Virginia’s Lake Phoenix quarry is all about divers, with tools leases, tank fills and campsites with facilities, all on web site.
Jennifer Idol
Along with Atlantic wreck dives and nearshore diving round Chesapeake Bay, Virginia is dwelling to Lake Phoenix Scuba Park and Household Campground. Previously referred to as Lake Rawlings, this quarry lies nestled amid timber within the countryside about 60 miles southwest of Richmond. Guests to Virginia can get away from the crowds for a calming weekend of tenting and diving with good viz and top-notch amenities at Lake Phoenix, or combine it up with a day of diving staged from Norfolk, for a full weekend that features seashores and nationwide wildlife refuges.
A fish swims by way of the Lake Phoenix quarry.
Jennifer Idol
Lake Phoenix is an entire expertise in and of itself, with all requirements obtainable on web site, from dive tools leases and tank fills to camp websites with electrical energy. Clear water on this lake comes from an aquifer that was opened throughout quarry exercise for the development of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The water is filtered by way of granite, which creates a transparent, fresh- water ecosystem that helps a wide range of fish, together with bass and sunfish.
Entry into the water is straightforward; divers can both stroll in from the shoreline or big stride from docks. The granite backside minimizes silt issues from dive exercise and makes this a perfect location for pictures. Dozens of points of interest embrace sunken boats, autos and even basketball hoops, although the quarry’s spotlight is a Black Hawk helicopter mendacity subsequent to the docks. Quite a few platforms additionally present a dependable coaching atmosphere.
Since there are few dive websites close by, and even fewer which can be open year-round, Lake Phoenix is in style on weekends, which may result in sediment being stirred up within the shallow areas close to the docks. Head to the far aspect of the quarry to expertise the same old clear visibility and to navigate the pure backside close to the aquifer opening, although take note the water temperature turns into very chilly at depth. The complete quarry will be explored in a weekend full of the camaraderie of latest and frequent native divers.
Exceptional seashores and pure assets in Norfolk are only a two-hour drive from Lake Phoenix. From right here, you possibly can ebook native dive charters to discover close by wrecks and marine life.
Dive Websites
Discover the Virginia most by no means see at any of those top-tier dive websites.
PADI Workers
Lake Phoenix
Discover beneath the docks to seek out fish, particularly nesting male sunfish within the spring. Spend a dive appreciating distinctive sunken points of interest, together with a decommissioned Black Hawk army helicopter sunk in 2011. The propellers and tail have been eliminated, and it’s turn out to be a memorable swim-through.
Chesapeake Mild Tower
Catch a constitution with Lynnhaven Dive Middle in Virginia Seaside for some shallow diving at Chesapeake Mild Tower, about 15 miles off the coast
of Virginia Seaside. The diving is similar to diving oil rigs in different locales. Spadefish faculty across the construction, and turtles typically cross by.
Atlantic Wrecks
Lynnhaven additionally visits the exploded cargo ship Santore, an open-water dive at a max depth of about 60 ft. For extra superior dives, resembling the favored Coast Guard cutter Cuyahoga, resting at about 120 ft, and the trawler Gulf Hustler, join with Grand Journey Charters in Virginia Seaside. As all the time, correct coaching and tools are required for wreck penetration.
Journey Ideas
1. Pack a Lunch Though lunch companies at Lake Phoenix can be found on weekends, carry meals to make the expertise extra handy. Campers also can prepare dinner over hearth pits at their campsites. Head for Richmond or Norfolk for the most effective eating alternatives,
2. Naval Historical past Tour Inbuilt 1917, Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base, outlined regional maritime historical past. You may discover one of many largest battleships constructed throughout World Struggle II, USS Wisconsin, on the close by museum Nauticus. The museum additionally options reveals about marine conservation and maritime commerce on the native seaport.
{A partially}-deconstructed army helicopter is a notable swim-through in Lake Phoenix.
Jennifer Idol
3. Nice Dismal Swamp Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
Hike by way of a wetlands habitat surrounding Lake Drummond, certainly one of two pure lakes in Virginia. A boardwalk path offers a fast overview and alternative to search for wildlife resembling black bears, otters and beavers. Historical timber are the spotlight for panorama pictures.
Have to Know
Situations
Viz usually falls between 30 and 60 ft, with water temperatures round 50 to 75 levels.
What to Put on
5 mm wetsuit or drysuit.
