Double Action Dive Charters – Milwaukee

Double Action Dive Charters stands out as a highly specialized tour operator focused squarely on the niche of Great Lakes shipwreck diving. While its address is listed in Milwaukee, the company operates a fleet across Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, positioning itself as a key player for divers intent on discovering the remarkably preserved underwater history of the region. This is not a conventional travel agency where one might book a flight and hotel; its entire operation is built around providing access to submerged historical sites for certified divers. This singular focus is both its greatest strength and its most significant limitation.

Service and Offerings: A Deep Dive

The core business of Double Action Dive Charters is providing boat charters for scuba diving excursions to a multitude of shipwrecks. Their website and operations indicate a clear passion for this specific type of adventure travel. They operate at least two vessels, the SeaQuest II and the Go Between, which allows them to service multiple locations and cater to different group sizes. The company claims to accommodate all skill levels, with accessible wrecks ranging from a shallow 15 feet to technical dives reaching depths of 300 feet. This broad range is a considerable advantage, allowing them to create dive trips for newly advanced-certified divers as well as seasoned technical and trimix divers.

The Milwaukee area, in particular, is a hub for world-class shipwreck diving, with famous sites like the Prins Willem V, the Milwaukee Car Ferry, and Dredge #6. Double Action is one of the operators providing access to these underwater museums. Their vessel, the SeaQuest II, is a 47-foot boat equipped with twin diesel engines and amenities designed for diver comfort and safety, including a heated and air-conditioned cabin, a large sun deck, an O2 kit, and easy entry/exit points. This focus on a well-maintained and comfortable vessel is a significant positive, as the conditions on Lake Michigan can be challenging and unpredictable.

The Positive Aspects for Divers

For the dedicated diving enthusiast, Double Action Dive Charters presents a compelling package. Here are the primary advantages:

• Expertise and Specialization: The company lives and breathes Great Lakes wrecks. Reviews frequently praise the crew for being extremely knowledgeable and professional. Captains and crew who are passionate about maritime history and the specifics of each dive site can transform a standard dive into a rich historical experience. Their dedication extends to exploring and documenting new wrecks, offering a sense of discovery to their clients.
• Fleet and Reach: Operating multiple boats in different marinas across two Great Lakes gives them a significant operational footprint. This provides flexibility for divers and access to a wider variety of sites than a single-boat, single-location operator could offer.
• Catering to All Skill Levels: By offering charters to both shallow recreational wrecks and deep technical ones, they broaden their customer base significantly. A diver can progress from their first Great Lakes wreck dive to more challenging descents, all within the same operational family.
• Flexible Booking Options: The company offers interesting purchasing models beyond single-trip fares. For avid local divers, they have season passes for unlimited diving for a year or even a lifetime, which can offer substantial value for those who dive frequently.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the company is highly regarded within its niche, potential customers should be aware of several factors that could impact their experience. These are less about failures of the company and more about the inherent nature of their specialized service.

• Weather Dependency: This is the most significant variable in Great Lakes diving. Charters are frequently canceled due to wind and wave conditions, sometimes with little notice. One diver noted that a trip was canceled even on a day that seemed less windy than a previous, successful dive day. Customers, especially those traveling from out of town, must build flexibility into their vacation packages and understand that a booked dive is never guaranteed to happen.
• Communication Style: Some customer feedback suggests that reaching the company directly by phone can be difficult, often requiring leaving a voicemail and waiting for a callback. While they are reported to be good about returning calls within about 24 hours, this may not suit customers seeking immediate confirmation or answers.
• Logistical Requirements: This is a service for self-sufficient divers. The charter price does not include equipment rentals, tanks, or weights. Divers are expected to arrive with all their own gear. Furthermore, arranging for gas fills, especially for technical divers or those on multi-day trips, requires planning. One diver noted that finding a local fill station for a Sunday morning dive after a Saturday afternoon charter could be an issue.
• Strictly a Dive Operator: It's crucial to reiterate that this is not a full-service travel agency. They provide the boat, the captain, and the access to the dive site. All other travel logistics—accommodation, transport, meals, and equipment—are the responsibility of the client.

Planning Your Trip

When booking with Double Action Dive Charters, the experience begins long before stepping on the boat. Prospective clients should first ensure their certification level matches the desired dive sites. The wrecks around Milwaukee range from those suitable for Advanced Open Water divers, like the Prins Willem V (around 80 feet), to technical wrecks like the SS Wisconsin (90-130 feet) or others in the 150-220 foot range that require advanced certifications. Booking is done online, and as one user pointed out, the first person to book a particular charter often gets to choose the destination wreck, offering a nice perk for proactive planners. Due to the high demand and limited spots (often just 6 divers per technical trip), popular wrecks and weekend slots can fill up quickly. It's a business that rewards planning and commitment, underscored by a non-refundable payment policy to secure a spot on certain trips. For those planning guided tours of the underwater world, this is a top-tier facilitator, but it requires a prepared and certified clientele.