Iowa

Dickinson 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

West Lake Okoboji is the jewel of Iowa.  This 4000+ acre natural lake offers great diving for everyone.  Clarity ranges from 70+ feet in the winter months to 40+ feet in the spring and fall to 12+ feet during the summer months. Depths up to 136 feet can be reached, but most aquatic life will be seen from 10 to 40 feet.  There are several thermoclines that can be reached so a 5-4-3 wetsuit is recommended most of the year.  Dry suits are recommended for winter, early spring and late fall diving.  There are many points of interest throughout the lake.  There are 3 different pipelines that are enjoyable to tour: Pillsbury point, The Milford Tower and The Inn. In Smiths Bay you can find a truck that fell through the ice in the 1940's. There are remnants of several boats in the lake.  There are also many rocky points and drop offs. Aquatic life is abound everywhere. You will see fish species including bluegill, smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskies, white bass, walleye, perch, buffalo carp, and more. Blue Water Divers, a Padi 5 star dive center, is located on the lake at Arnolds Park.  There you can get any supplies you need plus directions to favorite dive sites.



Lake Okoboji, Arnolds Park