The L.M. Mason is a great opportunity to use your snorkeling and surface diving skills. The wreck sits in approximately 12’-15’ feet of water providing a perfect opportunity for some entry level free diving. The water clarity and visibility in North Bay is some of the best in the area. Even with the dept the wreck can easily bee seen from the surface on a clear and mildly calm day. There is much to explore and always lots of fish that will keep you company during your dive.

Head to the New Presque Isle Lighthouse, once you arrive there is a dirt road on the west side of the lighthouse that will take you down to the water. The shore is rocky, sandals or water shoes are recommended. paddle SSW approximately 0.65 mi, the Mason is marked by a white NOAA buoy which you can tie off to.

Important Safety Considerations

Conditions; Lake Huron could be considered more “ocean” than “lake” and should be respected as such. Please pay attention to weather conditions and check forecasts before your adventure. Strong winds out of the NE can bring in significant waves and chop. Strong off-shore winds (E) can easily push paddlers and swimmers out to sea and create dangerous situations. Any winds over 10mph need to be considered as their presence will be felt. Please consider you experience, physical condition and comfort level before venturing out in the current conditions.

Equipment; The best watercraft to explore shipwrecks is s standup paddleboard. The higher vantage point makes viewing more accessible and the easy on and off are perfect for snorkeling. If you choose to use a kayak on Lake Huron only sea kayaks with sealed bulkheads or sit on top kayaks with sealed hulls should be used. Reaction or “river” kayaks are not recommended as they can sink when they take on water. If you choose to snorkel kayaks are not a good choice as even intermediate/advanced paddlers find it challenging to get in and out of a kayak in the water.