Diving in Idaho

Explore diving in Idaho

With its high-altitude lakes, mountainous landscapes, spawning salmon and wrecks full of stories, diving in Idaho offers great diversity. Fisher Lake in Hagerman boast shallow clear waters with resident crayfish. If you are looking for a deeper dive, Lucky Peak has several areas from shore or docks to dive from. Crawfish, kokanee, rainbow trout and smallmouth bass live in the lake.

If you are up for a hike, Blue Lake in Bonner County is a hidden gem boasting great visibility and balmy underwater temperatures. In northern Idaho, two glacially formed lakes- Lake Pend Oreille and Lake Coeur d'Alene provide great ice diving in the winter and in fall is when the salmon appear in big numbers.

When to dive in Idaho

The best time for scuba diving in Idaho is from June to September, when water temperatures are warmer and weather conditions are most stable. Summer offers improved comfort and better surface conditions. Spring and autumn diving are possible but colder, often requiring thicker exposure protection or drysuits. Winter diving is limited due to ice and freezing temperatures. Seasonal planning ensures the best Idaho diving experience.

In summer months air temperatures range from 72°F/22°C to 36°F/2°C. Drysuits are highly recommended in the cooler months, but hardy divers can still enjoy the lake’s chilly waters in thick wetsuits.

Book your diving in Idaho

More Information

Accessing Idaho dive sites typically begins with flights into Boise Airport or Spokane (for northern lakes), followed by road travel to lakes and reservoirs. Many sites are accessible via public boat ramps and shoreline entry points. Local dive shops offer equipment rental, air fills, and training courses. With scenic mountain settings and uncrowded waters, diving in Idaho provides a relaxed inland diving experience for freshwater enthusiasts.

Boise Airport is by far the state's largest international service in addition to domestic flights. Idaho Falls Regional Airport is the second-busiest airport in Idaho that provide flights from Salt Lake City, Denver, Las Vegas and Seattle.

Phone

+208

Currency

USD

Voltage

120 V

Pressure

Pounds/square inch (psi)

Languages

English

1st Stage

DIN

International airports

Boise Air Terminal (BOI)

^* By accessing this page, you acknowledge and agree that the information displayed has been provided by one or multiple third parties. The provision of this content is for general informational purposes and does not constitute a recommendation or solicitation to make any type of purchase or decision. PADI does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information nor can PADI guarantee such content will be free of material you may find objectionable or otherwise. PADI reminds you to adhere to the PADI Standard Safe Diving Practices and recommends that you consult a dive professional familiar with the site and its present conditions before diving. PADI does not and cannot review all content on this platform and therefore disclaims any responsibility or liability related to your access or use of this third party content, and under no circumstances will PADI be liable for any loss or direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages caused by reliance on this information.