Snorkeling Lake Michigan: Novadoc Shipwreck 150 Yards Offshore

You paddle out to a shipwreck that sank over a century ago, still sitting in shallow water where you can circle it on your own.

Snorkel the Novadoc shipwreck on Lake Michigan in a small group of up to six, launching from Silver Lake sand dunes. You paddle a board 150 yards offshore, spend approximately 45 minutes exploring the wreck in shallow water, then paddle back. The tour includes a 4x4 drive over the dunes, wetsuit, snorkeling gear, and a live guide. Groups of five or more can book a private departure. All other bookings are shared.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided snorkeling at Novadoc shipwreck

• Meet at Hart carpool lot
• Load into 4x4 SUV
• Drive to Silver Lake State Park
• Drive over sand dunes to beach
• Review safety checklist and procedures
• Put on wetsuit and snorkeling gear
• Grab paddle board and paddle out
• Attach paddle boards to mooring buoy
• Snorkel around Novadoc shipwreck
• Paddle back to shore
• Rinse off gear
• Load gear into SUV
• Drive back over sand dunes to carpool lot

The experience

Four hours total gets you from the Hart carpool lot to the water and back. The first stretch is a 4x4 drive over the Silver Lake sand dunes to reach the beach on Lake Michigan. The dunes themselves are part of the route, not a side trip. Once on the beach, you go through a safety checklist, pull on a wetsuit and snorkeling gear, grab a paddle board, and paddle out roughly 150 yards to the Novadoc, a shipwreck in shallow water where you can circle it for around 45 minutes. The wreck is close enough to shore that the paddle out is manageable for anyone with moderate fitness. The snorkeling itself is the main event, not a long swim.

All equipment comes with you: wetsuit, snorkel mask, fins, and paddle board. You're welcome to bring your own wetsuit and gear if you prefer, but nothing is required beyond showing up. The guide is there the whole time, in English, and keeps the group to a maximum of six people so nobody is fighting for space at the wreck. After snorkeling, you rinse off the gear, load back into the SUV, and drive over the dunes again to return to the carpool lot.

Two launch options exist: you can drive over the dunes in the 4x4, or walk up to the beach if you prefer to skip the dune drive. Either way, you're paddling out to the same wreck. The minimum group size is three participants. If you're booking for five or more, you can reserve a private departure time slot.

What’s included

• Wetsuit and snorkeling gear.
• paddle board.
• 4x4 SUV transport over the Silver Lake sand dunes to the beach.
• live guide in English.
• approximately 45 minutes of snorkeling time at the Novadoc wreck.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 9 Jul 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 5

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 19 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Snorkel Great Lakes LLC

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and stays with the group throughout, so you follow along without language barriers. Groups max out at six people, which means you're not competing for space at the wreck or waiting for others to finish their snorkel time.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Novadoc and why is it worth snorkeling?

The Novadoc is a shipwreck that sits in shallow water about 150 yards offshore Lake Michigan, close enough to explore on your own during the 45-minute snorkel window. The wreck is the main attraction. You paddle out, anchor your board to a mooring buoy, and spend the time circling the structure underwater.

Do I need to be an experienced snorkeler to do this?

No prior snorkeling experience is required, but you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness because you're paddling a board out and back. The guide goes through a safety checklist before you enter the water, and the group stays small so there's always someone nearby.

What happens if I don't want to drive over the sand dunes?

A walk-up service option is available, so you can skip the 4x4 dune drive and head straight to the beach on foot. Either way, you're paddling to the same shipwreck and spending the same time in the water.

How cold is Lake Michigan, and will the wetsuit keep me warm?

Lake Michigan stays cold year-round, which is why a wetsuit is provided and included with every snorkel. You're welcome to bring your own wetsuit if you have one, but the provided gear is designed for the water temperature.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear instead of using what's provided?

Yes, you can bring personal snorkeling gear and a wetsuit if you prefer, but it's not necessary. Everything you need is included and waiting for you.