Name of the site: White Star Quarry
Description of the site: White Star Park in Sandusky County Ohio, is an 800 acre park located near Gibsonburg, Ohio. On the park property, White Star Quarry is a 15 acre man made lake with a number of underwater features including sunken boats, a sailboat with the masts still in place, a police car, and one of the most unique features of any quarry, a crusher pit (similar to an underwater building) connected to a tunnel that goes from the deep portion to a block house at the average depth of the quarry. There is a lot of parking and two main entry points. Training platforms are there for students as well as some underwater buoyancy courses.
Depth Range: The average depth of the quarry is just over 45ft. There is a sump pit that is 60-65ft deep and the crusher pit is 75- 80' deep.
Water Temps: In the summer the temperatures can be 70degrees on the surface and in the mid 60's on the bottom. The spring and winter are considerably cooler.
Visibility: The average visibility of White Star Quarry is around 30 - 40 feet. In the winter and early spring the visibility has been known to be over 50ft.
Aquatic Life: The Quarry stocks Rainbow trout in the spring. Since fishing is allowed, there are few left by fall. The rest of the season you can find Perch, Catfish, Crayfish, Bluegill, Koi, Bass and of course Zebra Mussels.
Fees: There is no fee for bystanders, non divers and pets. There is a $10 per day fee for diving and at the swimming area in the summer there is a fee for swimming. You need to fill out a diving form (a colored envelope) and drop it in a special payment slot with your money for each day that you dive. You must have exact change or you can write a check. There are two pavilions that have the forms and the information about registering is posted near the diving sites. Instructors are free if the obtain a pass through the quarries website.
On-Site Amenities: From May 1 until October 31 there is a scuba concession on the site opened on Weekends. From Memorial Day until Labor Day The concession is also opened on Wednesday and Friday Evenings. There are restrooms, changing rooms, picnic areas and the concession sells pop, water and snacks. Airfills, Nitrox fills, and equipment rentals are available through the concession. Camping is available on the park property. There are shore and ladder entry/exit areas.
Website or Phone Number: (419) 637 3483,
White Star Quarry, Gibsonburg, Ohio one of the best inland dive sites in the midwestern USA. Midwest dive sight.
Open Hours: The Quarry is open every day from 8am until Dark April 1 - December 31. The quarry is also open for diving New Years Day, and first weekends in January, February and March for winter diving 10am - 4pm. Night diving is permitted Saturdays, from Memorial Day weekend until the last weekend in September.
Restrictions: There is no night diving allowed other than specific Saturdays. A permit is required to dive the tunnel and it is only available on the weekends when the concession is open. Snorkelers must have a flotation device or a wetsuit and must pay for and sign a diving permit.
Boat or Shore Access: Shore Access, Non powered boats are allowed on the quarry, so Kayak Divers are welcome.
How to get there: It is near many major freeways, if you Mapquest 895 South Main street, Gibsonburg, Ohio 43431 you should find the easiest way there.
Rating you would give it: (1= Bad, 5=Excellent) Definitely a 5. I think this is one the best inland dive sites in Northwest Ohio.