Diving in western KY or southern IL

[bobsea43]

I am going to be at Land Between the Lakes starting about 6 Jul and after a week plan on moving to IL for another week or so. We are traveling in our RV and are from Central FL. Looking for some dive opportunities in the area. I have my gear and tanks with me and need/want to keep my string of consecutive months of diving going while away from home!!
Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[drrich2]

You might check out Pennyroyal Blue Springs Scuba in Hopkinsville; it's a quarry, if that's something you're into. I think you'd be a pretty good ways from Dale Hollow; not sure how far away 'in the area' is in your eyes! There used to be a quarry called Dive Cerulean in Cadiz but I think that's been closed for awhile.

That's all Kentucky; I don't know anything about IL.

Richard.

 

[tstormdiver]

Yes, There is Pennyroyal in Hopkinsville, KY: Pennyroyal Scuba Blue Springs Resort. In Southern IL there is Mermet springs just north of Paducah, KY & Metropolis, IL: Mermet Springs, Dive in First Class -- Scuba Instruction, Local Diving, Travel Worldwide. Drrich2 is correct about Cerulean. It has been closed down for 2 yrs. The only other nearby dive spot would maybe be Martha's Quarry in Lebanon, TN. They are all quarries. I am familiar with Pennyroyal & Mermet. Pennyroyal is my stomping grounds (so to speak). Lately the vis has not been very good lately because of almost daily heavy rains, but that is now beginning to clear, it is normally 20- 30 ft in the shallows & 50 ft+ in the deep. The shallows now has vis in the 10- 20 ft range & the deep has vis in the 30ft range. The facilities are a bit primitive with only a port- a- potty, changing shed & gear set- up tables. Depth range from a wade- in beach area, to 25- 120 ft. The quarry is open Wed.- Sun. (closed Mon. & Tues.). Mermet is open Thurs.- Tues. (closed Wednesdays). Mermet's vis is usually quite poor (10- 15 ft range). Depth range from 15 ft- 120 ft. Mermet has some very nice facilities available (flush toilets, showers, block building changing rooms). The entrance fees for both quarries is $20/ day/ diver & both quarries have full service dive shops & air fills available. Hope that helps.

 

[bobsea43]

Thank for your inputs. We arrived here yesterday PM and I will check them out. I have never dove a quarry so that will be an interesting experience. I appreciate your time to respond.

 

[tstormdiver]

Just 1 quick warning about quarry diving that you may not have had to deal with in FL. There are several thermoclines as you go deeper. Below 50- 60 ft the temperature is a brisk 42 degrees & stays there year round. It can be quite a shock for those not used to diving in waters that cold.

 

[bobsea43]

Yes, I had read of the theromclines and the low temps the deeper you go. I figure this is not a time to go too deep Thanx.