Illinois

Fulton County

Divers will travel far and wide to find the best diving. But those who live in the United States have plenty of great diving on their doorstep as well, with plentiful access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. From warm-water reefs to temperate seas, here are some of the top places to scuba dive in the United States.

United States

Canton

Strode Lake

Dive site has an abundance of sunfish and catfish.  Great visibility most of the year and used frequently for open water training.  Equipment rental and airfills available on site.  


Interstate 57 exit 315.  Take Route 50 south to North Street.  Turn left onto North Street and travel east for approximatley 1 1/2 miles.  Sign for Haigh Quarry will be on the right side of the roadway.   

Haigh Quarry

This site is a rock quarry, but has been managed for a few years by divers. There is a sunken Chevy, a motorcycle, two boats, and a training platform at 30 ft . Water is cold, even in summer. Visibility is decent, very little fish population.

West of Saint Louis, just up to New Melle.

The Dive Stop

The Dive Stop is a commercial operation that features (generally) excellent visibility year round. Nearly all of the area around the quarry drains away from the lake, which minimizes visibility loss due to runoff. The quarry features several sunken 'toys' including a 32 ft. cabin cruiser, two trucks, 16 ft. open bow boat and a motorcycle along with several other items. There are two new docks, a newly installed beach, two training platforms, a picnic area, primitive camping and several canopied covered tables. Wildlife includes bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, turtles and a beaver.  The vis usually ranges 15-25 feet at the surface, 20-25 feet at 20 feet, and deteriorates below the thermocline to 5-10 feet. The quarry is approximately 70 feet deep.  The quarry owners have developed it into a commercial venture over the last two years, and all of the amenities are less than 2 years old at the time of this writing (Spring, 2009) and in excellent condition.  Hours and pricing are available at the quarry's website, http://www.dive-stop.com

The Dive Stop is a commercial dive quarry located at 3960 Highway Z New Melle, MO 63365. The quarry is located about 30 miles west of downtown St. Louis, just south of I-70. From St. Louis, drive west on I-70 until you get to Wentzville. The turnoff for Route Z is JUST past the I-70/Highway 61 (to Troy & Hannibal) cloverleaf... be in the right lane after the 61 North exit. The highway Z exit is less than 1/2 mile past the cloverleaf. When you exit, turn left (south) of the ramp and follow highway Z about 6 miles. The Dive Stop will be on the left (lots of flags and an office structure will be obvious... it is well marked).

Dive Stop

Located just North of Rockford, IL (the state's second largest city). Pearl Lake is one of the oldest private diving lakes in Illinois and offers fishing, swimming and diving. An old gravel pit, average depth is between 30 & 40 feet with a maximum depth of 85 feet. Many man made objects have been sunk in the lake to keep divers amused. Attractions include a bus (of course), boats, an airplane, concrete pipes, railroad tracks, and a two man submarine. The fish are friendly and abundant. A popular training lake for Chicago area instructors, the lake can get crowded on the weekends. Amenities include a camp ground, restaurant, bar, rest rooms, showers & changing rooms. Air fills and equipment rentals are available on site. Nitrox fills are also available. C card required. Daily entrance fee is $25. Dive season: April to October, 8AM - dusk (night diving is permitted on Sat/Sun) Pearl Lake is host to a variety of plant & animal life including bluegills, small- and largemouth bass, yellow perch, white suckers, catfish, turtles, craysish, and an assortment of mollusks. This dive destination offers many underwater attractions (see map) and is great for novice and experienced divers.



Pearl Lake

Pearl Lake, South Beloit is a 4.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Illinois, USA Mid which is accessible from shore based on 1 ratings.

Pearl Lake, South Beloit

Three masted wooden schooner, sunk May 20 1883.



Wells Burt

Straits of Mackinack

Wood schooner lost in a storm on Sep. 7, 1860.



St. Mary is also known as St. Marys.

St. Mary

Lake Monona is a 3359 acre lake located in Dane County. It has a maximum depth of 74 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from public boat landings, public beaches. Fish include Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Sturgeon and Catfish.

Lake Monona, Madison

Very unique dive. Great winter dive as temperatures are essentially constant year round.



Strode Lake

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Strode Lake