Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Wentzville

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).

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.