Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Illinois
Ready to check out the best sites in Illinois for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 9 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best ocean activities in Illinois to suit your needs.
#1 - Mermet Springs, Vienna
Illinois, USA Mid
Mermet Springs is a scuba diving location in Vienna, Illinois. The spring is a former limestone quarry that has been filled with water. The quarry is 120 feet deep and has a variety of fish and other aquatic life.
#2 - Haigh Quarry, Bradley
Illinois, USA Mid
Haigh Quarry, Bradley is a 4.6-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Illinois, USA Mid which is accessible from shore based on 5 ratings.
#3 - Pearl Lake, South Beloit
Illinois, USA Mid
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.
#4 - Brandon Quarry, Joliet
Illinois, USA Mid
Brandon Quarry, Joliet is a 4.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Illinois, USA Mid which is accessible from shore based on 1 ratings.
#5 - Haigh Quarry
USA, Illinois
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.
#6 - Pearl Lake
USA, Illinois
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.