
Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Durham, North Carolina, United States
1. Fall of the Neuse
Explore an underwater forest at this freshwater dive site, offering a unique diving experience for beginners and advanced divers alike.
- Unique Wildlife: Encounter turtles, fish, and the rare spotted gar during your dive.
- Beginner-Friendly: Ideal for beginners due to its calm and clear waters.
- Underwater Forest: Dive among submerged trees, providing a distinctive experience.
2. Jordan Lake
Discover a sunken boat and various marine life in the clear waters of this large freshwater lake.
- Sunken Boat: Explore a sunken boat, adding an element of intrigue to your dive.
- Clear Waters: Enjoy clear waters for excellent visibility during your dive.
- Marine Life Variety: Encounter a diverse range of fish species, including bass and catfish.
3. Haw River
Delve into a river teeming with fish, turtles, and even the occasional otter during your dive.
- Unique Wildlife: Spot otters, a less common sight in diving locations.
- Clear Waters: Enjoy the clear waters of the river for better visibility during your dive.
- Scenic River Setting: Dive amidst a beautiful, natural setting with picturesque banks.
4. Triangle Aquatic Center
Experience the thrill of diving in an Olympic-sized pool designed for scuba certification courses.
- Olympic-Sized Pool: Dive in a large and challenging pool that replicates open water conditions.
- Certification Courses: Take scuba diving certification courses in a controlled environment.
- Convenience: Located centrally within the city, making it easily accessible for visitors.
5. Lake Michie
Discover a variety of fish and plant life in this peaceful lake ideal for beginner divers.
- Peaceful Environment: Ideal for beginners, with calm waters and shallow depths.
- Diverse Marine Life: Encounter a range of fish species as well as various plant life.
- Conservation Efforts: Support local conservation efforts by participating in lake cleanups and educational programs.
6. Lake Crabtree
Explore the sunken remains of a former water ski facility at this scenic lake.
- Historical Sites: Dive amidst remnants of a historical water ski facility.
- Clear Waters: Enjoy the clear waters for excellent visibility during your dive.
- Marine Life Diversity: Encounter a variety of fish species, including bass and catfish.
7. Lake Johnson
Discover the hidden beauty of this popular swimming lake through snorkeling.
- Scenic Lake Setting: Dive amidst a picturesque, natural setting with a variety of aquatic plants.
- Snorkeling Friendly: Ideal for snorkelers due to its shallow depths and clear waters.
- Local Amenities: Take advantage of nearby amenities such as restaurants, shops, and parking.
8. Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
Test your scuba skills in a large indoor pool designed for practice and equipment testing.
- Indoor Pool: Dive in an indoor pool, providing consistent water conditions.
- Equipment Testing: Test and familiarize yourself with scuba equipment before diving in open waters.
- Convenience: Located indoors, making it accessible regardless of the weather.
9. Shearon Harris Lake
Dive in a crystal-clear lake with opportunities to encounter various fish species.
- Clear Waters: Enjoy the clear waters for excellent visibility during your dive.
- Marine Life Variety: Encounter a range of fish species, including bass and catfish.
- Conservation Efforts: Support local conservation efforts by participating in lake cleanups and educational programs.
10. New Hope Waterworks Lake
Dive in a secluded lake with opportunities to encounter various fish species.
- Secluded Location: Experience a quiet, secluded setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Marine Life Variety: Encounter a range of fish species, including bass and catfish.
- Scenic Lake Setting: Dive amidst a picturesque, natural setting with a variety of aquatic plants.
11. Lake Phelps
Discover the sunken remains of a former water ski facility at this scenic lake.
- Historical Sites: Dive amidst remnants of a historical water ski facility.
- Clear Waters: Enjoy the clear waters for excellent visibility during your dive.
- Marine Life Diversity: Encounter a variety of fish species, including bass and catfish.
12. Lake Holt
Explore the hidden beauty of this popular fishing lake through snorkeling.
- Scenic Lake Setting: Dive amidst a picturesque, natural setting with a variety of aquatic plants.
- Snorkeling Friendly: Ideal for snorkelers due to its shallow depths and clear waters.
- Local Amenities: Take advantage of nearby amenities such as restaurants, shops, and parking.
13. Lake Rogers
Delve into this quiet lake teeming with fish, turtles, and other aquatic life.
- Quiet Location: Experience a serene, secluded setting away from the noise of the city.
- Marine Life Variety: Encounter a range of fish species as well as various turtles.
- Clear Waters: Enjoy the clear waters for excellent visibility during your dive.
14. Lake Mayo
Explore this scenic lake with opportunities to encounter various fish species.
- Scenic Lake Setting: Dive amidst a picturesque, natural setting with a variety of aquatic plants.
- Marine Life Variety: Encounter a range of fish species, including bass and catfish.
- Clear Waters: Enjoy the clear waters for excellent visibility during your dive.
15. Lake Ellis
Dive in a quiet lake with opportunities to encounter various fish species.
- Quiet Location: Experience a serene, secluded setting away from the noise of the city.
- Marine Life Variety: Encounter a range of fish species, including bass and catfish.
- Clear Waters: Enjoy the clear waters for excellent visibility during your dive.