Lake Powell Diving

Lake Powell is diveable year-round. The coldest months are January, March, April, November, and December when the water can get very cold so if you decide to go on Lake Powell diving trip during this time make sure you come prepared.  Mid-summer surface water temperatures are usually 76-78 degrees and this is the high season for tourists. If you want to vacation on and in the late October is still very nice temperature wise, both in the air and in the water so if you can, this would be a great time of year for a vacation!

As with many things at Lake Powell, people agree that the best bet for diving here is via houseboat, this way you can tow your ski boat and/or Jet Ski behind. Once you've found a good overnight spot for the houseboat you’ll be able to use the smaller boat for exploration and fun. Near the end of canyons, nutrient-rich water creates an algae bloom, which reduces visibility to around 8-15 feet. Closer to the main channel, clear water provides up to 30 feet visibility.

Marinas are located about every 40 miles along the lake. Marinas have gas and a small assortment of food, drink, and supplies. Gas will cost about 50% more at the lake. Pump-out stations and floating bathrooms are found at various locations between the marinas. There is NO scuba support at the lake itself. The nearest facility is Twin Fin Scuba in Page, Arizona (near Wahweap Marina).

Some things you will see during Lake Powell diving are plenty of largemouth bass, striped bass, bluegill, sunfish, carp, and catfish. Fish populations vary dramatically from one site to another. And you may have heard that there are native American sites both underwater and above water. Here at 80 feet depth, the cliff recesses back in a natural amphitheater. As one example you may find that near a cliff base is a circle of stones, the remnant of a campfire over 30 years ago, before Lake Powell filled.

Water visibility varies by location. 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.

Most divers avoid the Hite area, because Colorado delivers a large load of silt and nutrients into this area of the lake, resulting in poor visibility; for the best visibility checkout the area between Bullfrog and the San Juan.