Hey All:
It's come to my attention through my line of work and talking to some people on here that there isnt alot of information about all the places to dive in the immediate area. Some of these are weekend trips, versus day trips, but I'll do my best to sort it out. Anyone feel free to add info to any of the sites I mention.
DAY TRIPS:
- Lake Lanier: This is probably one of the closest for all of us. Easy access off 400. Theres two good spots on the lake: West Bank Park or Lower Overlook. Lower Overlook is just past West Bank, immediately after you drive over the dam. Visibility can range from 10-20Ft so its a great place to practice your nav techniques. Water temp under the thermo can be a bit chilly-- 5mm suit min recommended. Bring a line cutter and a dive float with you-- the rangers will give you a ticket!
- Lake Allatoona: Dove it twice, vowed never to do it again. You can't see diddly squat
- Dive Haven: Located north of cartersville, its an easy drive to a quarry. Get there early in the day before the visibility is shot by open water students! Also, its located next to a chicken coop, so when the winds change mid afternoon it can get a bit, er, ripe?! Depths down to 150ft so you need to be careful, but they've sunk a few things for divers to look at and play with. Water temps in the 70s above 30ft, below mid 60s. Need to pay ~$20 entrance fee, but they have a compressor to do fills on site.
- Pelham (AL blue water), AL: 2.5-3hr drive from ATL, but well worth it. Large quarry with something for every diver. Great vis can be found most days (depends on weather) and they've sunk plenty of things for divers to look at and play in. Full shop with rental, fills, and EANx on site. ~$25 entrance fee but nice facilities makes for a nice relaxed day of diving! (Just remember about the time zone change)
- Lake Jocasse, SC. Lake Jocasse is located on the GA/SC border, roughly 2 hrs away. Big lake and you'll need a charter to take you out so it runs a bit more, but the lake has something for every diver.
- Florida Springs: You could, in theroy make a day trip to any of the springs, but they are better suited for a weekend trip. Good ones of note: Vortex Springs, Rainbow River, Blue Ghrotto, Devils Den, Ginnie Springs.
KM
It's come to my attention through my line of work and talking to some people on here that there isnt alot of information about all the places to dive in the immediate area. Some of these are weekend trips, versus day trips, but I'll do my best to sort it out. Anyone feel free to add info to any of the sites I mention.
DAY TRIPS:
- Lake Lanier: This is probably one of the closest for all of us. Easy access off 400. Theres two good spots on the lake: West Bank Park or Lower Overlook. Lower Overlook is just past West Bank, immediately after you drive over the dam. Visibility can range from 10-20Ft so its a great place to practice your nav techniques. Water temp under the thermo can be a bit chilly-- 5mm suit min recommended. Bring a line cutter and a dive float with you-- the rangers will give you a ticket!
- Lake Allatoona: Dove it twice, vowed never to do it again. You can't see diddly squat
- Dive Haven: Located north of cartersville, its an easy drive to a quarry. Get there early in the day before the visibility is shot by open water students! Also, its located next to a chicken coop, so when the winds change mid afternoon it can get a bit, er, ripe?! Depths down to 150ft so you need to be careful, but they've sunk a few things for divers to look at and play with. Water temps in the 70s above 30ft, below mid 60s. Need to pay ~$20 entrance fee, but they have a compressor to do fills on site.
- Pelham (AL blue water), AL: 2.5-3hr drive from ATL, but well worth it. Large quarry with something for every diver. Great vis can be found most days (depends on weather) and they've sunk plenty of things for divers to look at and play in. Full shop with rental, fills, and EANx on site. ~$25 entrance fee but nice facilities makes for a nice relaxed day of diving! (Just remember about the time zone change)
- Lake Jocasse, SC. Lake Jocasse is located on the GA/SC border, roughly 2 hrs away. Big lake and you'll need a charter to take you out so it runs a bit more, but the lake has something for every diver.
- Florida Springs: You could, in theroy make a day trip to any of the springs, but they are better suited for a weekend trip. Good ones of note: Vortex Springs, Rainbow River, Blue Ghrotto, Devils Den, Ginnie Springs.
KM
