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Discover historic shipwrecks beneath the St. Lawrence River with Freedom Scuba USA’s Public Charters. Dive into clear waters rich with marine life and maritime past for unforgettable underwater adventures.
Discover historic shipwrecks beneath the St. Lawrence River with Freedom Scuba USA’s Public Charters. Dive into clear waters rich with marine life and maritime past for unforgettable underwater adventures.
Book with Freedom Scuba USA
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Freedom Scuba USA · Hammond, New York
The St. Lawrence River cuts a powerful corridor between the U.S. and Canada, its waters concealing a compelling chapter of maritime history beneath the surface. Freedom Scuba USA invites divers to slip into this realm with their Public Charters, offering unique access to historic shipwrecks like the A.E. Vickery and The American. Located near Hammond, New York, these dives are set against the dramatic backdrop of one of North America’s most storied waterways.
Diving here unfolds like traveling back in time. The A.E. Vickery, a 19th-century wooden schooner resting between 60 and 115 feet deep on Rock Island Shoal, presents a haunting silhouette for intermediate to advanced divers. Nearby, the steel hull of The American lies at about 80 feet across the shipping channel, offering a stark contrast and a glimpse into early 20th-century industrial maritime craft. Visibility can reach up to 25 feet, a generous window to observe large fish circling these underwater monuments to history.
Freedom Scuba USA’s Public Charters accommodate up to six divers per trip, spanning durations of 2, 4, or 8 hours. The diving environment here requires attentive buoyancy control and awareness of air supply, particularly given occasional fishing line hazards. Night dives are on offer, transforming these wrecks into mysterious underwater cathedrals alive with nocturnal aquatic life.
This operation is a key asset to local outdoor recreation, drawing divers from across the Northeast to this lesser-known freshwater wreck diving destination. It combines rich history, challenging conditions, and well-supported logistics. The launch point at 71 Schermerhorn Landing Road in Hammond offers easy access to the river’s western shore. Certified divers eager for a blend of adventure and cultural connection will find Freedom Scuba USA’s charters a compelling way to connect with the St. Lawrence’s deep-water stories.
moderate.
2–8 hours.
Moderate fitness required; divers should be comfortable swimming in open water and managing physical load of gear.
Divers must hold at least an open water certification to participate in the Public Charters.
Yes, night dives are offered with one tank and require divers to bring their own dive lights.
Visibility generally ranges from 15 to 25 feet depending on weather and water conditions.
Freedom Scuba USA provides some rental equipment, but divers are encouraged to bring their own for best fit and comfort.
Each charter accommodates up to six divers, ensuring personalized attention and safety.
All charters launch from 71 Schermerhorn Landing Road in Hammond, New York, on the St. Lawrence River’s U.S. side.
The A.E. Vickery and The American rest in waters regulated by the New York State and U.S. Coast Guard, preserving a slice of 19th and early 20th-century maritime history.
Freedom Scuba USA promotes responsible diving practices to protect fragile wreck sites and maintain the local aquatic ecosystem’s health.
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.
Book with Freedom Scuba USA