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Scuba diver underwater making an okay sign while exploring the seabed with corals.
📷 Diego Sandoval · Pexels

O.J. Walker

3.9 — based on 18 community signals
4.5 12 species 54 contributors

O.J. Walker is a year-round dive destination near Burlington's historic breakwater lights in Vermont.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
Shore entryFamily-friendlyBeginnerPhotoFriendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Depth
?–19.812 m
Best months
Year-round

Top operators here

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Map

This spot Operators Airport Nearby spots
O.J. Walker location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
11.7 kn
Wave
m
Water
—°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: N (24%)
Now: N (358°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0m
+0.0 m0 m+0.0 m
Now +0.0m
Fri 18Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24
UV5.5 · mod Air PM2.53 · good 06:35 18:57
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-18 13.8 6 0mm
09-19 7.4 6 0mm
09-20 15.5 0 8mm
09-21 10.2 4 0mm
09-22 7.5 4 0mm
09-23 5.1 5 0mm
09-24 7.2 5 0mm

About this spot

O.J. Walker sits near the Burlington Breakwater Lights, two iconic Vermont lighthouses that mark the entry to Lake Champlain. The site draws divers year-round, making it accessible for both summer and winter exploration. While exact depth and visibility data aren't published, the location's proximity to the breakwater structure and lighthouse markers makes navigation straightforward for divers familiar with freshwater conditions. The area supports diverse freshwater marine life, with 12 species observations documented by the dive community. Local divers have contributed three community videos showing conditions and wildlife at the site. Because the spot falls outside a marine protected area, access remains open to recreational diving without special permits. Planning a dive here means checking current Lake Champlain conditions and water temperature before entry. The breakwater lights provide excellent visual landmarks from the surface. Community contributions suggest the site offers consistent opportunities to observe local freshwater species and the historic lighthouse structures that define Burlington's waterfront.

📖 Guide: Diving in the United States: 87 Sites From Springs to Open Ocean

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Dive types

ShoreBoat

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type A/B · 120V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 49%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 5247km · ~1207kg · €22

FAQ

When is the best time to dive O.J. Walker?

O.J. Walker is accessible year-round. Summer offers warmer water and better visibility for most divers. Winter diving requires cold-water training and equipment. Check local conditions before each trip, as Lake Champlain weather changes quickly.

What are the depth and difficulty levels?

Exact depth data is not published for this site. Divers should assess conditions on arrival and dive within their training limits. The breakwater location suggests moderate difficulty; freshwater diving experience is recommended.

What marine life can I expect to see?

Twelve species have been documented at O.J. Walker by the dive community. Lake Champlain freshwater species are the primary focus. Check community videos and recent dive logs for current wildlife activity.

Are permits or special access required?

O.J. Walker is not inside a marine protected area, so no special permits are needed. Divers should verify local regulations with Vermont authorities before planning dives near the Burlington Breakwater.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Burlington Bay Horse Ferry

0.7 km
Dive centre

General Butler

1.3 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Sailing Canal Boat O.J. Walker, Underwater Historic Preserve System

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

The OJ Walker Canal Boat - Lake Champlain - Part 1

Mark McGill

A.R. Noyes Coal Barge - Burlington Bay, Lake Champlain

Mark McGill
wind peaks Dec-Nov-Mar, calmest Jul-Sep-Aug, dry Jan-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)

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