Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Durham, North Carolina, United States

Durham, United States, Durham, Activity-Based Travel Pages, Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations

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.