Double Action Dive Charters – Port Sanilac

Based in Port Sanilac, Double Action Dive Charters has established itself as a highly specialized tour operator focused on one of the Great Lakes' most captivating activities: shipwreck diving. With an impressive near-perfect rating from its clientele, this company offers diving excursions into the protected waters of the Sanilac Shores Underwater Preserve on Lake Huron. It caters to a specific niche of the adventure travel market, providing access to submerged historical sites that few get to witness firsthand.

The company operates primarily with its vessel, the "Go Between," a boat noted for being spacious, comfortable, and well-suited for dive operations. It is USCG certified for up to 16 divers and features amenities like a private head and multiple exit points for easy water entry. This focus on a functional and safe vessel underscores the company's operational priorities.

The Crew: A Decisive Factor

Across numerous customer accounts, the most consistently praised aspect of Double Action Dive Charters is its crew. Captains and first mates, including individuals like Kevin, Dave, Shawn, Wayne, and Jeff, are repeatedly mentioned by name. Clients describe them as not just knowledgeable about the dive sites and local maritime history, but also as fun, accommodating, and exceptionally helpful. This hands-on, personable approach appears to be a cornerstone of their business model. For an activity like scuba diving trips, where safety and confidence in the crew are paramount, this is a significant advantage. Testimonials highlight that even first-time shipwreck divers felt completely safe and well-organized throughout their trip, a testament to the crew's professionalism. The staff's willingness to go the extra mile, from providing detailed briefings on the wrecks to offering snacks and water onboard, contributes heavily to the positive experience.

The Diving Experience: Accessing Underwater History

The core offering of this travel agency is access to the numerous wrecks within the Sanilac Shores Underwater Preserve. This area of Lake Huron is home to at least 16 shipwrecks in waters accessible to recreational divers. Double Action Dive Charters facilitates dives to well-known sites such as the North Star, the Mary Alice B, and the Regina. The Mary Alice B is an intact tugboat sitting upright in about 94 feet of water, while the Regina is a 250-foot steel freighter that fell victim to the Great Storm of 1913. These are not just casual dives; they are guided tours of submerged historical artifacts preserved by the cold, fresh water of the Great Lakes.

The company's approach is often described as "no-frills," which for the target audience of serious divers, is a major benefit. The focus is on maximizing bottom time and ensuring a quality dive, rather than on luxury amenities. This straightforward, purpose-driven service is appreciated by divers who are there for the wrecks themselves. The boat is designed for efficiency, and the crew ensures that divers can get in and out of the water with ease, a small but important detail for those wearing heavy gear.

What to Know Before You Book

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, potential customers should understand the specific nature of the service offered. This is not a generalized provider of vacation packages; its expertise is sharply focused on Great Lakes diving.

• A "No-Frills" Operation: Clients seeking a luxury cruise experience with extensive catering and non-diving entertainment should look elsewhere. The praise for being a "no-frills" charter means the resources are dedicated to the dive itself. The boat is functional and safe, but it is a tool for diving, not a floating resort.
• Weather Dependency: Like all scuba diving trips on the Great Lakes, charters are highly dependent on weather conditions. Trips can be, and sometimes are, canceled for safety reasons. Flexibility is key when booking.
• Niche Adventure Focus: The service is tailored for certified divers. While they accommodate various skill levels, including beginners to shipwreck diving, a base level of diving competence is expected. This is a form of adventure travel that requires specific skills.
• 24-Hour Availability: The business lists its hours as "Open 24 hours." For a charter operation, this almost certainly refers to their availability for inquiries and bookings via phone or their website, not that boats are running at all hours. This allows for flexible planning for clients across different time zones.

The Fleet and Operations

Double Action Dive Charters operates more than one vessel, including the "Go Between" in Port Sanilac and the "Seaquest II" in other locations like Lake Michigan. Their website confirms they run charters with a minimum of four divers, making it accessible for smaller groups. They also offer packages for frequent divers, such as season passes for unlimited charters, catering to the dedicated local diving community. This business model shows a deep understanding of their customer base—both the visiting tourist and the committed regional diver.

Conclusion

Double Action Dive Charters stands out as a premier tour operator for anyone serious about shipwreck diving in Michigan. The combination of an exceptionally skilled and personable crew, a well-maintained and functional vessel, and direct access to some of Lake Huron's most famous wrecks makes it a top-tier choice. While it may not offer the broad amenities of a larger resort-style operation, its focused, safety-conscious, and efficient approach provides exactly what its target clientele desires: a memorable and high-quality diving experience. For certified divers looking to witness the preserved maritime history lying at the bottom of the Great Lakes, this charter service presents a reliable and highly-regarded option.