USA TODAY International Edition
9 great places to go scuba diving right here in the US
Divers usually seek out distant waters for their adventures, but there’s plenty of places to explore closer to home, according to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors ( PADI). During the pandemic, the group has seen interest grow in online instruction, and certification at local dive shops.
“Divers are finding adventures in their own backyards,” says Kristin Valette- Wirth, chief brand and membership officer for the group. She shares some favorite close- to- home diving spots with USA TODAY.
Dutch Springs, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
This 50- acre lake lures divers with underwater platforms, submerged vehicles and sunken aircrafts, along with freshwater fish, including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, koi, yellow perch and goldfish. ( Open midApril- September with select dates in October, November and December) “It’s a super inviting experience. You can go down and learn on the platforms and feel very safe,” ValetteWirth says.
Information: dutchsprings. com
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo, Florida
Considered the country’s first undersea park, this Florida Keys spot about 60 miles from Miami, attracts visitors year- round. Divers find abundant sea life, living coral and even a statue of Jesus. “It’s very shallow, accessible water, easy for the entry- level diver,” Valette- Wirth says. ( Note: Masks are required on all watercraft.)
Information: floridastateparks. org
Casino Point, Catalina Island, California
About an hourlongferry ride from the Los Angeles area, this Pacific island feels far away from civilization. Divers love exploring the kelp forest, which is rich with marine life, ValetteWirth says. “You can feel like you’re flying underwater in a forest. You’re going to see sharks, urchins, lobsters and sea cucumbers.”
Information: lovecatalina. com
Bonne Terre Mine, Bonne Terre, Missouri
Far from the ocean, this flooded mine has been transformed into an underground lake open year- round. Divers have a chance to explore the area’s mining history, swimming by an elevator shaft, mining carts, tools and other artifacts, all preserved in the cold fresh water. “There are all sorts of interesting things. It’s a unique, almost cavern- like experience,” Valette- Wirth says.
Information: bonneterremine. com
Homestead Crater,
Midway, Utah
Divers find year- round adventures in this mineral water naturally heated to 96F by a geothermal spring. “It’s very comfortable and amazing to see. It’s hidden in a beehive shape limestone rock with clear, super- warm water,” Valette- Wirth says. “People flock to this.”
Information: homesteadresort. com
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Texas
The northernmost coral reefs on America’s continental shelf, found about 100 miles south of of the TexasLouisiana border, offers pristine diving without the need to hop on a plane. “For a diver this is a wonderful playground. The reefs out there are so spectacular,” Valette- Wirth says. These Gulf waters are home to barracudas, parrotfish, nurse sharks and spotted eagle rays. ( Note: the visitor’s center is currently closed to the public because of COVID- 19.)
Lovers Point, Pacific Grove, California
Valette- Wirth learned to dive in California’s Monterey Bay and says its sheltered, shallow and easily accessible waters still make it a great spot beginners. “It’s very sheltered, but the sea life there is just bustling.” Divers often see rays and harbor seals and may be circled by schools of sardines. “It’s a beautiful, entry- level experience.”
Information: seemonterey. com
Haigh Quarry,
Kankakee, Illinois
You can go on a scavenger hunt exploring this former limestone quarry. Artifacts in the 12- acre spring- fed quarry include a 33- foot cabin cruiser, a military dump truck, a firetruck and an amphibious vehicle. Plus there’s a diverse fish population.
“It can be quite a beautiful experience,” Valette- Wirth says. Open April ( weekends only that month) to October.
Information: haighquarry. com
Black Rock Point,
Maui, Hawaii
No need to take a boat for an incredible scuba experience at the north end of Ka’anapali Beach. Shore divers can swim along the face of Black Rock, a rocky lava cliff, and immediately immerse in an undersea world straight out of “Finding Nemo.”
Likely encounters include spotted eagle rays, whitetip reef sharks and eels, Valette- Wirth says.
Information: gohawaii. com/ islands/ maui