The Best Places to Scuba Dive or Snorkel in Las Vegas

Las Vegas might not be the first place that comes to mind for scuba diving and snorkeling. But this desert oasis offers a surprising array of unique underwater activities that rival those on tropical coastlines. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a novice snorkeler, Las Vegas provides an unexpected escape into the depths of aquatic adventures in the heart of the Mojave Desert.

Not all snorkeling experiences are the same either in Las Vegas. From state-of-the-art aquariums and dive schools to man-made dive sites replicating oceanic environments, the city offers an impressive variety of locations for exploring underwater life. Many of these experiences allow you to swim with exotic fish, while others give you the space to swim around and potentially earn a certificate to scuba dive in other waters. No matter what you’re looking for, here’s where you can find an experience that suits your underwater desires. 

SeaQuest Las Vegas

Website: SeaQuest Las Vegas

Address: Boulevard Mall, 3528 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89169

Phone Number: (702) 906-1901

Hours of Operation: 

• Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Overview

SeaQuest Las Vegas is an indoor aquarium attraction offering interactive marine experiences, including snorkeling with stingrays and manta rays. Conveniently located inside the Boulevard shopping mall, it is an ideal destination for families and individuals looking to experience sea life up close. Engaging exhibits and activities cater to all ages. Visitors can immerse themselves in themed exhibits replicating various global ecosystems, providing a unique and educational adventure.

Unique Features

SeaQuest Las Vegas offers snorkeling sessions with exotic fish and rays, giving visitors a safe and unique environment. Opportunities to learn about marine ecosystems and conservation efforts are abundant, making the experience fun and informative. The SeaQuest team has designed safe and clean enclosures that ensure both animals and humans enjoy the snorkeling session. The facility provides all necessary equipment, making it beginner-friendly and hassle-free. Additionally, knowledgeable staff are available to guide and enhance the snorkeling experience.

Visitor Information

SeaQuest Las Vegas is open year-round, with snorkel encounters available throughout the week. The admission fee includes access to all exhibits and viewing snorkeling areas. Online booking is available for convenience and to secure spots during busy periods. Special events and group bookings are also offered, making it an excellent choice for birthdays, educational trips, and corporate outings.

Lake Mead

Website: Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Address: 106 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV

Phone Number: (702) 293-8990

Hours of Operation:

• Open 24 hours a day, year-round

Overview

Lake Mead, the largest man-made lake in the U.S., offers divers a variety of underwater attractions. The lake features remnants from the construction of the Hoover Dam, providing a unique diving experience. It is famous for recreational and technical diving, attracting divers of all skill levels to explore its depths. With its vast size and diverse underwater landscape, Lake Mead provides a new adventure with each dive, making it a prime destination for enthusiasts.

Dive Sites

The “Boulder Islands” area is known for its underwater structures and historical artifacts, making it a fascinating dive spot. “The Cavern” and “The Trojan” are notable sites for advanced divers, offering challenging and rewarding dives. Dive sites at Lake Mead vary in depth and complexity, ensuring something suitable for every skill level. Many of these sites are marked by unique geological formations and submerged relics, adding an element of exploration and discovery.

Marine Life

Lake Mead is home to species like Rainbow Trout, Freshwater Jellyfish, and Large Mouth Bass. Divers can observe native aquatic life in their natural habitats, adding to the allure of diving here. Underwater vegetation and large fish schools are commonly encountered, providing a vibrant and dynamic diving experience. The lake’s clear waters and diverse ecosystems provide excellent visibility and memorable wildlife encounters.

Lake Mead

3rd Reef Divers

Website: 3rd Reef Divers

Address: 80 N Pecos Rd Ste C, Henderson, NV 89074

Phone Number: (725) 735-2000

Hours of Operation: 

• Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Overview

3rd Reef Divers is a dive shop offering a wide range of PADI certification courses, making it a top choice for diving education in Las Vegas. Known for its experienced staff and comprehensive diving programs, the shop ensures a high-quality learning experience. It is conveniently located in Las Vegas and serves locals and tourists, providing easy access to top-notch diving training and services.

