5 Must-Visit Lakes For SCUBA Diving In The U.S.

Lake Diving in the United States

The United States is home to multiple lakes. They each offer a unique blend of natural beauty, scenic views, and adventure for SCUBA divers. The diverse terrain, easy accessibility, and vast ecosystems win enthusiasts. These lakes are perfect SCUBA enthusiasts worldwide, and Americans who are looking for SCUBA diving close to home. (Say goodbye to the hassle of obtaining your passport.) Check out these 5 must-visit lakes for SCUBA diving in the U.S.

5 Must-Visit Lakes For SCUBA Diving In The U.S.

Here, we discuss 5 must-visit lakes for SCUBA diving in the U.S. for dive and nature enthusiasts. These lakes are perfect for vacation. To clarify, witness their crystal-clear waters, explore vast ecosystems. Also, observe distinguished aquatic life.

Lake Michigan- Michigan

Lake Michigan is the fourth largest freshwater lake in the world. It is a glacial lake with a total surface area of 57726.840. Diving in Michigan Lake involves exploring over 3000 shipwrecks, with gems lying as little as a few inches to 200 feet. Manitou Passage especially has the most wrecks in Michigan. Lake Michigan surrounds the Manitou Islands. Indeed the site remains open for visitors throughout the year, but the recreational dive season starts in May and ends in November.

Homestead Crater- Utah

Homestead Crater is a popular freshwater diving location in the United States that combines scenic views with warm mineral waters. Located at the Midway Homestead Resort in Wasatch County, the lake has a 55-foot-high limestone dome formed thousands of years ago. To clarify, divers enter the crater through the artificial tunnel. Also the tunnel glows when sunlight pours in through the natural opening at the top. However, the place does not observe much aquatic life. Nevertheless, the crater's walls have beautiful mineral deposits that are stunning to see during the daytime. Regardless, it is advisable to stay above 45 feet as the slit settles down at the bottom.

Bonne Terre, Missouri

The Bonne Terre Mine is another popular SCUBA diving destination in the United States. It is also included in National Geographic's list of the Top 10 adventures in America. It is the world's largest SCUBA diving destination, with 24 well-marked and easily accessible SCUBA trails. This billion-gallon lake is a subterranean lake that flows into underground caverns. During SCUBA diving in Bonne Terre, you can witness multiple spots, including the 150-year-old mine, Submerged Mine Structures, The Boat Room, and the famous Pillar Forest.

Clear Lake- California

Clear Lake is a mountain lake in Linn County. It has two central bodies and is known as one of Oregon's most exceptional places for freshwater diving. Scuba diving in Clear Lake allows one to explore crystal-clear waters and scenic views. In addition, the lake's unique waters stay cold all year. The frigid temperature preserves the fascinating underwater forest of ancient trees. To clarify, these trees are about 3000 years old.

Fantasy Lake- Wake Forest, NC

Fantasy Lake is an iconic inland diving site accessible to new and experienced divers. The place offers multiple depths and distinguished underwater attractions. For example, the lake holds a sunken school bus, glass-bottomed boats, a plane wreck, and an underwater graveyard. Also, you can also explore freshwater aquatic life including bass, bluegill, catfish, turtles, and crayfish.

Bonus Location: Ginnie Springs, FL

Ginnie Springs is one of the most beautiful cavern diving sites in Northern Florida. It might be the best choice for divers who plan to log multiple days in the water, and it is even accessible to newly certified divers.

Beyond Lake Diving

In the upper chamber, you can be amazed by the breathtakingly beautiful views of illuminating sunlight and reflective limestone, or you can explore the rock formations in the Ginnie Ballroom with patterns resembling Swiss cheese. In fact, Ginnie Spring has multiple advanced sites for expert scuba divers, such as Devil's Eye, Devil's Ear, and Devil's Spring. However, visiting these advanced sites requires a Cavern or Cave certificate.

A Wide Variety of Lakes and Springs

The United States has an extensive variety of lakes for scuba diving. content above discussed the top lakes and a unique natural spring for cave diving. PADI instructors like Kevin Alexander of By the Shore SCUBA Instruction located in the Triangle area of North Carolina, chart excursions periodically and offer various training areas for potential divers. Contact By the Shore SCUBA Instruction to check out our courses and see if group charter packages are available (based on demand and availability of services).