Pearl Lake
Things to Know
- Privately owned and operated and under new management (as of 2023).
- Scuba diving is NOT the primary activity at this location and information can be difficult to come by because of that.
- Generally open for diving from Mid April to Mid October from Sat/Sun 8am to 5pm for $30/day
- You must dive with a buddy / no solo diving allowed even with certification
- 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 00: As of 2025, they require Electronic Registration PRIOR to checkin. Do it from home!
Step 0: The gate DOES NOT open until 10min before the Lake opens. DO NOT BLOCK THE GATE by lining up early.
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: There is a gate. Use the call button if down. DO NOT BLOCK THE GATE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO COME
Step 4: Keep heading west, no turns, until you get to the parking area and club house
Step 5: Give your name, so they can find your registration, pay the entry fee.
Step 6: Drive east out of the parking lot and take the SECOND left, continue around until you get to your chosen dive location
Step 7: Have fun
Step 2: Turn at the sign. Yes..it looks like you are entering a camp ground or residential area
Step 3: There is a gate. Use the call button if down. DO NOT BLOCK THE GATE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO COME
Step 4: Keep heading west, no turns, until you get to the parking area and club house
Step 5: Give your name, so they can find your registration, pay the entry fee.
Step 6: Drive east out of the parking lot and take the SECOND left, continue around until you get to your chosen dive location
Step 7: Have fun
Click for High Resolution
Dive Map
- The map above is only for the east side dive area.
- There is a North side dive area as well that I've not mapped yet.
- The west side is generally meh, except for a small plane roughly 200° from the East Pavilion
- The various attractions are NOT well marked so a hunting you will go