Lake Tahoe Diving advice!

[Clammy]

Hi!
I'm planning a group trip to dive lake tahoe next month, leaving from San Jose, CA, drive up, do 2 dives, and possibly drive back down or stay the night.

Do people that dive there have any suggestions to dive sites, advice on where to stay (cheap) if we stay, and considerations other than the altitude diving and fresh water diving issues.

Also, it's my understanding that Emerald Bay there has access by boat only, does anyone have any suggestions on who I could call to charter a boat?

 

[georoc01]

I recommend going up the night before and getting acclimated to the altitude. By going from sea level and over donner summit you will want to take a 4 hour break before diving.

I would contact Sierra Dive Center in Reno. that was who I used and they provided a great DM. We dove Sandy Harbor, an easy access for shore dives. You could potentially charter a boat with them too.

 

[tahoeguy]

Hi Clammy,
Welcome to Lake Tahoe we have some great diving! Sand Harbor is ok but there is much better. We have three big wall dives, one of which is easy access form the shore. That would be the mighty Rubicon Wall reached form DL Bliss State Park from the shore or by boat. I just dove it this morning it is one of my favorite dives anywhere. Remember in Lake Tahoe you must plan your dive according to a theoretical depth and allow for 2 presure groups per 1000' of elevation gain on the drive up, so you will have to off gas when you arive at alitude before you dive, just like a surface interval. Sierra Dive Center is a good shop and so is Strictly Scuba in Carson City its closer than Reno. I also work out of Strictly the # is 775-884-3483


Have a great time, Bro Be safe

Tahoeguy

 

[MIKEINNV]

We just got through diving Meeks Bay on the CA side. Camping and easy access to the shore. Swim out to the buoys, and it's rock formations sloping down to the deck at about 100-110 ft. There is also a wreck at about 90ft out there. Fun to be had by all, If your going deeper than 60 ft. bring your hood ! LOL Water temp at 60ft was about 58 degrees on the 23rd