Advice Diving Lake Mead

[mudchick]

Has anyone dove Lake Mead? How's viz? when is a good (or less bad) time of year to go? Any dive shops nearby? water temp?

Thanks.

 

[Dive-aholic]

Lake Mead has had better days. Check out the Arizona Scuba forum for some posts and dive reports. I also have a Lake Mead page on my website. The water level there is down pretty low, about 90' or so. They have a scuba park which only gets to about 35 ft within a reasonable swimming distance from shore. I've heard of shops offering boat dives there, but have never been able to schedule one because they're never running a trip when I'm up there. Lake Mead Tony, here on the Board, has a boat and will take divers out on weekends when he can. The closest shop is in Boulder City - Great Divin - right on the main drag. There are also several shops in Henderson and Vegas a little farther away. Water temp varies from 50s to 80s depending on the time of year. You should get it somewhere in the mid 70s right now. Lake Mohave, closer to Phoenix, is a much better lake for diving. Easy shore access, some "wrecks", right next to Laughlin. The downside is the closest shop is in Kingman, but that's only 1/2 hour away.