Semi Local...Isle Royal

[DiveCaptDean]

Hello All-..
Board is still a bit dead..so here is another question to ponder....

We all know that Isle Royal is one hell of a resourse for diving..but  not that many of us get up there..we know that there is diving there for all kinds of divers although, it is not a place for the inexperienced...my question....

What would it take to get you to go the Isle Royal to dive???

Why havent you already been there???

Those that have been there...how was your trip, and what would make it better???..accomodations..food...dive sites...

What would make it more convenient for you????

How about pricing???..are you willing to grin and bear poor accomodations for cheaper pricing, or would you rather pay a little more for much better accomodations....

Go!...

[Kirk]

I’ve been up there 6 or 7 times over the past 4 years.  I think the biggest deterrent to diving Isle Royale is the aggregate cost of the trip and the cost per dive.  Much of which is attributable to high gas prices (both gasoline for the boat, and helium for the trimix). 

With the unpredictability of the lake, one is really lucky to get in all 7 dives of a 4-day trip (or 9 dives of a 5 day trip).  You either tend to spend your time hiding out in a sheltered bay waiting for the lake to calm down, or go dive an alternative wreck (the America is a really nice site, but 15/55 trimix is a little over kill for this wreck).

For the cost of a 4 day trip, I can spend two weeks cave diving in North Florida, and do at least 4, and up to 7 times as many dives, and never get weathered out (it usually takes a flood to prevent a dive in a cave). 

I suspect if the lake level drops any more, Isle Royale will essentially be closed to diving.  The water at the marinas in Grand Portage is only so deep, and running the boats from a deeper harbor would only increase the cost of getting to the island.  - Kirk

[arcFlash]

I've had it on my 'to do' for a few seasons. (I've rewritten this reply 5 times...)

I don't know how good the diving is so it's hard to justify the time and money. I want to get the most out of it so it's easy to say, "next year I'll be ready".

Today, I'm still enjoying easy dives at $4 a fill so it's better value to spend my weekends around the pits.

For me, one day I'll just sign up and go. The trigger may be price, maybe an invite from a peer, maybe I'll see the end of my diving hobby and close out my log book with a trip.

If I decide to take Tri- I'll probably take the training up there if I can.

[AandA]

I think I may know some divers who just might be interested if the price was right the accomodations could be poor----The trip would have to cater to "new" advanced divers.

What would we be looking at.

Please give me a PM and I'll share it with the folks I've been divin with.
Art

[SCUBA Dog]

I have been there twice and very much enjoyed the diving on both trips. The accommodations were different on both trips. One was diving from the "Superior Wreckreation" and staying in the cottages at Rock Harbor. We were on our own for meals. Unfortunately, the first night we pulled in late and the store and restaurant were both closed. There was also some confusion / problem with our reservation, so we did not have a cottage for the first night. So we made the most of the boat for the night. The other was diving and staying on the "HeyBoy", which included meals and snacks. Some stayed on the boat and some chose to use the sleeping shelters.

We were fortunate on both trips and were able to complete all of our planned dives. Both trips were different times of the year. One in August and the other in June.

I did not give too much thought to the price. It seemed reasonable for the service and ammenities that were included. Add the fact that it had been on my "to do" list for some time and was a great diving experience, cost became less important (within reason). For me, accomodations are not a make or break it for the trip. I would certainly be willing to pay less and pitch a tent if necessary. But on the other hand, I would have no problem paying extra for the food and service provided aboard the "HeyBoy". I guess what I am trying to say is that for me it is about the diving, so whatever accomodations are available works for me.

Overall, a positive experience on both trips with some great diving.

[flyboy65]

I had the opportunity to dive Isle Royale with Jay and the "Wreckreation" last summer.  It was midweek, the price was right, and the weather good.  I'd have no problem doing it again.  The "America" was the nicest wreck I've been on.  I lost all my pics...our old G-3 Mac had one MAJOR crash! 

Always back up pics!

[scott1611]

I was able to go last year at the beginning of Sept.  I had gotten certified in May (both OW and AOW), had 36 dives in when I went up there.  I did my deep specialty while we were up there.  For me it was such a treat, like a kid in a candy store. 

The cost wasn't bad, we kept it down by staying in the sleeping shelters.  We had nice weather the entire time, we got 8 dives in over the 3 days we were there.  I was able to dive the Congdon bow and stern (well, not the actual stern stern ). Emperor bow and stern (2x), Monarch, and the America (2x).  I loved the Emperor stern, that was very cool to see...just wish I had more time to look at it.  The America was just something else, with the nice weather and the sun...it was surreal diving that wreck.

I'd love to get back up there, but I want to make sure I can get down south and dive the ocean.  So if I can swing an Isle Royal trip next year without affecting my savings toward a trip to Cozumel or some other place in 2009, I'll probably be back up there sooner rather than later.

[DiverQueen]

This past year it has been so hard to get time off from work that I may actually be getting a check for accumulated vacation time....I need a vacation BAD!

I wish the trips were not quite so expensive, or so long as to need to take days off from work.  Now to just find a dive boat with on board childcare ;D

[Shooter]

I have been there twice.  Definitely cost prohibitive.  I can fly to Florida, get in between 12 to 15 deep water dives in a warm climate.  Bring back 20 to 50 pounds of fillets all for the same price of doing six to 10 dives at Isle royal. Yes, there is some excellent diving and the shipwrecks are really cool.  Would definitely recommend that everybody do it at least once. I am contemplating hauling my boat and trying it on my own next year.

[Magelk]

What would it take to get you to go the Isle Royal to dive???


Simple, collecting on a life insurance policy!! ;D    OUCH, oh dang, she's right behind me!!


Seriously, I really want to go soon but taking 4 days away from the family and spending that much doesn't work too well. I gotta learn how to get her on my side on this. Any advice??