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A Mine Shaft Scuba Adventure Awaits In Missouri

May 20, 2009 at 12:51 PM | by | Comments (0)

We were tipped off as to this scuba Missouri spot by Travis Marshall, a freelance writer who specializes in scuba diving/watersports and adventure travel coverage.

About an hour outside of St. Louis sits what was once the world’s largest lead mine. For years, things inside this big hole in the ground were business as usual, as workers came and went through its myriad tunnels and passages during the course of a regular workday. It’s difficult to imagine now, that any of the miners would think their daily office would eventually be turned into a unique scuba location.

Once work ended at the Bonne Terre Mine, the owners turned off the pumps that kept things dry, and sure enough the place filled with crystal clear water. Divers come year-round from all over to check out the billion-gallon lake resort, with specific attention to viewing underwater artifacts from years past, thanks to the 100-foot visibility.

On such a dive, you’ll be accompanied by a guide, otherwise you’d get lost attempting to navigate this maze while taking in the view of ore carts, drills, and even an elevator shaft.

The whole place stays illuminated thanks to 500,000 watts of lighting, so feel free to leave your dinky waterproof flashlight at home. There’s twenty-four different dive trails that average depths of 40 to 60 feet, so you’ll likely be back for more. Don’t forget that camera though, because there are definitely some sights you’ll want to remember—or at least brag to your buddies about.

Diving packages with accommodations are available starting at $230 for a two-dive two-night stay. Be sure to bring your certification card and divelog along, as this is a pretty serious adventure. Even if you’re in the Cousteau family, they are still going to test you on your skills before your embark on your adventure below the surface.

Related Stories:
·Bonne Terre Mine [Official Site]
·Freshwater Critters Abound At A Texas Scuba Lake [Jaunted]
·Scuba coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Official Site]

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