Business Details
16 Years
experience
Explore Great Lakes Shipwrecks with Expert Scuba Charters
Shipwreck Explorers has been a leader in Great Lakes scuba diving charters since 2010, offering unparalleled access to some of the world's best-preserved shipwrecks. Our operations span Lake Michigan, Huron, and Superior, with seasonal bases in Milwaukee, WI, and northern ports. The Molly V, our custom-fitted 28ft Marinette dive boat, features advanced technical diving support including a patented wide-rung ladder and surface-supplied oxygen stations. Our team of US Coast Guard-licensed captains and certified technical divers brings decades of combined experience in cave, wreck, and cold-water diving.We specialize in both recreational and advanced technical dives, supporting mixed-gas operations with on-board trimix and nitrox fills. Beyond diving, we offer ROV platform rentals for underwater research projects and deliver educational presentations at dive shows and maritime events nationwide. Our commitment to safety and expertise is reflected in our tailored diver waivers, comprehensive liability protocols, and personalized service for groups ranging from dive clubs to research institutions.
Services
Scuba Diving Charters
Gear Rentals
ROV Platform Hire
Underwater Research
Educational Presentations
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- US Coast Guard-licensed captains with advanced technical diving certifications
- Custom-fitted dive boat with patented wide-rung ladder system
- On-board trimix/nitrox fills and surface-supplied oxygen stations
- Specialized group rates for dive clubs and technical training teams
- Award-winning underwater documentation and educational programming
What people say
Top notch service
Excellent rebreather support
Fantastic wide rung ladder
Passionate about diving
Best charter experience
Services
Scuba Diving Charters
Explore Great Lakes shipwrecks with expert-led charters operating April-October. Our Milwaukee-based Molly V serves Lake Michigan, Huron, and Superior with day, evening, and multi-day options. Technical divers access decompression sites while recreational divers enjoy guided wreck explorations in 50-130ft depths.
Gear Rentals
Complete technical and recreational dive support including CCR bailout tanks, drysuit bottles, and weight systems. Available fills: air, nitrox, trimix (HE availability), and surface-supplied oxygen. Reservations recommended for traveling divers needing specialized equipment configurations.
ROV Platform Hire
Custom underwater research platform using Molly V's stable 28ft aluminum hull. Equipped for sidescan sonar operations, archaeological documentation, and environmental studies. Available for academic, commercial, and documentary projects with experienced technical crew support.
Educational Presentations
Engaging shipwreck history and diving technology presentations for clubs, schools, and industry events. Topics include Great Lakes preservation science, technical diving evolution, and documented wreck discoveries. Available as live demonstrations or multimedia presentations with artifact displays.
Underwater Research
Specialized technical diving for underwater archaeology projects. Services include site documentation, artifact recovery support, and 3D mapping assistance. Team includes certified archaeological divers with experience in cold-water preservation techniques and historical wreck identification.
People
Jitka Hanakova
Captain & Owner
US Coast Guard Licensed Captain (100t) with advanced trimix and cave diving certifications. Specializes in technical wreck exploration and underwater photography. Operates Molly V as both dive charter and research platform.
Craig Cornellius
Captain
50t licensed captain and PADI wreck diver with extensive warm-water experience. Manages seasonal operations and dive safety protocols. Skilled in both recreational and technical dive support operations.
Rick Richter
Underwater Archaeologist
Bachelor of Science in Archaeological Studies with technical diving expertise. Conducts wreck documentation and historical research. Specializes in surface/underwater photo documentation and maritime heritage preservation projects.
Mike Apke
Chief Engineer
Mechanical specialist maintaining Molly V's propulsion systems. Certified technical diver with advanced gas blending expertise. Oversees dive equipment inspections and safety compliance for all onboard operations.
Deco
Mascot & PR Officer
Official greeter and artifact security specialist aboard Molly V. Provides morale support during extended dive operations. Recognized for exceptional treat-sniffing abilities and diver welcome rituals.
Questions
How do I book a Great Lakes shipwreck dive?
Use our online registration form for scheduled trips or contact us directly for private charters. Provide diver certifications and preferred dates for availability confirmation.
What diving experience is required?
Recreational dives require Advanced Open Water certification. Technical dives need Deco Procedures and Advanced Nitrox certifications. Group rates available for certified dive teams.
Do you provide technical diving gas support?
Yes, we offer air, nitrox, trimix (HE availability), and surface-supplied oxygen. Gas fills included in charter fees based on dive plan requirements.
Can non-divers join charter trips?
Passenger waivers required for non-diving observers. Limited space available on scheduled trips. Private charters offer customized surface exploration options with safety briefings.
Are there group discounts available?
Yes, special boat rates apply for dive shops, clubs, or groups of 4+. Contact us for customized group pricing and multi-day charter options.
What historical shipwrecks do you explore?
Our routes include 19th-20th century wooden schooners, steamers, and unique wrecks like the S.S. Wisconsin and German U-boat UC-97. Sites range from 50-300ft depths.
Reviews (5)
Michael MacDonald
Feb 07, 2019
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For the last 4 years I've used Capt. Jitka (Shipwreck Explorers) for technical charters in Lake Huron and Lake Superior. Jitka provides excellent rebreather support and her boat is well equipped for technical diving. The Molly V has a fantastic wide rung ladder, carolina rig with equipment lines/deco station and surface supplied oxygen hung at 20' with LP inflators to plug in off-board gas in an emergency. I am looking forward to another 2 weeks of diving in the Great Lakes this season with Jitka and deco (the dog/first mate)!
Steve Stauch
Aug 11, 2018
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Jitka and Deco run one of the best charters Ive had the fortune to be on. Her focus is on Great Lakes Shipwreck dive charters and fully supports technical, CCR and recreational dives across lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior. On her expedition trips to some of the more remote locations Jitka is able to support gas needs including air, Nitrox, Trimix and O2 fills. Ive been on many of her charters and plan to be on many more.
Mike Tuntland
Jul 01, 2018
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Capt Jitka is an experienced technical/cave diver, which brings a wealth of knowledge to the boat deck. She strives to know as much about her divers so as to be able to cater to their experience, whether novice or technical. She has helped me develop my craft of technical diving.
Dale Musser
Jun 30, 2018
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Great dive operator, been running dive trips with Jitka now for 5 years. Always top notch service and able to get us where we want to go.
Michael Apke
Sep 04, 2014
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Top of the line outfit. Jitka is a great Captain, diver and photographer. I also like the way she sets the morring lines. Very clean comfortable boat. Diving is her buisness.
