North Carolina

Alexander 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

Township of Taylorsville

Lake Hickory

Maximum depth 92' where a Cabin Cruiser sits. Also, a school bus several vehicles, sail boat, bass boat, sea doo, air plane cockpit and various other objects. Visibility is around 15-30 feet and the water temperature at depth is around 46 all year.

Restricted Access. Private Club membership with Piedmont diving rescue association.

Lake Norman Quarry

Lake James Rock Formation

A very little island in Lake James. Arround that Island you can find a couple fish. Very good for a training dive.



Lake James Islet

A tram takes you, your dive buddy and all your gear to the waters edge. You will find tables with unbrellas, and a changing house with shower. The shop is a full service, air,nitrox, and rental gear. Beneath the surface you'll find several smaller boats, a PT boat, helicopter, and two white thrones sitting side by side. I have been there twice and plan to return.The staff is friendly and this is a overall good place to get wet.



Blue Stone Dive Resort is also known as Blue Dolphin Resort.

Blue Stone Dive Resort

This is a good local dive site and training location for people in the tri-cities area of Tennessee. There are two training platforms in the quarry. One is at 20ft and the other is at 60ft. The owners have placed aerators in the quarry to promote water circulation and by doing this have eliminated any thermocline. Several things have been placed in the water for divers to look at and swim through including a school bus, antique fire truck, a small boat, jet ski and statue garden.



Gray Quarry

Lake Jocassee - The Wall 2

State designated dive area, walkin from boat ramp, 2 platforms, a skeleton family, a sunk ski boat, tree forest and airplane parts.

the lake was flooded in 1973 and a lodge and several buildings still stand at the bottom as well as a cemetery.

Devil's Fork State Park

Lake Jocassee - The Wall



Follow signs for access to the day-use, non-motorized boat ramp

Lake Jocassee Boat Ramp

JMR Quarry is a quarry at the former Blanche Prison site and offers excellent winter diving, Visibility over 35 feet and that is at depth. Water temp in the winter is 45.

Piedmont Diving and Rescue Association offers 3 inshore dive sites to its members. To join costs approximately $55.00 and plus the dues to an associated club of the organization, that can range from $5.00 and up. You get 365 day a year access to 3 rock quarries that can offer a very good diving experience.

James M. Robertson Quarry (Blanch Prison)

The Hot Hole is a cove on Lake Keowee where hot water comes out of the nuclear power plant; temperature is somewhere between about 68°F and 80°F. Access is by boat with a cost of $40.00 per person for a 2 tank dive.



Lake Hickory

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Lake Hickory