• ABOUT THE SPOT

Scuba Diving in Wells Burt, Chicago, Illinois USA

Dive type:
Fresh water/wreck
Current:
None
Visibility:
Medium (5 - 10 m/16.4 - 33 ft)
Experience:
CMAS * / OW
Exact GPS Coordinates in the lake:
42° 2.748' N, 87° 37.082' W
Chicago is the seat of Cook County, Illinois, USA. It is the third most populous city in the US and the most populous city in both the American Midwest and Illinois. Nicknamed as The Second City or Windy City, Chicago is situated on the southeastern shores of Lake Michigan, in the northeastern Illinois.

One great attraction near Chicago in Lake Michigan is the wreck of a schooner, the Wells Burt that is lying on the bottom of the lake since 20/05/1883. The wooden ship was built in 1873 and was used for transport purposes.

The 64.6 x 10.4 x 4.3 m/211.3 x 34.1 x 14.1 ft sailing ship weighted 756 tons and had a 3 mast rigging. The wreck is protected, so it is recommended to dive with a scuba diving school and not alone, because they have the appropriate licenses.

The only way to reach the point is by boat, on a trip that lasts less than 10 minutes. The spot is easy to find and has a great diving quality. It is suggested to have some kind of experience, as the diving level for the spot is CMAS */ OW.

When you reach the site and find the exact point, you will be down at an average of 12.2 m/40 ft depth, which is also the maximum depth. Bio interest of the area is poor, but you have more important things to observe such as this great shipwreck!

Visibility is medium, but adequate enough in order to see the glorious ship resting peacefully in its water grave. If you are a wreck diving enthusiast, this place will thrill you!!