Head inland to one of the United States’ best freshwater diving destinations

As a professional underwater photographer and tec instructor, the question is almost unavoidable: “You live in Pennsylvania? Where can you dive there?” My response: “Let me tell you about a place called Dutch Springs.” When I moved to Pennsylvania from Tampa, Florida, 10 years ago, I heard of this Disneyland for divers, and I couldn’t wait to dive it. After the National Portland Cement Co. stopped mining the limestone quarry and went out of business in the 1970s, the pumps were turned off, flooding the site and creating a 50-acre spring-fed lake, which gets as deep as 100 feet.

I made the trip to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, over Memorial Day weekend and was shocked to see that the visibility was so good in the cool water. I could see about 50 feet and enjoyed following the different routes from the submerged platforms to the many attractions, such as a school bus, a fire truck, a crane and a few types of sunken boats. I saw several species of fish, including koi, bass and trout, along the wall and under the docks. Zebra mussels are prevalent on the rock wall and wrecks. They were somehow introduced to the quarry, and they keep the water clear by filtering it. On our way back, we swam along the rock wall, looking at the beautiful sunbeams shining down through the water.

After our dive, I learned that a group called the North East Diving Equipment Group was offering the chance to try out their vintage and modern-day hard hats. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that this group of collectors offers to the public twice a year (Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends). I jumped at the chance to try one, so they suited me up from head to toe and educated me on how to operate it. We could talk via hard-wired communications inside the helmet. It was a blast to bounce around like an astronaut on the surface of the moon on the rocky quarry bottom. Going from scuba to hard-hat diving in the same day was a really wild experience, and I’ve gone back every year since to either try a different hard hat or photograph others doing it. Visiting Dutch Springs isn’t just about diving, it’s about the experience. I’ve met some wonderful people there, and we’ve shared some fun dives, laughs and adventures together.

Related Reading: Diving in the Georgia Aquarium

Dive In

Water temperatures can vary depending on the time of year, but expect high 40s in early spring and 70s in summer at the shallower depths. Bottom temperatures below the thermocline stay around 50 degrees year-round. A drysuit or 7 mm wetsuit, hood and gloves are recommended.

Related Reading: Guide to Diving Monitor National Marine Sanctuary

Dive Sites

Jet — The Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet — suspended in 30 feet of water toward the center of the quarry — appears as if it’s still flying. Swim through the fuselage to check out the cockpit and then drop down to 65 feet to capture a unique silhouette.

Pump House — When National Portland Cement Co. operated here, water had to be continuously pumped out of the quarry. Koi and other fish like to hang out in this area under the staircase or swim around the pipes and structure.

Cessna — The plane is sitting at 25 feet on top of a flooded island. The water is usually clear and warmer at this depth, and it’s a great place for photography. You can get there by following the ropes from the school bus or from the crane.

More To Explore

Aqua Park — Kids and adults can try out the aquatic toys and attractions to keep cool. The park’s biggest attractions are the Blob, a rock wall, slides and a water trampoline.

Watersports — Dutch Springs also allows kayaks and stand-up paddleboards — and offers rentals — in the quarry, and you’ll frequently see freedivers practicing in the area as well.

Camping — One of the most popular places to stay in the area is at Dutch Springs. Camping is allowed on-site, and during the summer months the hills are covered in tents.

Barbecue — There’s nothing more fun after a day of good diving than to barbecue with friends and watch the sun set over the water. Visitors can bring their own gas grill or camp stove to Dutch Springs.