Dive Programs

3rd Reef Divers offers courses from beginner to professional levels, catering to divers at any stage of their journey. Specialty courses include Enriched Air Nitrox and Underwater Navigation, allowing divers to expand their skills and knowledge. The shop also regularly organizes diving excursions to exotic locations, providing opportunities for the practical application of learned skills in diverse underwater environments.

Sin City Scuba

Website: Sin City Scuba

Address: 1421 Sunset Rd # 10, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Phone Number: (702) 336-8451

Hours of Operation:

• Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Overview

Sin City Scuba offers extensive training and certification programs, catering to divers of all skill levels. Engaging in marine conservation and community outreach programs, the shop emphasizes environmental responsibility. It provides a full range of services, including gear rental and dive travel planning, ensuring divers have everything they need for their underwater adventures.

Dive Services

Sin City Scuba offers a wide selection of courses from beginner to advanced technical diving, accommodating a variety of interests and skill levels. Dive trips to local and international destinations are regularly organized, providing diverse and exciting opportunities for exploration. Additionally, the shop offers on-site equipment rental and maintenance services, ensuring divers are well-prepared and their gear is in optimal condition.

Boulder Islands

Website: Boulder Islands At Lake Mead

Address: Boulder Islands, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NV

Phone Number: (702) 293-8990

Hours of Operation: 

• Open 24 hours a day, year-round

Overview

Boulder Islands, accessible by boat, offer multiple dive sites around the islands, making them a favorite destination for divers. Known for its clear waters and interesting underwater topography, Boulder Islands provides an engaging diving experience. The site is particularly suitable for divers interested in exploring submerged wrecks, adding an element of adventure to each dive.

Notable Dive Sites

Boulder Islands features vessels like the “Tortuga” and “Cold Duck,” which are explicitly prepared for diver exploration. Dive sites are marked and have established routes for safe navigation, making the space more secure for divers to focus more on having fun. The area is popular among photographers for its stunning underwater scenery and favorable light conditions, making it an ideal spot for capturing breathtaking underwater images.

Boulder Islands – Lake Mead

Las Vegas Scuba

Website: Las Vegas Scuba

Address: 8601 W Washington Ave, Suite 103, Las Vegas, NV 89128

Phone Number: (702) 542-8023

Hours of Operation:

• Varies based on your tour and setup. 

Overview

Las Vegas Scuba provides detailed information and guides for diving in the Hoover Dam area, making it a valuable resource for divers. It offers scuba training and guided dive tours, ensuring a comprehensive diving experience. Known for accommodating divers of all experience levels, Las Vegas Scuba is dedicated to making diving accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Dive Options

Las Vegas Scuba specializes in drift dives and wreck exploration, offering thrilling and diverse underwater experiences. The dives cater to various experience levels so that you can have the proper lessons no matter your experience. At the end of each course, you’ll also receive a certification. The more lessons you take, the more certifications you’ll receive. They also provide rental equipment rental and complete gear setups for all dives, which can be convenient for new divers.

Stone Sports Swim School

Website: Stone Sports

Address: 4965 S Fort Apache Rd Suite 104, Las Vegas, NV 89148

Phone Number: (702) 779-3021

Hours of Operation: 

• Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Overview

Stone Sports is a PADI-certified dive center that strongly focuses on diver education. It offers a wide range of courses to enhance diving skills and knowledge. Known for its professional and safety-oriented training environment, Stone Sports provides top-quality instruction to divers to earn certification and continue their hobby of diving. Centrally located in Las Vegas, Stone Sports is easily accessible for tourists and residents, making it a convenient choice for diving enthusiasts.

Membership Benefits

Stone Sports members receive discounts on courses, equipment, and dive trips, providing excellent value for regular divers. Membership also includes access to exclusive diving events and community gatherings, fostering a sense of camaraderie among divers. Additional benefits include a subscription to diving magazines and access to online learning resources, helping members stay informed and connected to the diving community.

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