Suprisingly, some of Michigan's best water views lie just below the surface; and is only visible with a mask and snorkel. Whether you want to jump into the experience of river snorkeling or lake snorkeling, either present unique obstacles and opportunities.
Here are the details on what snorkling in Michigan is all about, along with where to experience this adventure.
River Snorkeling
One of the more challenging snorkel adventures is, river snorkeling. The key to observing salmon on a river snorkel trip is finding a clear river and getting in it as gently as possible. Rivers with seasonal fish runs include the Carp, Little Garlic and the Whitefish River on the Upper Peninsula.
State Parks and Beaches
Holland State Park hosts a monthly snorkel class during the summer right on Lake Michigan. Advance registration is recommended as their is limited equipment available. Inland state park areas with beaches to snorkel from include Burt Lake State Park and Interlochen State Park, which is located on both Green and Duck lakes.
Alpena
Thunder Bay homes the remains of over 200 old shipwrecks lying beneath the surface of Michigan’s Great Lakes. The amount of shipwrecks in this area gave Thunder Bay its nickname, "Shipwreck Alley." To view the remains here, diving gear is required as the artifacts do lie 10-20 feet below water. Hiring a guide in this area is the best way to know the water and know exactly where the shipwrecks are located.
Boyne City
Lake Charlevoix draws visitors in year-round and is a very popular destination, even for snorkeling. From searching for Petoskey stones to searching for shipwrecks, these waters have it all including colorful freshwater fish. The best snorkeling here can be found at Young State Park.
Munising
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is made up of multicolored rock cliff formations above and under the water, waterfalls and shipwrecks. With snorkeling gear, you can admire the amazing formations that this location offers.
Empire
Beneath the surface here at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore you'll explore the remains of crumbling boat ducks and the pieces of 200-year-old shipwrecks. Some of these artifacts are even shallow enough to explore with snorkeling gear.
Elk Lake
Explore the world beneth us in Elk Lake if you don't mind the very cold waters here. You'll even come across trout and remains of old boating gear and docks. If you haven’t had enough of shipwrecks, make the short drive to Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve, where the 1903 Shale Scow wreck and a good deal of old lumber sit just south of the Elk Rapids harbor.
St. Ignace
St. Ignace in the Straits of Mackinac, there is a certain part of the area has been know to home large numbers of ships underwater. These wrecks are said to have happened because of fog, ice, rocky shoals and powerful gales causing shipwrecks in the last 150 years.
