Difficulty
Unrated
Viz (last reported 10395h ago)
Max Depth
65ft
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Lake Phoenix Scuba Park
Lake Phoenix (formerly known as Lake Rawlings) is a good sized beautiful lake that was at one time a granite quarry. Depths up to 65 feet, and all sorts or neat stuff to explore such as two school buses, boats, and lots of special treats.
About 60 miles south of Richmond VA,Take I-95 south to Exit 51, I-85 South (near Petersburg). Take Exit 39 Rawlings and turn right towards the Nottoway Inn. After 0.2 miles, at the "T" intersection, turn left onto Route 1 South. After 1 mile, at the dive flag sign, turn right onto Rawlings Rd/Route 629. After 1.4 miles, turn right onto Quarry Lane (dirt road). Follow Quarry Lane straight to the main gate!
Access
shore
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Nearby Shops
Tide Report
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(9)
Deborah Alice
Sep 13, 2023, 5:05 PM
scuba
Miguel De La Cruz
Jun 5, 2023, 10:22 AM
scuba
Great site for beginners to advance. Staff are great, equipment rentals are reasonable.
Miguel De La Cruz
Jun 5, 2023, 10:21 AM
scuba
Ruthie
May 22, 2019, 12:00 AM
scuba
I have been to Lake Phoenix (it's now called that) a few times. Here is what is great: I have a lot of friends that haven't dove in a while and this is a perfect place to get back into it. There are a lot of things placed in the lake for diving amusement. One of my favorite is the carousel horses. There are a lot of lake fish and can be friendly. The temperature is great if you stay in the 20 foot range...however, as you go deeper, it gets drastically colder. But when you get out your nice again. Swimmers are welcome with divers on the weekend. Shop is full service and friendly. Dogs are welcome and we brought a little grill for burgers; a nice afternoon to just hang out. And since I live in VA it's a way to keep up my skills.
Originally posted on shorediving.com
Traveler
Dec 2, 2017, 12:00 AM
scuba
We came to Lake Phoenix for our check out dives. The staff was helpful and the site was very nice. Exploring a sunken sailboat was great. The planes and the helicopter we did not see but will return for another dive. I hope they do not put any more hub caps, cars, buses or garbage in the quarry.
Originally posted on shorediving.com
Andrew Zizza
Apr 10, 2011, 12:00 AM
scuba
I've done my SDI Sidemount Cert. and after 2 days of diving here, I did not want to go home (MASS). Water temp 47 Vis. 35+ ft. and lots of cool things to see. A Plane, an up right boat ,a dummy on a lawnmower, (For Blade). And lots more.
Originally posted on shorediving.com
Originally posted on shorediving.com
Eric McBride
Jul 24, 2008, 12:00 AM
scuba
Me and my buddies made our first trip here and we will certainly go back! The vis was excellent for freshwater diving, easily the clearest lake/quarry in the state of Va. They had recently added an airplane to go along with the movie 'The Replacements'. They had many other submerged objects to look at as well, and the fish were plentiful in the areas shallower than 30 feet.
Originally posted on shorediving.com
JL
Dec 4, 2007, 12:00 AM
scuba
Had a great time. Lots to see, nice water temp, and great vis for a quarry.
Originally posted on shorediving.com
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