- 6000′ above sea level
- 43F surface, 39F @60
- 10-15′ visibility
Bear Lake has been referred to the “Caribbean of the West”, and the shoreline at Cisco Beach does have some similarities to shore scuba diving at Bonaire. Trade in your broken coral beaches for river rock, open ocean views for mountain views, sea level charts for altitude charts, and 78F degree temps for 39F degree temps on Memorial day weekend and you’re pretty close. Except for one myth – the “Bear Lake Monster“.
Bad Weather for Scuba Diving?
Cisco Beach is a popular area for all water activities from fishing and boating to paddle boarding to scuba diving. A few clouds in the sky with the threat of rain, storms and cool temperatures afforded us clear beaches and room to roam. The temperatures were tolerable with moments of pleasant sprinkled in between rain, hail and lightning storms. For dry suit divers, the weather was pretty decent overall!
Why Scuba Dive Bear Lake, Utah?
Unique shore diving is the answer. Anywhere along the beach offers pretty easy access to diving, with a short swim before the lake drops off to some depth. From shore, you can see polished river rock, clear water with carp and suckers spawning in the shallows. 15′ brings in rocks, covered in lake sediment, which somewhat resembled wooly sheep. Diving deeper brought yet another change of scenery: a very fine silt bottom with shells embedded in the muck, as well as a few small perch, catfish and a thermocline dropping into the 30s F. The light was surprisingly present, even at 60 feet. Overall, an interesting and unique place to dive, with remarkable scenery above the surface.
