Things to do / Travel Guide
Landlocked and often characterized by its dry, dusty, and rocky terrain; southern Utah may not seem to be the obvious choice for a scuba diving vacation. Nonetheless, the freshwater lakes and reservoirs in the region provide scuba enthusiasts the opportunity to observe fish and plant life in their natural habitats.
Scuba diving in the southern Utah region is a beautiful underwater adventure. Some divers might prefer underwater views of the plentiful fish, but either way scuba divers can find some adventure in the region all year round. While scuba-related services are not necessarily available at scuba sites throughout the southern Utah region, there are plenty of scuba-worthy sites that divers with their own equipment can easily access. Others can rent equipment from retailers in Cedar City, St. George, or Page, Arizona, or go on an organized scuba trip with an area company or shop that will provide equipment, training and transportation.
Diving in Lake Powell
Lake Powell is one prime scuba destination in the region diveable all year round - although the winter season means pretty chilly waters. Mid-summer surface water temperatures are usually around 75º and visibility in the water varies based on location in the large reservoir. Divers should plan their dive site accordingly, keeping in mind that nutrient-rich water near the end of canyons means algae bloom and reduced visibility, especially near the Hite Marina area. Closer to the main channel of the lake, clear water means up to 30 feet visibility, allowing for clear views of the lake's many fish including largemouth bass, striped bass, bluegill, sunfish, carp, and catfish.
One favored way of enjoying a diving experience in Lake Powell is to do so from a houseboat, allowing for constant exploration and fun. While there is no scuba support at the lake itself, nearby facilities are available in Page, Arizona, near the popular Wahweap Marina.
Diving near St. George
Some of the region's best scuba diving can be found in the clear waters at Quail Creek Reservoir, 12 miles north of St. George, in the late summer and early fall, when algae growth is at its minimum. At the creek mouth, divers will view fish life aplenty, including bass and bluegill. While you can dive at Quail Creek all year round, the best times to go are when the water is warmer, from April-September. Scuba services and rentals are available in St. George, and retailers in the area commonly offer organized trips to Lake Powell.
Diving near Capital Reef National Park
The high altitude of Fish Lake, near Capital Reef National Park, 34 miles southeast of Richfield, means snow and ice prevents diving until well into June. The season lasts into late October though, with beautiful diving opportunities. The closest dive services are in Cedar City, 160 miles away, but visitors can easily join a dive store-sponsored trip to the lake. The waters tend to stay rather balmy even in the shallow waters in summer, around 70º. Visibility is quite good for the region - at around 20 to 30 feet - so divers will see a lot of animal and plant life, including smaller fish like perch, redhourse, dance, and cub. In the late fall, bigger fish like salmon and lake trout can be seen. Even the moss is beautiful in the blue waters!
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