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'The Pelham Keys': An Unlikely Winter Dive Spot in Alabama

December 28, 2010 at 2:40 PM | by | Comments (0)

We understand that it’s hard to get the money together to head to the Caribbean to dive, but there’s always plenty of underwater options here in the good ol’ nifty fifty. If you’re looking for something a little more unique and affordable there’s always “The Pelham Keys” in Pelham, Alabama. It might be a strange scuba spot, but all that means is that the diving fun is just a little different.

The place is just around 20 minutes south of Birmingham, and it’s an over 26-acre limestone quarry that has now been filled in with over 850 million gallons of spring fed water. Expect clear waters as you swim through and explore some of the park’s undersea treasures. No coral reefs here, but there is a school bus, sailboat, and two different fire engines.

Of course there’s plenty of underwater sea life as well, but don’t expect Nemo and his friends as these critters are of the freshwater variety. There is a dolphin too, but unfortunately it’s just a concrete sculpture.

For something a little different—and a little spooky—sign up for one of the monthly night dives. These take place on the first Saturday night of the month, but if you have a big group wanting to dive in the dark they’ll happily schedule something special just for you.

The scuba park is open during the winter, but things are usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so plan accordingly. It’s just $25 a day for divers to head into the lake, and for those that want to check things out from the surface snorkeling is only $9. They’ll also hook you up with equipment if you don’t want to lug your own, and a basic rental starts at just $50 per person. We realize Alabama is not the Great Barrier Reef, but it might just help you make it through to your next exotic diving trip.

Related Stories:
· Alabama Blue Water Adventures [Official Site]
· Swim with the Weird Fishes at Jellyfish Lake [Jaunted]
· Active Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Official Site]

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