As travel continues to rebound following the worst days of the pandemic, Las Vegas, Nevada is becoming one of the big stories. Simply put, Las Vegas tourism is surging back toward normal, and has been for the better part of a year now. Indeed, while it takes some time for data to be compiled, we know that in recent months, numbers have been up significantly from this time last year; specifically, the August mark of 3.2 million tourists made for a 6.4% improvement on the same month in 2021 (when travelers were already flooding back “post- pandemic”). Now, for those interested in scuba, snorkeling, and other outdoor activities, this might not at first seem to be particularly relevant. Las Vegas is known primarily for its indoor attractions (casinos, shows, and the like), and for that matter, even the city’s conventions are playing a key role in the tourism rebound. At the same time, however, as interest in Las Vegas has generally expanded beyond the casino floors, it has become a city more closely associated with outdoor activity. Everything from outdoor concert venues to a (relatively) new NFL team has drawn tourists outside, and just last year a write-up on the best Vegas activities away from the poker tables highlighted Red Rock Canyon hiking, poolside lounging, and wandering the Fremont Street area all as good options. In short, new waves of tourists are discovering that Vegas is no longer just about sitting in air conditioning spinning slots, and playing poker. Accordingly –– alongside opportunities to take tremendous hikes, swim at beautiful pools, and simply explore the outdoors –– Las Vegas does actually have some diving and snorkeling opportunities for tourists as well. Now, bear in mind, it’s not exactly the Caribbean. But the following destinations do offer fun opportunities to those who like to spend portions of their vacations underwater…. Lake Mohave Lake Mohave (occasionally styled “Mojave”) is essentially a calm, expansive portion of the Colorado River a short distance south of Las Vegas. Known for its clean, clear blue water, it’s actually a popular swimming spot during the summer. In addition to stopping by for a swim though, you can actually take a diving trip as well. There appear to be a few companies in the area that organize dive trips to Lake Mohave, though we’d point you toward Dupont Diving Service for starters. This is a PADI-certified teaching facility (making it excellent for beginners), but also a company that runs open-water dives at Lake Mohave –– as well as at our next destination… Lake Mead The better-known lake in the Vegas vicinity, Lake Mead is just east of the city (and just upstream of the famous Hoover Dam). Unfortunately, most recent publicity has stemmed from the fact that the water level at Lake Mead is at historic lows –– putting this attraction in legitimate peril in the years and decades ahead. For the time being, however, Lake Mead remains a go-to outdoor recreation area and another Vegas diving destination. Beyond the aforementioned Dupont Diving Service (which does do Lake Mead trips), you can look up Avid Divers Las Vegas and Las Vegas Scuba for options. Both companies facilitate open-water dives at Lake Mead –– which, similar to Lake Mohave, is known for its clear blue water and beautiful natural surroundings. Las Vegas Scuba will actually charter trips to the lake-like expanse above the Hoover Dam as well, though Lake Mead arguably offers slightly better diving. Seaquest Seaquest is a little different and actually does not constitute an outdoor attraction –– nor a scuba opportunity. Rather, Seaquest is a chain of aquatic amusement centers where visitors can interact with animals, learn about marine life, and in some cases snorkel with stingrays and other small creatures. There are locations scattered around the U.S., but the Vegas destination east of The Strip (where the main casino resorts are) does indeed feature snorkeling experiences. Seaquest is a little bit more of a tourist attraction than a true diving enthusiast’s destination. But it’s still a lot of fun, and it also makes for a simpler outing amidst a Vegas vacation than does a trip to one of the major lakes nearby. At the end of the day, Las Vegas is still not a place that will come to mind when you’re considering great places to snorkel, scuba dive, or even just swim. But with more and more attention being paid to the greater Vegas area’s outdoor attractions, diving opportunities like these are worth exploring. Whether you opt for a lake excursion or a quick getaway to Seaquest in between casino activities, there’s plenty of underwater fun to be had in the area. We hope we’ve helped you add to your scuba and snorkel travel list, and for further inspiration we invite you to explore the ProShot blog and some of the other destinations we’ve highlighted in the past!
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