Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the country, bottoming out at 1,644 ft. By volume it is the largest Alpine Lake in North America and it is surpassed on the continent only by the Great Lakes themselves. Despite receiving plenty of snow, the lake surface never freezes in the winter and in the summer barely climbs out of the 60s F. It may be the closest approximation of ocean diving. The devoted local diving community doesn't get too caught up in comparisons, though- they seem to love the clarity, calmness and beautiful surroundings for being a truly one of a kind diving experience.
Because the lake sits at an altitude of 6,225 ft (1,897m), atmospheric pressure here is about 80% of what it is at sea level and divers should take this into consideration when consulting their decompression tables. Failure to adequately take altitude into consideration can result in injury or death so don't skimp out on the math. Stick to your dive plan, watch your bottom time, come up slowly and take your time on the safety stop. Just because the water is clear and calm doesn't mean that this is beginner diving. It isn't.
Lake Tahoe's shores are protected as a navigable waterway on the California side- which means that boaters are allowed to access any waters so long as the boat is still navigable. A stand-up paddle boarder is free to float in a half inch of water on the beach of an exclusive resort and still be completely within their rights. Divers on boats are therefore able to access pretty much any corner of the Lake they want.
Shore divers however can enjoy Lake Tahoe from the following beach accesses:
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Nevada:
The State of Nevada requires all snorkelers, free divers and scuba divers to be within 100 feet from a Diver Below buoy at all times. You can dive the Nevada side from these locations:
