The waters within Isle Royale National Park offer exciting scuba diving opportunities. In order to enjoy and preserve these unique maritime and wilderness resources, we ask that you please observe the following regulations pertaining to diving within the park:
(The park boundaries extend 4 1/2 miles from Isle Royale and the outer islands or to the international boundary.)
1. Each diver is required to obtain a diving permit before scuba diving within park waters. Permits can be obtained at Rock Harbor Visitor Center or at Windigo Visitor Center. After diving, the completed copy of the permit must be returned to the park.
2. A standard dive flag must be prominently displayed during all dive operations.
3. The shipwreck America is closed to diving between 12:00 p.m. (noon) to 2:00 p.m. EDT from June 1 until Labor Day. (To allow visitors on the passenger ferries to view the America.)
4. Removal or disturbance of underwater cultural sites, shipwrecks, remains of ships artifacts, human remains, or other antiquities is prohibited.
5. Any equipment found in Isle Royale waters must be turned in to any park ranger station. The National Park Service will attempt to return all lost items.
6. The use or operation of portable or permanently installed onboard compressors
to fill scuba diving tanks is prohibited within the park except as provided
below.
Portable or permanently installed onboard compressors may be operated:
(a) While underway outside of Quiet / No Wake Zones.
(b) Within sound-insulated facilities in Developed Zones, where provided.
(c) When moored at any shipwreck mooring buoy within the park, between the hours
of 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. EDT.
(d) At the Windigo and Snug Harbor public docks, between the hours of 8:00 a.m.
to 12:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT.
(e) The far west end of Florence Bay, Glenfiddick Bay (west and north of Duncan
Bay), and the unnamed southwestern arm of Five Finger Bay (lying between Stockly
Bay and Duncan Bay), between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT.
7. Special rules apply while in Quiet-No Wake zones within the park. See the park's Boating brochure for additional details.
8. Anyone planning to camp or stay overnight in their boat, must obtain a camping permit before camping.
9. Divers and vessels entering from Canada (US and Canadian) must clear customs upon entering the park, at either the Rock Harbor or Windigo visitor centers.
10. Shipwreck buoys are to be used only by registered divers during actual dive operations. No more than two vessels are to be moored at any one time. No overnight mooring on buoys is permitted.
11. Diving is prohibited in any inland lake and in Lake Superior waters associated with a land based cultural site.
12. Spear guns, weapons, traps and nets (except those permitted for recreational fishing) are prohibited.
13. Conducting dive charter service in the park without an Incidental Business Permit is prohibited.
14. Contact Isle Royale National Park for emergency assistance (marine radio
or cell phone). Please report accidents, safety hazards or problems to park
personnel at the Windigo Ranger Station (906-337-4994) or Mott Island (906-337-4986
or 906-483-3143)
