Skaneateles Lake Diving

[MAK52580]

Since this is your neck of the woods, I was wondering if you could help me out. I am from Virginia, but driving up to Syracuse to visit relatives for Thanksgiving. I would like to hit a dive up there, and the closest body of water is Skaneateles Lake. I was wondering if anyone has ever dived it, and if so, what was your experience like? Whar are the conditions like? What are some of the highlights of the lake in terms of things to see? Any help that you could provide would be great. Thanks!

Marc

 

[mwilding]

Never dove there, but it is beautiful, clear and oh so drinkably clean!

 

[ScottyK]

and COLD!!!!!!

Some of the upstate guys might have a more accurate temp than I could guess at, but I'm pretty sure you'll want a drysuit for that one.

Have fun,
Scott

 

[Soggy]

I did my open water dives in Skeneateles Lake and then a couple later on. The water temperature in July was a balmy 43 degrees below the thermocline, so, yes, you'll likely want a drysuit. The lake has ridiculously clean water. Visibility averages a good 40-50 feet.

If you need a local shop, I'd recommend National Aquatic Services in Syracuse. They have a boat on the lake that will bring you to the attractions. I've only done a wall dive there, but it was quite interesting geologically, as the finger lakes were carved out by glaciers.

 

[MAK52580]

That sounds about right to me. I have a drysuit that I will be using. 43 isn't too bad though. Earlier this year in June I dove to the bottom of my local quarry at 95', in a 7mm, only to find the water a cool 37 degrees! It sounds nice though. I did not know that it was that clean. I only remember my relatives talking about how polluted it was because of all the ducks and their diseases that were closing the beaches. What attractions are out there?

Marc

 

[Soggy]

MAK52580 once bubbled...
What attractions are out there?

Not a whole lot...mostly geological stuff, I believe. There is a sunken log pile from some barge that apparently has a bicycle stacked on top of it. Call National Aquatic at 800-SEA-DIVE and they'll let you know the dealio.