You can scuba dive in West Virginia! When I got my certification, we went into the mountains of Tucker County, but instead of donning sunblock and bikinis, half a dozen awkward trainees and I fumbled our way into wetsuits, fins, and tanks and slipped beneath the waters of Mount Storm Lake. The goal was to emerge as certified open water divers. And we did.
Why would anyone do such a thing? Why drive inland when you can go somewhere blue and tropical? The answer: West Virginia is a unique place to dive. It’s weird and cool and one-of-a-kind, and you’ll have unforgettable underwater experiences here. And that’s exactly why people love it. So pack your dive booties and consider these two very different Mountain State dive spots.
The clarity of Summersville Lake has given it the nickname “Little Bahamas of the East,” as visibility may be 20 to 40 feet.
Managing editor Laura Jackson has never met a shark in West Virginia waters but did share her breakfast sausage with a catfish.
Photographed by Laura Jackson
Off-season adventure
Mount Storm Lake might never win awards for visibility. It will, however, win one for warmth, because this 1,200-acre lake is heated year ’round by the Mount Storm power plant and rarely drops below 60 degrees. You’ll want a wet suit, but expect to be comfortable down there. I got certified in November and was warmer underwater than the people waiting on the shoreline.
Mount Storm is a popular spot with divers of all levels, not just newbies. Dive platforms are set up at various depths for practicing skills. So while the beginners are learning to clear their masks at 30 feet, more experienced divers may be at 90 feet practicing something more technical. Or perhaps they’re simply meeting the wildlife.
The lake is well-stocked with fish, so boat traffic is busy and swimming isn’t allowed. There’s no dive access from shore—only boats. Before your trip, check regulations and talk to your dive shop and instructors about appropriate gear. And if you’re not a newbie, expect to see them down there—and give them an OK sign!
See it all
If off-season diving sounds a bit extreme, I’d recommend heading south to Summersville Lake when the temps climb. It’s one of the clearest lakes this side of the Mississippi, earning it the nickname Little Bahamas of the East. Typical visibility is 20–40 feet but can be more in ideal conditions. And while there are other clear lakes in the east, Summersville temperatures range from 78 to 85 degrees in the summer, so a shorty wetsuit can be enough. I’ve dipped a toe into Florida springs and New England lakes—Summersville feels like bathwater!
This 2,700-acre manmade lake is 327 feet deep. Steep, rocky cliffs sink down 100 feet below the surface. You’ll see overhangs, boulders, rock walls, and swim-throughs. Prepare for encounters with bass, walleye, catfish, and muskie, too.
Visit Sarge’s Dive Shop for general info, air, sales, and rentals. They offer tours, a pet-friendly dinner cruise, and certification classes for many levels of diving. Non-divers can rent snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddleboards.
Okay—it’s true that Summersville isn’t the real Bahamas, but it’s pretty close. And unless you’re into sharks, I think it’s a pretty great way to spend a tank of air.
