The Golden Crescent is the Northeastern region of Lake Ontario, an archipelago of islands stretching from Stony Point, NY to Prince Edward County, Ontario. The islands were the first, and often the last refuge for ships caught in the open waters of Lake Ontario.  Over the years this has remained one of the more virgin and unexplored diving territories of the Thousand Island region. There should be far more wrecks in this region than those identified on this map, considering the nature of Mother Nature. Which only means they lie waiting to be discovered.

Lake Ontario and the Golden Crescent diving differs from diving in the St. Lawrence in many ways. Lake Ontario does have a thermocline, the depth and temperature differences of the thermocline vary as much and as frequently as the wind.  In fact, the thermocline is directly impacted by the winds. A steady westerly breeze on Lake Ontario will cause the warm surface water to “build up” on the eastern shore, thus depressing the thermocline. Near shore diving is highly subject to clarity issues of rain runoff and wind. There is generally less current to contend with than in the St. Lawrence. Access to dive services is more remote that the rest of the Thousand Island Region. The nearest dive shops with air and other support are located in Clayton and Watertown, 10 to 30 miles depending on where you are diving.

Lighthouse Lovers will find an abandoned lighthouse at Stony Point now a private residence

Watertown is the metropolis of the North Country.  The nearby Fort Drum Army Base is the primary economic engine of the region. Several national hotel, restaurant and retail chains are in Watertown. The Black River runs through the heart of Watertown and offers Class IV and Class V white water experiences in the Spring.  Primary interest for divers is The Aquatic Dive Center  located at 1020 Bradley Street in Watertown.  Mike Washburn and his friendly team are there to help you Monday through Saturday with rentals, dive trips, equipment, instruction, air and Nitrox.

Henderson Harbor, is a small harbor town focused primarily on fishing and sailing. One of the really nice aspects of Henderson Harbor for divers is nearly every eatery and lodging can be reached by water. Boat rentals, launches and marinas abound.  Henderson Bay is the relatively shallow, maximum depth is about 40 feet, and home to a few sturgeons and more than a few bass.  Moving out of Henderson Harbor, you can be in deep water fairly quickly, 150 ft and beyond, off Stony Point. A number of interesting wrecks can be explored around Stony, Galloo and Main Duck Islands.  Just remember that the Main Duck Islands are in Canadian waters and that Passports and all international travel laws apply.  Fast changes in weather are as common now as they were when the wrecks you seek went down. Runs to the the Islands of the Golden Crescent should only be done in reliable water craft generally greater than 20 feet in length.

Sackets Harbor and the associated Navy Point is the epicenter of the War of 1812 and the Seaway Trail activities. Primarily a big boat sailing community, divers will enjoy the shore dives near Navy Point, the cribs and off the park.  A boat launch is conveniently located right in the heart of the village.

Dexter, Chaumont, Three Mile Bay and Mud Bay, 4 small communities, each with it’s own personality.  For the diver they are very similar.  Each exists where a river and it’s associated runoff enter Lake Ontario (read: zero visibility for at least a week after any rain).  As harbors, they offer little protection from the fury of Lake Ontario other than the shallow water and their distance up river from the mouth. For divers looking for virgins (wrecks, we’re talking about shipwrecks here), this could be paradise. Logic would suggest this location, along with Mexico Bay to the south, would be the final resting place of a number of vessels.  But to date, few have been located, let alone researched, identified and shared.  When you find, or hear of one, we’d love to hear from you.

Point Penninsula