Arizona has a surprising number of places to dive, considering that most of the state's land is arid. One of the best lake dives the state has to offer is Lake Pleasant, located just outside Peoria, which is northwest of Phoenix. Here, there are several outstanding dive sites that are sure to keep you entertained for one dive after another.
Old Waddell Dam
The Old Waddell Dam was breached in 1992 when the new dam was completed. When it was built in 1927, it was the largest multi-arched dam in the world. Today, the top of the dam is about 65 feet underwater when the lake is fullest; when the lake is down, it's at a depth of about 35 to 40 feet. Maximum depth at the bottom of the dam is more than 130 feet, and the area nearby is much deeper - when the dam was constructed, it rose up to a height of nearly 200 feet over the bedrock. Inside the arches, the caverns formed go back for 25 to 30 feet, and the dam spans a distance of more than 2,000 feet across the submerged Aqua Fria river valley.
Vista Point
Maximum depth at the old vista point is about 180 to 240 feet when the water level is up; the drop off is gradual so less experienced divers can work on skills at depths between 15 and 25 feet if desired. You can either get in at the old road, which is usually busy with dive students on weekends, or you can get easier access to the deeper area by taking a short hike down a steep embankment. A sunken forest where huge catfish now live has made this site one of the lake's most interesting.
Spring Canyon Landing
Also known as Sunrise Cove, Spring Canyon Landing is located east of Vista Point. This area features shallow water 10-25 feet deep for a distance of about 200 feet prior to a deep trench with walls that start at a depth of about 30 feet. There are some very large fish here as well. This site is best when boat traffic is at a minimum.
Scorpion Bay
This favorite dive site is only diveable between early spring and mid-summer. There is a fantastic wall that begins at 15 to 20 feet deep that drops away to depths of more than 60 feet in some areas. With crevices and overhangs as well as small caves, the site is fun to explore and is a great place to encounter bass, bluegill, catfish, and crawdads.
New Dam
You can only dive the new dam area when boat traffic is at a minimum. Access the water via the boat ramp, then follow the channel, which leads to the riverbed. Here, you'll find loads of debris that forms an artificial reef. Although this area is dark and presents some snag hazards, it is full of fish. Carry a sharp knife to prevent yourself from becoming entangled in fishing line. Maximum depth is about 180 feet, and there are many hazards. This is a site for qualified tech divers only - not at all for beginners or even for AOW divers.
Desert Tortoise
This site features a channel that is accessible when water levels are low; you get there by driving to the far east end of Desert Tortoise Road. Get in at the road and head NNE toward the Sheriff's department docks. The walls here drop from about 60 feet to about 100 feet. This is a very popular site so arrive early for the best visibility.
Beismeyer Point
At Beismeyer Point, you can follow a sunken road for a distance of about 3/4 mile if you like. When the water is up, maximum depth is about 100 feet. There is a 5 foot wide culvert under the road that forms a swim through, and someone has placed a statue of George Washington in the roadway. To the east of the dive site, there are some fantastic rock formations.
Lake Pleasant is centrally located and easy to access. There are all sorts of recreational opportunities and plenty of amenities on site. Whether you visit once or take advantage of the many sites the lake has to offer, you're sure to enjoy a unique look at one of the biggest lakes in Arizona.