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4 Awesome Dive Destinations in Colorado

4 Awesome Dive Destinations in Colorado

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on December 27, 2015

Scuba diving knows no geographical boundaries. Fun fact: The state that ranks sixth in the number of certified scuba divers is…Colorado! Yes, this landlocked state, known more for its “mile high” status than anything having to do with the water, has over 40,000 scuba divers. Here is a sampling of places you can go scuba diving in Colorado, home of the Rocky Mountains!

Denver Aquarium

via MoPro Prod.

For the new diver, this is one of the top places that inductees to scuba first get their fins wet. It’s a perfect place to work on your open water certification for the simple fact that it is a controlled environment. Curious patrons can “discover scuba” with a trial dive, you can complete your closed water portion of your certifications, or certified divers can have the opportunity to swim with sharks, barracuda, and sawfish. Plus, you can dive almost any time of year without having to check the weather. You’re guaranteed great visibility and a wide array of fish and other creatures to enjoy.

Carter Lake

A three-mile long, one-mile wide reservoir nestled in the foothills of the Rockies, Carter Lake is a short drive from Denver. With depths averaging about 80 feet, you’ll encounter Kokanee salmon and trout as you explore. The lake is open to divers year round. Campgrounds and a fill station are conveniently located at the lake.

Blue Mesa Lake

Formed by the construction of the Blue Mesa dam, this is the largest body of water in the state. Three towns and other infrastructure, including railroad bridges, were covered by water back in 1965 and many remnants are still on the bottom. There are sunken boats and even an airplane to explore. Crawdads, trout, and salmon are numerous in these waters. Fill your tanks before going, as there are no dive shops in the area nor air fill stations lakeside. The lake is open year round, with the best visibility between August and late October.

Turquoise Lake

Located in the quaint town of Leadville, about 100 miles from Denver is the serene Turquoise Lake. Home to plenty of fish, depths in this lake vary from 20 to 100 feet, with visibility in the 20-30 foot range. Air fills are available within a short drive, as well as a campground for longer visits.

If you’re looking for beautiful woodland scenery and a unique outdoor experience that includes getting in the water, don’t discount the incredible dive destinations in Colorado!

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro