Chicagoland Diving
Your Guide to the Midwest

Despite being landlocked, Chicagoland offers some of the most diverse and rewarding diving in the Midwest. From local quarries perfect for training and skill refinement to the historic shipwrecks of Lake Michigan, there's something for every diver. Whether you're just starting out or looking for new challenges, the Chicagoland dive community is active, welcoming, and always eager to explore the underwater world.

Where to Dive

Dive Conditions & Weather

Midwest diving conditions can vary significantly by season. In local quarries, temperatures in the summer can reach the mid-70s°F at the surface, but thermoclines can drop temperatures to the 40s°F at depth. Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 feet depending on algae blooms and diver activity. Lake Michigan presents even greater variability, with visibility often exceeding 50 feet in colder months but dropping below 20 feet in the summer due to plankton blooms. Drysuit and 7mm wetsuits are recommended for most of the year in Lake Michigan. You can get away with 5mm wetsuits in the local quarries if you stay above the thermoclines.

You can check some current water temps & visibility from the Midwest Underwater Explorers - Project Baseline.

Local Dive Training

Richard Tessell @ Evolve Scuba Diving

Richard Tessell is one of the only private scuba instructors in Chicagoland, and he comes highly recommended. Through Evolve Scuba Diving, Richard focuses on providing high-quality training, from Open Water certification to advanced wreck diving in the Great Lakes. His training philosophy emphasizes skill mastery beyond industry minimums.

Richard has personally trained me in drysuit and wreck diving, and we have logged numerous dives together. He also offers Red Cross and DAN-certified courses in O2 administration, CPR, and AED use.