Dive Spot:
Madison Quarry, previously known as Rock Divers
City/State Location: Madison Alabama
Type of diving Quarry
Picture:
Directions:
- Start on I-565
- take the Wall Triana Exit
- At the top of the exit, turn North on Wall Triana
- At the next redlight, turn right onto Madison Blvd/Hwy20 at the Chevron
- Go to next redlight and turn right on Intergraph Way
- Go under overpass and turn left on Lime Quarry Road
- Go past golf driving range and follow road up hill and onto quarry property
Google Maps Link:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=...pn=0.002762,0.003964&t=h&z=18&iwloc=addr&om=1
GPS Coordinates: 34.675672,-86.729958
About the DiveSite: This is a quarry about 7-8 acres and averaging up to 55 feet in depth depending on water level. This quarry used to be operated as Rock Divers, but after they went out of business the city traded the property to the local Water Board. The Local Water Board now has a contract with Better Diver to operate the qurry.
To dive in the Quarry, contact Britt at
www.madisonquarry.com
Note: for 2010, the quarry will be closing on August 31st.
What to expect at the dive site: The quarry has several items sunk in it including a F-4 Phantom fighter, a Minuteman Missile, several suprlus items from NASA including an observatory housing, a space shuttle ride and a prototype for the SPACE LAB. Also sunk are several small boats, a S-10 pickup, several large houseboats/cabin cruisers, a firetruck, rock crusher and many smaller items. The quarry has several training platforms for use for training.
Where to park: parking is along the rim of the quarry.
Amenities/Facilities: Currently there is not an onsite dive shop, but Better Diver has some items in their trailer they keep there. They do have toliet facilities and a changing room. They also have a snack bar concession that is open most weekends.
Rental Gear: Better Diver has some rental gear, wetsuits, and rental tanks available. It's highly suggested that you coordinate beforehand for these items.
Cost/Fees associated with site: Admission is $20 bucks. I suggest cash as they don't have a credit card machine onsite due to there is no telephone service to hook up a machine to.
Times Open: for 2010, April through August 31. 2011 dates will be announced next year.
Pros and Cons: Pro's good training site. Con's it that it's not that deep for deep training
Website for site: www.betterdiver.com
Expected Vis: 5 foot to 30 foot depending on conditions
Depths: depending on water level, 38' to about 50' with a mostly flat bottom
Water temps: In May bottom temps in the low 60's. in July in 70's and in August in 70's to 80's depending on water level. When water is up towards 50', it will rarely get above 70-75f on the bottom
Closest Air Fills or Dive Shops:
Air fills and nitrox fills are available onsite through Better Diver. o2 clean tank might be required for Nitrox fill.
Closest shops are:
Good Places to eat near site: Lots of restaurants on hwy 20 right before you come into quarry.
Also there is a snack bar onsite now that has burgers, sandwiches, snacks, drinks, etc. (cash suggested).
Other Comments: Bring a sun tent as the sun reflecting off the walls can be HOT.
Add any other field about this site: You can print the liability registration form off their website. Also there is a map of what's sunk in the quarry in the quarry's website also.