Venture beneath the surface of North America’s Great Lakes region with private wreck dives on the St. Lawrence River, led by Freedom Scuba USA. Discover historic shipwrecks, vibrant underwater ecosystems, and macro treasures in a personalized setting.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Diving experience recommended; good physical health required
Wildlife
History
The S.S. Keystorm and A.E. Vickery are remnants of early 20th-century shipping, studied extensively by maritime historians.
Conservation
Efforts are ongoing to preserve underwater sites and protect native aquatic species, with guidelines promoting minimal disturbance.
Freedom Scuba USA
Venture beneath the surface of North America’s Great Lakes region with private wreck dives on the St. Lawrence River, led by Freedom Scuba USA. Discover historic shipwrecks, vibrant underwater ecosystems, and macro treasures in a personalized setting.
Freedom Scuba USA is a dive operator based in Hammond, New York, specializing in charters to historic shipwrecks on the St. Lawrence River. The company organizes private charters that explore notable wrecks such as the S.S. Keystorm and the A.E. Vickery, offering dives in depths ranging from 60 to 115 feet. These private trips present underwater landscapes, maritime artifacts, and the experience of navigating river currents.
Freedom Scuba USA also runs a dedicated trip to the Henry C. Daryaw, a 220-foot steel freighter that sank in 1941. The Henry C. Daryaw rests upside down off the shores of Brockville, Ontario, in approximately 90 feet of water, providing a distinctive historical dive site. Public charters operate from Hammond into U.S. waters of the St. Lawrence River, visiting wrecks such as the A.E. Vickery and The American. Public trips can offer visibility up to 25 feet and opportunities to see large fish native to the river.
Trips are described as suitable for divers of all levels on select charters, enabling a range of experience from recreational wreck exploration to deeper site visits. Freedom Scuba USA focuses on providing access to documented shipwreck sites and structured charter options from its Hammond launch point. Information about departure location, target wrecks, typical depths, and visibility helps divers plan dives. The operator’s offerings emphasize historical wreck exploration, regional navigation, and practical access to St. Lawrence River dive sites. Schedules and site descriptions are provided for each charter to help divers prepare appropriately with equipment before arrival.
Base
Hammond, NY
Launch point on St. Lawrence River
Featured Wrecks
S.S. Keystorm, A.E. Vickery, Henry C. Daryaw, The American
Historic shipwreck dives
Diver Levels
All levels
Trips suitable for varied experience
Depth Range
60–115 ft (typical)
Wreck depths for exploration
Check availability for private and public charters departing Hammond, NY and choose the trip that fits planned dive depths and sites.
Check currents before diving
Always review water conditions and currents on the day of your dive to ensure safety.
Bring a waterproof camera
Capture images of the wrecks and underwater scenery to preserve unforgettable moments.
Use edge markers
Wear a dive flag or buoy to alert boat traffic and stay safe during your dive.
Plan for a full tank
Ensure your air supply allows ample time for exploring both wrecks comfortably.
Wetsuit or drysuit
Keeps you comfortable in varying water temperatures during wreck dives.
spring;summer;fall;winter
Underwater flashlight
Helps illuminate dark corners within wrecks and during low-light conditions.
Dive computer
Monitors depth, time, and safety decompression limits.
Surface signaling device
Ensures you can signal for help if needed while on the boat or in the water.