Step 1: Select a Dive Environment (Step 1)
Lakes (Step 2.1)
Lake Jocassee, South Carolina
Lake Jocassee is a 7,000-acre man-made lake in South Carolina, known for its clear waters and underwater forests. With depths up to 360 feet, it offers diverse diving experiences for all skill levels.
- Depth: Up to 360 feet
- Visibility: 20-50 feet
- Special Features: Underwater forests, rock formations, sunken structures
- Safety Considerations: Cold water at depth, boat traffic near the surface
Lake Lanier, Georgia
Lake Lanier is a large reservoir in Georgia, offering unique diving experiences with underwater structures and forests. It's popular for both recreational diving and training.
- Depth: Up to 160 feet
- Visibility: 2-20 feet
- Special Features: Submerged buildings, bridges, and forests
- Safety Considerations: Limited visibility, entanglement hazards
Norris Lake, Tennessee
Located north of Knoxville, Norris Lake is surrounded by marinas offering various boat rentals, campgrounds, and lodging options. The lake features two ghost forests in the Loyston Point area, providing unique diving experiences.
- Depth: Maximum 120 feet, ghost forest treetops at 80 feet
- Visibility: 10-15 feet
- Special Features: Two underwater ghost forests, 24/7 diving access
- Safety Considerations: Boat traffic, visibility, no local air refills
Quarries (Step 2.2)
Blue Water Park, Alabama
Blue Water Park, formerly known as Dive Alabama, is a premier inland diving experience in the southeast. Located in Pelham, Alabama, it offers opportunities for recreational, technical, and dive training needs. (Special note: Creator of this website was certified here!)
- Depth: Up to 130 feet
- Visibility: 15+ feet
- Special Features: 26 acres of underwater adventure, full-service capabilities
- Safety Considerations: Varying water temperatures at different depths
Pennyroyal Scuba Blue Springs Park, Kentucky
Pennyroyal Scuba Blue Springs Park is Kentucky's only full-service, diver-exclusive facility. Located in Hopkinsville, this 22-acre rock quarry is known for its unusually clear water and warm southern hospitality. The park offers a variety of underwater attractions, including sunken vehicles, boats, and training platforms, suitable for divers of all skill levels.
- Depth: Up to 130 feet
- Visibility: 25-30 feet
- Special Features: Underwater attractions, sunken items, underwater lighthouses
- Safety Considerations: Varying temperatures at different depths, friendly fish that may nibble
Coastal Areas (Step 2.3)
The Whiskey Wreck, Alabama
The Whiskey Wreck is an ideal beach diving opportunity, located just 150 yards offshore in Gulf Shores. This 200-foot rum runner sank in 1906 and sits in 15 to 25 feet of water, making it easily accessible for beach divers.
- Depth: 14-25 feet
- Visibility: 10-15 feet
- Special Features: Historical wreck, night diving opportunity
- Safety Considerations: Changing sand bar conditions, beach entry
Image source: Gulf Coast Divers
Perdido Pass Jetties at Alabama Point
The Perdido Pass Jetties at Alabama Point offer excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities when conditions are favorable. Located on the eastern side of Perdido Pass, this area provides easy access and amenities for divers.
- Depth: ~9-17 feet
- Visibility: 5-25 feet
- Special Features: Diverse marine life, seawall and jetty structures
- Safety Considerations: Tidal currents, boat traffic
Image source: AL.com