Diving & Snorkelling
in Tobermory
Fathom Five National Marine Park protects 22 historic shipwrecks in crystal-clear water - some of the best freshwater diving in the world. Snorkelling accessible from shore, scuba diving from charter boats.
Dress warmly; windy; gloves recommended
The Prep
Tobermory is the freshwater diving capital of Canada. Fathom Five's 22 shipwrecks include schooners, barges, and steamers dating from the 1880s to the 1930s - some of the oldest and best-preserved wrecks in the country. Water clarity regularly exceeds 10 metres. The Sweepstakes and City of Grand Rapids in Big Tub Harbour are accessible by snorkelling (3-6 metres depth). Deeper wrecks like the Arabia, Forest City, and the Niagara II require scuba certification and boat access. Water temperature ranges from 4°C in spring to 18-20°C in August. Multiple dive shops in the village offer certification courses, guided dives, and equipment rental.
"Check AER conditions before you head out. Air quality and weather can shift quickly — especially during wildfire season and summer smog events."
Must Haves
- Wetsuit (7mm recommended - Great Lakes water is cold even in summer)
- Mask, snorkel, and fins for snorkelling (rentals available)
- PADI or equivalent certification for scuba diving on deeper wrecks
Pro Tips
- Drysuit for spring and fall diving - water can be 4-8°C outside of summer
- Underwater camera - visibility is exceptional and the wrecks are photogenic
- Book dive charters early for July and August - operators fill up
Need Gear?
Rentals are available nearby for this activity.
The Locations
Big Tub Harbour (Sweepstakes & City of Grand Rapids)
Two 19th-century schooners resting in 3-6 metres of water in the sheltered harbour. The Sweepstakes (1867) and the City of Grand Rapids (1907) are the most accessible wrecks in the park - visible from the surface on calm days, easily reached by snorkelling. No boat required - enter from the shore at Big Tub Harbour. The Sweepstakes is remarkably intact for a ship built over 150 years ago. Glass-bottom boat tours pass directly over both wrecks.
The Arabia (Scuba)
A barque built in 1853, sunk in 1884 after striking a rock. Rests at 33 metres in open Georgian Bay - one of the most popular deep dives in Ontario. Relatively intact hull and rigging. Boat access only - dive charter operators depart from Little Tub Harbour. Requires advanced open water certification. Strong currents possible. Visibility typically 8-15+ metres.
Little Cove Beach (Shore Snorkelling)
Protected beach on the Georgian Bay side of the peninsula with clear, shallow water over rocky bottom. Good visibility for snorkelling - look for fossils in the limestone. No shipwrecks, but interesting geology and fish. Easier access than Big Tub - smaller crowds. Free parking at the Little Cove trailhead. Also a starting point for the Bruce Trail section to the Grotto.
Local Etiquette
- 1
Do not touch, remove, or disturb shipwrecks
they are protected heritage sites under the Ontario Heritage Act
- 2
Scuba divers must carry valid certification
dive operators will check before chartering
- 3
Dive flag required
display a diver-down flag when snorkelling or diving in open water
- 4
Check water conditions
currents and visibility can change rapidly in Georgian Bay
- 5
Register with Parks Canada for backcountry diving in Fathom Five
required for wrecks outside the harbour
The Après Strategy
Above the dive shop on Little Tub Harbour. Pub food and cold beer with the dive community.
Operator Network
Local operators offering diving & snorkelling experiences in the Tobermory area. Verified businesses rooted in the region.
We're building the local operator network for diving & snorkelling in the Tobermory area. As we verify operators, they'll appear here.
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