One block from restaurants and easy free parking feet from the entry down a short ramp.  Swim less than 25 yards and descend on the wreck in about 15 feet.  No current.  30 feet viz.  Easy as a shore dive can get! Google for more info and start by going here: http://www.1000islands.com/wrecks/

St. Lawrence River, Clayton NY side.  This side wheel steamer was built in Rochester, N.Y. in 1871 and launched as James H. Kelly later changed to John Thorn. The Islander measured 125 ft. x 20 ft. x 7 ft. and weighed 118 gross tons. As well as a regular mail carrier between Clayton and Alexandria Bay, the Islander began island and river tours on July 31, 1893. The Islander burnt on Sept. 16, 1909 while at dock at Alexandria Bay. Since the tragedy the Islander has become a favorite dive site for many divers. The Islander is located just off the shoreline of Alexandria Bay. She is angled slightly upstream with a very slight current, which makes this a very pleasurable dive. The stern is in 15 ft. of water with the bow in 60 ft.. The best access to the wreck is to park in the town parking lot in front of the pavilion, just west of the hospital.

The Wreck of the Islander

Just got my scuba certification. The open water test (part 2) was at this site. There's a ramp for easy entry. Just be careful as it can be slippery. The wreck is not far from shore. Little to no current. I thought it was a fantastic beginner dive! Plenty of fish. Even some fresh water sponges (plz leave them where you find them). The bottom will get stirred up easily, especially because there are plenty of newbie's visiting this spot (like me!) This is a very popular dive spot. Parking is limited & can be tricky. A great beginner dive!!

Summer's Dive Log

@summer

1 dives