All around the world, freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, and even quarries offer some unique opportunities to simply kit up on shore and head out for a bit of adventure, or to enjoy a short boat ride out to a steep wall or canyon in the middle of an alpine lake. Admittedly, some divers who prefer warm water and splendid coral reefs have a tendency to turn their noses up at freshwater diving, but for many, particularly for landlocked Europeans, if not for freshwater dive sites, there would be nowhere to go. Luckily, this type of diving is becoming more popular, infrastructure is improving, and new freshwater dive sites are being discovered on a regular basis. Thanks to some Just Gotta Dive experts who love freshwater diving, we have a new list of favorites to share with you, and we think you're going to enjoy these adventures just as much as we do. Let's go!
Freshwater Diving in Austria
Though completely landlocked, Austria features a diverse array of lakes and rivers for divers to explore. Situated with Liechtenstein and Switzerland to the west, and the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, this beautiful nation offers year round dive opportunities, along with some mysteries dating back to the second World War. As you explore Austria's waterways, watch for perch and pike, catfish and lake trout, crayfish, and all sorts of other aquatic life; in addition, look for freshwater hydra and freshwater sponges adorning rock formations and walls. They are quite rare - and Austria is one of the best places to see them. Some of our favorite freshwater destinations in Austria include:
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The Salzkammergut - This was the site of top secret Nazi projects, including a naval station on Lake Toplitz tasked with testing miniature submarine prototypes and firing underwater rockets; it is quite spooky! The 70 or so surrounding lakes have yielded many artifacts over the years, particularly items dumped by Nazis in what is sometimes referred to as the "Devil's Dustbin." Deep lakes are rumored to hold stolen art and millions of dollars worth of gold bullion.
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Lake Attersea - This lake offers miles of shoreline and is home to many dive sites suitable for all levels - about 30 sites in all. There's even a small wreck to explore!
Freshwater Diving in Iceland
Iceland does offer some outstanding ocean dives, but some of the world's most unique bodies of fresh water are located here as well. If you're going to dive Iceland, don't forget to check out some of our favorite inland dive sites, including:
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Lake Thingvellir - Site of the Silfra Rift, which is a massive crack between the Eurasian and American continents, Lake Thingvellir features visibility well over 100 meters - we bet you didn't expect to hear that about a lake dive site! The Silfra rift grows wider by about two centimeters annually, and the source of the water here is a melting glacier about 50 kilometers away. The frigid water travels through an underground system of lava fields for years before spouting out into the north end of the lake via a series of natural underground wells. This site is astounding, and world-class.
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Nesgjá - is another beautiful fresh water dive site. Shallower than Thingvellir, it is equally impressive, with fissures and incredible rock formations.
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Kleifarvatn - This site features underwater hot springs about 100 meters offshore. Located just about 30 minutes from Reykjavik, the lake is accessed by four wheel drive. In the center of the lakebed, a hole releases hot water and gases; you can hover above the hole and enjoy a warm water and bubble massage! After this dive, tour guides will take you to onshore hotsprings to relax and warm up as you chat about the amazing things you've just experienced.
Freshwater Diving in Germany
Germany is home to over 30 lakes, many of which are diveable. Whether you want to enjoy ice diving in winter, or if you're simply looking for a way to cool off during the summer months, Germany’s freshwater dive sites will suit your needs perfectly. Our favorite German freshwater dive areas include:
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Bodensee - Situated at the foot of the alps along Germany's borders with Austria and Switzerland, Bodensee offers dive sites for every level and is home to an intriguing array of aquatic life including some large pike and other fish.
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Kreidesee Hemmoor - Once a mine, this lake still contains remnants of old buildings as well as other artifacts including sunken attractions like cars, trucks, aircraft, and many other things. This site is a favorite with many local divers and is well worth a visit.
Freshwater Diving in Canada
While Canada has lots to offer in the way of saltwater based diving, some of the best dive sites in Canada are to be had in cold, freshwater lakes and in the St. Lawrence River. Whether you love wreck diving or if you prefer scenic sightseeing dives, you'll find both types await in Canada's lakes and rivers. Some of our favorite Canadian freshwater dive locales include:
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Fathom Five Marine Park - Located in beautiful Georgian Bay on Lake Huron, Fathom Five Marine Park features wreck sites suitable for all levels, even for novices, plus it's home to some incredible geologic formations fondly known as Flowerpots. These stacked cliff escarpments are beautiful - both above and below the waterline. If you travel with non-divers, even they can catch a glimpse of the wonders awaiting here - Fathom Five offers glass bottomed boat tours!
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British Columbia's Inland Lakes and Rivers - While BC is a mecca for divers looking to explore the colorful reefs surrounding Vancouver, its inland dive sites have plenty to offer, and should not be overlooked. Pavilion lake is a great place to view ancient stromatolites, which are believed to be the earth's earliest life forms; Johnson Lake, the "Caribbean of the North," features incredibly clear blue water and amazing rock formations. These are just a couple of outstanding examples!
Freshwater Diving in the United Kingdom
While there are many fantastic natural freshwater dive sites all throughout the UK, some of the best are old quarries which have been repurposed into dive resorts. Here, you can enjoy visiting with freshwater fish and crayfish, plus you can get a look at sunken artifacts, including cars, lorries, aircraft, and other things that are certain to bring a smile to your face.
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Blue Lagoon - Located in Yorkshire, this is a fun shallow quarry site with lots of things to see, including a sunken jet! It's inexpensive to dive here, and it is easy to access from nearby locales.
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Gildenburgh Water - Offering great visibility during cool weather, this site features training platforms and sunken attractions. It can be very busy on weekends, so go on a weekday if you can.
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National Diving & Activity Centre - this flooded quarry offers sites ranging from about 9 meters to 80 meters deep, and is chock full of vehicles and other artifacts. There is a training tank on site, plus there are classrooms and outdoor recreation activities to keep non-divers busy.
As you can see from our list of favorites, the sheer diversity of terrain available is incredible, and the many types of dives available at freshwater locales are almost endless. Just Gotta Dive has plenty of dive sites listed, so finding freshwater diving near you should be fairly simple. If you've never before tried freshwater diving, give it a chance. You might just come up with your own list of favorites!