Lake George Scuba Diving: Explore Historic Underwater Sites and Sunken Ships!

Can you scuba dive in Lake George? Yes, and it's spectacular! Lake George's crystal-clear water (20-80', with technical sites reaching 150'+) features historic wrecks, geological pinnacles, and abundant freshwater life. Especially notable is The Radeau (Land Tortoise) - the oldest intact warship in North America. Find out more on Lake George scuba diving:

🧭  Historic & Natural Dive Sites
🎥 Sunken Vessels Video
🛠️ Diving Guidelines & Safety
📌 Getting Started (or Certified!)
✨ Why Lake George Is Scuba Special

🧭 Discover Historic & Natural Dive Sites

The Sunken Fleet of 1758 (Wiawaka Bateaux)

Location & Depth: Near Lake George Beach, 25 - 50'
Skill Level: Intermediate
Season: Memorial Day - Fall, first come, first serve

Forward Underwater Classroom

Location & Depth: Near Diamond Island, 25 - 45'
Skill Level: Intermediate
Season: Memorial Day to Fall, first come, first serve

Land Tortoise Radeau

Location & Depth: South Basin, ~105'
Skill Level: Advanced, limited slots
Season: Mid-June to Labor Day (register with DEC)

Call 518.668.3352 to check slot availability, or visit the DEC office at Lake George Beach on Beach Road. You'll need to sign in, show your certification card, and reserve a 2-hour dive slot, followed by a required one-hour rest for sediment sitting.

Bring your certification card, dive flag, and redundant air supply.

Note, this is a cold dive (35 - 45 degrees F), and requires safety/decompression stops for deep diving.

Minne Ha Ha Wreck

Location & Depth: Shallow bay off Black Mountain Point, 10 - 14'
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Season: Year-round snorkeling

🎥 Dive Into History: Watch Lake George's Sunken Ships

Check out a video on the sunken vessels of Lake George:

🛠️ Diving Guidelines & Safety

Each diving site is marked with a round mooring buoy, which provides access to the site, and a barrel-shaped navigation aid buoy. Be sure to read the guidelines below prior to visiting any site, and keep in mind that New York State law protects historic sites.

Adhere to rules designed to protect underwater historic sites:

• Sites have mooring and navigation buoys
• Land Tortoise rules: max 8 divers per 2-hour slot with 1-hour rest, needed redundant air, decompression stop, water temps 35–45 °F
• Sign-in required at DEC office for time slots
• Tow dive flag while boating nearby
• Don’t remove artifacts—remain hands-off for preservation

Read about the guidelines and safety >>

Learn about the DEC Land Tortoise Underwater Preserve Site >>

📌 Getting Started Scuba Diving in Lake George

For Certified Divers

Launch from public ramps, launch through marinas or campgrounds, or book through charters like WaterHorse Adventures (Glens Falls).

Note, WaterHorse Adventures has closed their physical storefront, but the website is still active and offering scuba classes, gear, and services.

For Beginners or Certification Upgrades

• Divers Below (Glens Falls): New full-service shop offering SDI courses (40+ certifications), air fills, gear service, and retail from major brands.
• Adirondack Scuba (Saratoga Springs): SDI certification w/ pool and open-water lake dives.
• Kraken Scuba (Albany area) – PADI Open Water course (classroom, pool & lake dives).

Certification courses typically include online modules, confined water sessions, and open-water dives - the minimum age usually 10 years.

✨ Why Lake George is a Divers’ Gem

Why scuba dive in Lake George?

• Rich historical charm with Colonial-era shipwrecks

• Varied depths cater to all skill levels

• Exceptional underwater clarity

• Natural scenic features - walls, fish, rock pinnacles

• Convenient local shops and charters for gear, training, and air fills

✅ Ready to Dive In?

Here's your final checklist:

• Book certification early - summer slots fill fast
• Contact DEC for Land Tortoise reservations (518.668.3352)
• Bring your owns basics (mask, fins, etc.)
• Certified and equipped? Rent a boat, join a charter, and explore!

Read about a Lake George diver's firsthand experience >>

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