A Guide To Scuba Diving In Lake George

by John Flynn

Lake George, widely know as the Queen of American Lakes for its crystal clear waters, is a 32-mile-long, spring-fed lake that provides outstanding scuba diving opportunities.

Dive sites in Lake George are interesting and varied. Depending on diver experience, site depths range from 20' - 80' and even over 150' for technical diving.

There is so much to explore! On the floor of Lake George divers can see historic wrecks, including The Radeau from 1758, which was identified by the Smithsonian as the oldest intact warship in North America, natural formations and an abundance of freshwater fish to keep you company throughout your dive.

Additionally, there are old hotel sites and steam boat landings, as well as varied wall and pinnacle sites throughout the Lake.

Historic Diving Sites In Lake George:

The Sunken Fleet of 1758 - (Wiawaka Bateaux Cluster) found in 25 to 50 feet of water approximately one mile north of Lake George Beach on the east side of the lake. This intermediate dive is available on a first-come, first-served basis from Memorial Day into autumn. Dive boats and divers are required to tow the red-and-white dive flag.

The Land Tortoise Radeau - located in 105 feet of water in the south basin, nearly two miles north of Lake George Beach. This deep, cold-water dive is an advanced dive open from the second Saturday of June through Labor Day. Divers must sign in and be assigned a time slot at the DEC office at Lake George Beach (518-668-3352).

A maximum of eight divers in a single party is permitted on site at any one time. There is a two-hour time slot allowed per dive followed by a one-hour site rest to allow bottom silt to settle. A redundant air source is required and a safety/decompression stop is recommended. The water temperature at this site ranges from 35 to 45 degrees F.

The Forward Underwater Classroom - found in 25 to 45 feet of water approximately 1,500 feet east of Diamond Island in the South Basin of the lake. This is an intermediate dive available on a first-come, first-served basis from Memorial Day into autumn.

Helpful Information and Links:

Divers interested in visiting any of the historic Lake George shipwreck preserve sites should know that each site is marked with a round mooring buoy, which provides access to the site, and a barrel-shaped navigation aid buoy. Be sure to review the below guidlines prior to visiting any site.

DEC Diving Guidelines for Lake George's Shipwreck Preserves

DEC Land Tortoise Underwater Preserve Site

Access to Lake George may be gained through state and town launch sites, campgrounds or by renting a boat at one of the many area marinas. Dive charters are available through Halfmoon Marine Services. Please remember that New York State law protects historic sites.

LakeGeorge.com wants to thank John Flynn, the manager of Lake George Kayak Co. (lakegeorgekayak.com) and watersports enthusiast. When not diving you may find him in a Kayak or Canoe enjoying the Narrows of Lake George.