Hunts Dive Shop

Legendary Diving in the Heart of the Thousand Islands

Hunt’s Dive Shop stands as a cornerstone of underwater exploration in the Thousand Islands region. Since 1953, this Clayton, NY institution has guided divers through some of the world’s finest freshwater wreck diving. Most importantly, the shop combines decades of expertise with modern equipment and personalized service.

The St. Lawrence River offers exceptional diving conditions year-round. Visibility often reaches 50-70 feet at 100-foot depths, creating an underwater wonderland for exploring historic shipwrecks. Because there is no thermocline in this area, comfortable diving temperatures persist from May through October. The river’s strong currents provide excellent drift diving opportunities, while the surrounding islands offer wind protection—divers can always find an alternative site during unpredictable weather.

World-Class Wreck Diving

Hunt’s Dive Shop operates Sea Hunt, a dedicated dive boat accommodating up to 6 divers. The shop provides access to remarkable wrecks at varying difficulty levels. Beginners can explore the Islander, a side-wheel steamer resting in 20-60 feet of water off Alexandria Bay. Intermediate divers tackle the Keystorm, a 256-foot steel steamer lying on her side. Technical divers pursue deep challenges like the Roy A Jodrey, a 623-foot Canadian freighter resting at 254 feet.

In addition to boat charters, the shop maintains free unlimited shore diving access at popular sites. The Clayton Town Frink Park offers beginner-to-advanced diving right from downtown, with depths ranging 10-30 feet.

Complete Equipment Solutions

The crew at Hunt’s Dive Shop handles everything divers need. They rent and sell premium brands including Aqualung, Apeks, DUI, Shearwater, and XS SCUBA. Therefore, visitors can arrive unprepared and still dive—the shop supplies all necessary gear.

A Pioneer’s Legacy

Hunt’s Dive Shop founder Donald “Moe” Hunt pioneered diving when the sport barely existed. After fashioning a makeshift apparatus from a spare tire and pilot’s mask in the early days, he recognized diving’s potential and established his shop in 1953. As a result, generations of divers have benefited from his passion and innovation.

Besides that, the shop remains flexible with customer needs. Weekend hours accommodate tourists, while weekday appointments serve working visitors. This commitment to accessibility reflects the shop’s founding principle: making diving adventures available to everyone.