Things to Know
- Privately owned and operated and under new management (as of 2023). Prior management was not friendly to the dive community so historical online opinions and info may be hostile.
- Scuba diving is NOT the primary activity at this location and information can be difficult to come by because of that. Be curtious or we may get our diving privilages revoked. Seriously.
- Generally open for diving from Late April to Mid October from 8am to 5pm for $30/day credit card only
- You must dive with a buddy / no solo diving allowed even with certification
- There are small boats with motors on the water so surface correctly and with caution
- Night diving is permitted on Saturday only and only with a dive professional/store
- Considered by many to be the best local dive location in the Chicagoland area. Better than Haigh (because of water clarity) and better than Three Oaks (because of attractions)
- There are several different dive 'starting points' and the best ones get picked first so check-in early
- Temps in the high 50s in the heat of summer at ~50ft, with most people wearing at least a 5mm. 7mm or Drysuit is highly recommended.
- No scuba shop on site, no air fills, no nothing. Unlikely to have O2 or other scuba specific rescue equipment so bring your own.
Diving Activities
- Many local dive shops use Pearl Lake for training
- Many groups and shops setup local day trips as well. Get on their mailing lists and Facebook pages to monitor when. At least the following...
- Average depth is going to be around 30-40ft, but has a "deep hole" of ~85ft but not located in a normal diving area
How to Check-In
Step 1: Exit onto Dearborn Ave...which is a frontage road and non-obvious if you are not from the area
Step 2: Turn at the sign. Yes..it looks like you are entering a camp ground or residential area
Step 3: Keep heading west, no turns, until you get to the parking area and club house
Step 4: Show your Open Water card, sign the liability waiver, pay $30 for all day. They will assign you a dive location or if you are early enough you can pick.
Step 5: Drive east out of the parking lot and take the first left, continue around until you get to your assigned dive location
Step 6: Have fun
Step 2: Turn at the sign. Yes..it looks like you are entering a camp ground or residential area
Step 3: Keep heading west, no turns, until you get to the parking area and club house
Step 4: Show your Open Water card, sign the liability waiver, pay $30 for all day. They will assign you a dive location or if you are early enough you can pick.
Step 5: Drive east out of the parking lot and take the first left, continue around until you get to your assigned dive location
Step 6: Have fun
Dive Map
- They do have paper maps when you checkin
- The key thing to note is that what you can dive is generally dependant on what location you are assigned. So most people want to be on the east side of the lake, preferably the east or north east.
- The west side is generally meh, except for the small plane at spot (8)
- The various attractions are NOT well marked so a hunting you will go