At the south end of the Cave Rock parking lot, you’ll find a charming beach that offers a smooth and easy entry into Lake Tahoe’s clear waters. Start in the sandy shallows, where the transition to rocky terrain brings a flurry of fish activity during the warmer months. As you venture west, the sand gradually deepens, but with such a gradual slope, it’s easy to lose your sense of depth. Remember to keep an eye on your compass and heading to ensure a steady dive experience.

Zephyr Cove is a beloved spot on Lake Tahoe, and for good reason—it boasts a beautiful beach and inviting waters. Explore the cool, rocky shallows to the north of the cove, and if the rocks eventually give way, don’t fret—the sandy shallows continue on, making it a fantastic choice for beginners looking to ease into their dive.

Along the south shore of Lake Tahoe, a long, shallow shelf extends out, gradually giving way to deeper waters as you head west. Baldwin Beach marks the narrowest point of this shelf, where you'll find a reasonably steep sandy drop-off just 1,000 feet from the shore, compared to the more gradual slope at Kiva Beach. Parking is incredibly convenient, especially if you can snag a spot in the west lot, which is only about 100 feet from the water. The east lot is a bit further at roughly 300 feet, but still a short walk to the lake. We love to go to Baldwin Beach for our introductory dive classes because of the excellent visibility and ease of entry.

Dive into the serene beauty of Eagle Point, one of Lake Tahoe’s most popular dive sites. Known for its stunning underwater rock formations and abundant fish life, Eagle Point offers a captivating dive experience. Divers can explore a variety of depths, from shallow areas teeming with small fish to deeper regions where larger aquatic species may be spotted.

At Emerald Bay, you’ll discover the remnants of historic barges that once played a significant role in the lake’s history. These submerged vessels now serve as fascinating dive sites, providing a unique opportunity to explore and marvel at their age-old structures. Scattered across the bay, the barges are home to a variety of aquatic life and have become a popular destination for divers interested in both history and marine exploration.

Caples lake is a beautiful alpine lake located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on Hwy 88 near Kirkwood, CA. With an average depth of 20-35’ and maxing out at around 60'. Caples lake is at 8000'+ so you need to adjust your dive computer and stops accordingly. Visibility is about 20-30' with many rocky outcroppings and pinnacles throughout the lake. Stop at Caples Lake resort after diving for an excellent meal and hospitality.

Fallen Leaf Lake is at 6,300 feet in elevation, is only about 15 minutes from South Lake Tahoe and it offers another option for altitude diving in the Tahoe Basin. The bottom is littered with ancient trees to swim through with some even still standing. The North end also has several small boats to explore among other debris. With only a short walk from the parking this can be a great place to find calmer water when Lake Tahoe is bustling with boats and tourists.