Scuba Diving
Whether you’re exploring a nearby quarry, heading to a freshwater lake, or joining a local charter, Randy’s Dive Shop has plenty of recommendations for incredible dive spots right here in our region. We can guide you to the best locations based on your certification level, experience, and what you’d like to see underwater.
Your safety is always our top priority, both in the water and on your journey there. Before you head out, we strongly recommend carrying dive accident insurance and travel insurance. These protections give you peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying your dive knowing you’re covered in case of emergencies.
Crusty’s Quarry
– Volant, PA
Crusty’s Quarry is a privately owned freshwater dive and training facility nestled just three miles from the Grove City Premium Outlets in Volant, PA. With over 40 years of diving expertise, the quarry spans roughly 10 acres and features a maximum depth of about 45 ft, average visibility ranging from 10 to 30+ ft depending on the season, and water temperatures between 55–80 °F. They offer full amenities including changing rooms, bathrooms, gear rentals, air fills, training platforms, and easy entry via dual dock systems. Under the surface, divers encounter a fascinating array of attractions including sunken boats, a school bus, a plane, a “Pirates Cove” installation, plus freshwater sponge, turtles, and panfish. From mid-August to mid-October, don’t miss the spectacular jellyfish blooms of harmless freshwater jellies—they gather in what trainers affectionately call a “blizzard” of tiny bioluminescent creatures.
Gilboa Quarry – Ottawa, OH
Just off I-75, about 20 minutes from Findlay and 10 minutes from Ottawa, Gilboa Quarry stands out as the Midwest’s premier freshwater diving and adventure center. With crystal-clear, spring-fed waters spanning depths from approximately 60 to 140 ft, it offers an exhilarating experience for all diver levels. Underwater, explorers will discover a range of exciting attractions including sunken planes, helicopters, buses, and platforms. On site, divers enjoy a modern fill station offering standard air, banked Nitrox, custom Nitrox blends (up to 100 percent oxygen), and rebreather fills. Certified as an Avelo Dive Center, the quarry features a lightweight, buoyancy-balanced system that enhances dive comfort and safety. Non-divers are welcomed too, with options like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, a sandy swim beach, picnic areas, and nearby town amenities. Plus, overnight stays are made easy with tent and RV camping options, complete with 24/7 bathhouse access including hot showers, changing rooms, and flush toilets.
White Star Quarry – Gibsonburg, OH
Nestled within the scenic 800-acre White Star Park near Gibsonburg, Ohio, White Star Quarry is a standout freshwater dive site prized across Northwest Ohio. The quarry spans depths of approximately 71 to 80 feet (22–24 m), offering divers visibility typically ranging from 36 to 40 feet (11–12 m), though this can vary seasonally. Water temperatures shift with the seasons, from under 50 °F (10 °C) in winter to around 70 °F (21 °C) in summer. Open for diving daily from April through December, the quarry supports self-serve access from sunrise until dusk.
Divers can explore a variety of submerged attractions and features including sunken vehicles, underwater tunnels (accessible by permit), and mapped underwater trails to guide exploration. The concession stand operating on weekends and selected weekdays offers air and Nitrox fills, gear rentals, dive maps, and coordination for night or ice dives. Families and non-divers are welcome without charge, making White Star a true natural adventure for everyone.
Sarge’s Dive Shop – Summersville Lake, WV
Perched right on the water at Summersville Lake, often called the “Little Bahamas of the East,” Sarge’s Dive Shop is West Virginia’s oldest and top-rated scuba facility. Its floating location means you can arrive by car or boat, and benefit from decades of combined instructor experience—over 100 years—across NAUI, SDI, ERDI, and TDI certifications. The shop offers a full range of services, including scuba certification training from beginner level to advanced and public safety specialties, gear sales and rentals, air fills and tank services, as well as dinner cruises, lake tours, dive and snorkel charters, and kayak or paddleboard rentals. During the main season, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, divers can expect summer water visibility of around 20–40 feet, surface temperatures between 78–85 °F, and depths extending beyond 300 feet. Safety is a top priority, backed by expert training and extensive experience.
