks in the Great Lakes. Two of Cris Kohl’s “Top 100” ship wrecks are located here, and explored in this post. Accessible to all skill levels, and in warm, clear waters, these are just simply fun wrecks to dive.
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August, 2020.
Parry Sound is located on eastern shore of Georgian Bay, the northeastern arm of Lake Huron, and informally referred to as the “sixth” Great Lake. Set among the ruggedly beautiful 30,000 Islands, you’ll enjoy the scenic boat rides, and its inviting waters and shallow wrecks are suitable for new or advanced divers alike.
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June 2018.
The Eureka is a 130′ pre-Civil War , double-masted schooner. The ship foundered on Nov.1, 1883 due to a gale, enroute from Oswego, New York to Kingston with a load of coal . With luck the captain and six crew managed to escape without loss of life.
Only a handful of people have seen this wreck since it sank 135 years ago, and these are the first ever published photographs of this beautiful wreck. Needless to say, this is one wreck I’ll never forget dropping down on.
(September 27, 2014)
Timing is everything in the late summer on the Great Lakes. It tends to be windy as the temperature difference between the land and water is at its greatest. I had two charters cancelled. But last weekend I took advantage of some nice weather at the last minute, and put together a charter for Saturday afternoon. Except a late first morning group, and a first response to a Mayday call almost derailed that plan too.
Aug 3, 2013
I’ve always been interested in submarines, beginning when I found out that my great-grandfather served in the Royal Navy on the ill-fated submarine HMS E24 in WWI. So when I asked about the I-169 Capt. Nelson said “We’re here to make your dreams come true”. (more…)
July 2013
Truk Lagoon was the scene of “Operation Hailstone” (Feb. 17-18, 1944), a devastating aerial bombardment by the US Navy on Japan’s largest Naval strongold in the Pacific. Today it is known as the “world’s greatest wreck dive”, with more than 48 preserved and diveable wrecks all concentrated in one area.
To dive them is to step back in time. You will see live munitions, guns, planes and tanks and personal artifacts from the period, such as china, bottles, books, shoes and even the occasional bone. These wrecks are considered to be war graves. You are allowed to penetrate the wrecks, but strict policies are in place that forbid the removal of anything from them.
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July, 2014
Truk’s (Chuuk’s) historical treasures aren’t just hidden beneath the waves. They’re everywhere. And a WWII buff’s dream. The Blue Lagoon Dive shop/Resort is located on Weno (formerly Moen), the main island of Chuuk, and occupies the prior site of an Imperial Japanese fighter & Seaplane Base. On this beautiful property you will find old bunkers, machine guns, propellers and other artifacts.
The dive shop was founded and run by the late Kimiou Aisek, who witnessed the US Navy’s devastating attack on Truk (Operation Hailstone) in February 1944. His son Gradvin now operates the dive shop. Here are some pictures of the dive resort grounds: