The lake is commonly known for the clean and cold Appalachian mountain rivers that feed the lake to keep its waters cool and clear year-round. But scuba diving offers another side benefit. The lake is just a short drive away from a dozen charming towns such as Pickens and Easley . Find must-see attractions and long-distance travel resources, including visa information, regional overviews and tour operator credentials. From the hiking trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the beaches of the Grand Strand, see for yourself all of the adventure that South Carolina has to offer. You start out training in a pool and then test your newly learned skills in some kind of open water setting like a lake, quarry or ocean. Devils Fork State Park is located on Lake Jocassee and will be most people’s entrance to the lake.And while the park does have normal campsites (that are usually always booked up well in advance), it does have 25 boat-in campsites at its Double Springs Campground.. And you’ll need to reserve these in advance as well. I could experience weightlessness without having to launch into orbit in a rocket-propelled tube. Lake Jocassee (/ dʒ ə ˈ k æ s i /, / dʒ oʊ ˈ k æ s i /) is a 7,500-acre (30 km 2), 300-foot (91 m) deep reservoir located in northwest South Carolina created by the state in partnership with Duke Power in 1973. Lake Jocassee Waterfalls Laurel Fork Falls. well kept and clean. We’ll run any day of the week so give us a call to set up your charter. Required fields are marked * Comment. There are wrecks, graveyards, houses, training platforms, a forest dive, and much more! Lake Jocassee is a man-made lake covering 7,500 acres built by Duke Energy for the generation of electricity. Our old address was 350 Jocassee Lake Rd. I was camping at Devils Fork State park in Salem, Sc and I went for a little snorkel. Okay the lowdown. Lake Jocassee Dive Shop 710 Dive Buddy Lane, Salem, SC 29676. All Rights Reserved. Lake Jocassee is a 7,565 acre man-made lake in the South Carolina mountains. Mon – Fri Call for an appointment. Name * Email * Website. Our location is the same but the street name is new. Telephone: 864.944.9255. For us oxygen-needy land dwellers, exploring that part of our planet requires a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, otherwise known as a scuba system. Divers clearly have a sense of humor. Follow the history of the South Carolina port city of Charleston, which dates back more than 300 years, on a horse-drawn carriage tour. I don't know what the plans are for the future). Open Water Diver: The course costs $375 and includes study materials and the use of a scuba unit during in-water training. the first one we went on a Saturday and were turned away due to the parking lot being full. We tested our navigation skills using a compass to set a heading and then return to the same location. In either case, your GPS may be wrong. PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, is by far the biggest and most recognized certification agency in the world. We learned about Lake Jocassee history and the beautiful waterfalls. Must be at least 15 years old, in good health and in reasonable fitness. For the fourth year, Jocassee Lake Tours is helping organize a volunteer study program that will help scientists study the health and behavior of common loons wintering in a freshwater ecosystem. South Carolina accommodations are famous for their beauty and Southern charm. We plan to return in the summer to check them out! Some of the dive sites can be accessed by walk-in! $120.00 per person for all day charter on the Cooper River . With an average of 20-30ft of visibility (sometimes up to 60ft) and many dive sites, this lake is a playground for divers. 2 Helpful votes. No responses yet Leave a Reply Cancel reply. Lake Jocassee is a magnificent jewel nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Western North and South Carolina.Surrounded by the Jocassee Gorges and fed by 4 wild and scenic rivers and many small tributaries, it is no wonder the lake and area were recognized in National Geographic magazine’s “50 of the World’s Last Great Places” Destinations of a Lifetime. Lake Jocassee is a lake in Devil's Fork State Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in upstate South Carolina. Lake Jocassee is a hidden gem in the corner of SC. Classes also are available for children as young as 8 years old. About Jocassee Lake Tours Your Portal To Lake Jocassee and the Jocassee Gorges YEAR ROUND TOURS It is breathtakingly beautiful, and we hope you’ll join us to celebrate life on Lake Jocassee. On the other hand, the lake is the perfect place to set up a base for your camper if you’re looking to explore the vast recreational parks covering thousands of acres of lush landscape. From there, we submerged with our heads barely below the surface. Save time by seeing the main highlights of the city’s past, including those from the Civil War era, from a comfortable perch as you travel across 30 blocks of the historic district. Local mom Kristina Hernandez shares how to visit Lake Jocassee with Kids! Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, We stopped in the state park at Lake Jocassee and were amazed by the crystal blue waters. Experience Lake Jocassee with its trophy-sized fish, stand at the highest point in South Carolina at Sassafras Mountain or see the rare Oconee bell flower in bloom when you visit Jocassee Gorges. But before you slip into your wet suit, there's some classroom work to be done. Columbia Scuba is a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center, offering the entire range of diver training courses. The boat tours are a must.The water is awesome very private.Great place to hike with water falls all so. It is rated in the top 25 freshwater dives in the world. Love spending endless days at this lake. As much as I have enjoyed snorkeling over the years, swimming on the surface doesn't compare to dropping into the deep. In Jocassee's cool, clear mountain water, visibility is usually more than 15 feet. The Visibility was fantastic for freshwater snorkeling and I came across this common snapping turtle. (at least not yet. It was exhilarating listening to the sound we made breathing underwater (think Darth Vader) and watching the cute little bubbles emerge from our regulators as we exhaled. Snorkeling Lake Jocassee at Devils Fork State Park - YouTube Places like Lake Jocassee are few and far between these days. Your email address will not be published. Download your free guide or request a copy by mail below, and start planning your one-of-a-kind South Carolina adventure today. . We are a full service dive shop located near Lake Jocassee in Salem, SC. As we swam about, we came across a group of plastic anatomical figures bearing the sign "Jocassee Skeleton Crew - Graveyard Shift". Formed by the Whitewater, Thompson, and Toxaway Rivers, it is known... or uncover more great South Carolina trip ideas on: A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. Thanks to Zack M. from Jocassee Lake Tour. Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee and the , & the Hot Hole – We offer regular trips to Jocassee, Keowee and the Hot Hole aboard our deluxe diving built pontoon boats. And we had the chance to visit Jocassee's famous "Bones Family". The Max depth at this location was about 37ft at the deepest spot. Previous post Lake Jocassee. This rating is based on diving purposes only. Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset... Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic... Charleston See-It-All Sightseeing Bus Tour, Schooner Sunset Sail on Charleston Harbor. Not likely to happen if you follow proper procedures, but better to be prepared. so in my opinion, as I said, a great swimming area, but not so much of a diving adventure unless your looking to just get wet and spend some alone time beneath the surface. Upgrading your browser will ensure the best possible experience on our website: Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. The park ranger was super friendly and told us about several waterfalls that are accessible by water. When I registered for the course this fall, I was handed a 250-page manual that covers everything from assembling your scuba equipment to basic diving skills to hand signals used to communicate underwater. Instructors Nanette Stewart and Matt Slaughter had prepared us so well, it was a breeze completing the required skills. It is a manmade lake created by the building of a dam in 1973. Check Lake Levels Spot a loon or a rambling black bear. I've watched enough Shark Week videos to be leery of what lies beneath. Lake Jocassee is commonly known for the clear, clean and cold Appalachian mountain rivers that feed the lake to keep it cool year-round. She is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys exploring the state’s many natural treasures from the Lowcountry to the Upstate. Lake Jocassee has crystal clear water and incredible depths. The Restrooms were at that time clean and sanitized and the general appearance of the dive ramp was. Still, there is that inexorable lure of the last frontier, the mysterious aqua netherworld that covers three-quarters of the Earth. I was loving the experience and couldn't wait to try it in a real open water environment. Lake Jocassee Devils fork state park, kayaking with los parceros good summer vibes in 2017, best lake in South Carolina video taken with my Go Pro camera Music By : … Its clear mountain waters make it ideal for scuba diving. The Laurel Fork Falls was the first waterfall we discovered on Lake Jocassee. The large manmade lake was created by Duke Power in 1973. Sat-Sun 8-6. In the teak Chinese Junk I mentioned earlier, divers have generously contributed a variety of trinkets to the old sailboat's treasure chest, including Mardi Gras beads. Fish for trout in a deep, clear mountain lake. Devils Fork State Park: Outdoor-Lover's Paradise. water temp was about 79deg. During the first weekend of classes we learned how to enter the water from a raised platform, such as a boat or wall, equalize our ears to relieve the pressure, clear our mask underwater and establish neutral buoyancy. Ready to take the plunge, I signed up for Columbia Scuba's PADI Open Water Diver course offered in two weekend segments. Lake Jocassee offers a fine balance in which both culture seekers and ardent adventurers find appealing. We plan to return in the summer to check them out! more, Recommended experiences in and around South Carolina. Lake Jocassee has been called many things over the years, from the “Lake Tahoe of the East” to “South Carolina’s Little Switzerland.” But perhaps the greatest praise came in the autumn of 2012 when National Geographic named Jocassee Gorges as one of “50 of the World’s Last Great Places. $40.00 per person for 1/2 day(4 hour) charters (2 air tanks or air fills included) on Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee –AM,PM, and/or night diving available (ask about a frequent diver discount) $2 per tank extra for nitrox. Other Classes: Columbia Scuba offers instruction in cavern diving, deep diving, night diving, wreck diving and underwater photography. The lake is located in northwest South Carolina, just down the mountain from Cashiers, Hendersonville, Brevard and Tuxedo in … Jocassee Lake Tours: Waterfall Tour - See 269 traveler reviews, 250 candid photos, and great deals for Salem, SC, at Tripadvisor. As soon as it warms up, I'll be back at Jocassee to check out some of the dive sites we missed on our training trip. Would and have recommended to anyone who enjoys the outdoors at all..So much to offer! Waterfalls tumble downthe sides of the mountains from rivers and countless unnamed creeks, all converging into a crystal clear lake. We started out breathing through the regulator on dry land. The rest of the diving equipment - regulator, buoyancy control device (BCD), weights and tank - is provided by Columbia Scuba. To celebrate the completion of the course, six of us made our first unsupervised dive in the cove next to the Devils Fork remote divers' boat ramp. What Are Boat-In Campsites? at Devils Fork on Thursday,07/16/20. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly. 4 diver minimum for Jocassee, 5 diver minimum for Keowee. After talking to a lady at devil's fork office, We had an amazing afternoon. With many separate, different, and interesting dive sites that can be reached by boat or shore, it’s easy to see why divers come from all around the southeast to dive this great lake. Gather inspiration with trip ideas for planning your next South Carolina vacation. Hotels near (CHS) Charleston Intl Airport, Hotels near (GSP) Greenville-Spartanburg Airport, Hotels near (AVL) Asheville Regional Airport. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. As per Jocassee tradition, the water was clear with a 25ft. The Jocassee … There also are 40 plastic flamingos marching across the bottom of the lake, an Indian motorcycle and a basketball goal equipped with a bowling ball. We pla, this is my second review this year of devil's fork boat ramp. But "under" water - now that's a different story. The Jocassee Gorges form their own ecosystem, and are a designated rain forest -- one of only two in the US. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The real fun began when we hit the pool at Harbison Recreation Center. The Palmetto State's culinary scene is famous for quality and originality, from unique Gullah cuisine to our thriving farm-to-table movement. Most of the testing was done on wooden platforms erected some 25 to 30 feet below the surface. Kneeling on the platforms, we watched as fish swam by oblivious to our underwater exercises. A great swimming area. I was required to read the book and complete five quizzes before our first class. SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. If you like swimming, fishing, jet skiing, and more, then this is the place to be. All the equipment you'll need is provided, including fins, mask and snorkel. During the two-day open water training, we also had the opportunity to practice both a boat and shore entry. The dam on Lake Jocassee, which is 385 feet high, impounds four rivers, and the discharge becomes the Keowee River arm of Lake Keowee. Other signs found elsewhere in the lake include "Clemson Underwater Basket Weaving Meets Here" and "Cow Crossing." Our tours will be limited to a maximum of 8 people for the foreseeable future. The lake’s surface reflects 75 miles of pristine shoreline steeped with jagged rock formations and dense foilage, fading into uninterrupted mountain vistas of the Blue Ridge Range. Students need to have their own skin diving gear - mask, snorkel, fins - which run about $200 to $300. It was built in 1973 along with Lake Keowee, its sister lake, as part of the Keowee-Toxaway project. Next we got into the shallow end of the pool and merely put our faces in the water. The park ranger was super friendly and told us about several waterfalls that are accessible by water. Discover Scuba Diving: A two-hour introductory course for those who want to test the waters. Read more. We stopped in the state park at Lake Jocassee and were amazed by the crystal blue waters. Please choose a different date. viz. These make it a perfect lake for Scuba Diving. JOCASSEE: Lake Jocassee is a man-made lake with over 7000 surface acres surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains that extend upward from the waters edge. As for diving, well, not much to see, in fact there is nothing underwater. South Carolina is the perfect vacation destination for every family. It would be great fun to fin around with the fishes. This lake is over 300 feet deep and the water is very clear. Why You Should Visit. The maximum depth is over 360 … For more information, call (803) 788-9166 or visit www.columbiascubasc.com. It covers 30 sq. Looking for an exciting outdoor adventure in South Carolina? We stopped in the state park at Lake Jocassee and were amazed by the crystal blue waters. In addition to learning how to dive with a scuba system, the Open Water Diver instruction also prepares you for miscellaneous mishaps that could occur while diving - the regulator is kicked out of your mouth by your buddy, your mask falls off, you run out of air. I visited the new dive ramp on Bootleg rd. Amazing lake, you have to visit to enjoy. The reservoir is fed by clean mountain rivers from the Appalachian Mountains. We noticed that you're using an outdated browser. I might even try for a slam dunk! Kayaking, scuba … As much as I have enjoyed snorkeling over the years, swimming on the surface doesn't compare to dropping into the deep. Things to do near Lake Jocassee on Tripadvisor: See 813,952 reviews and 344 candid photos of things to do near Lake Jocassee in South Carolina, United States. Date of experience: January 2020. The training is conducted in baby steps, allowing students to get their feet wet before diving into the sport. Lake Jocassee is located in Devils Fork State Park in northwest South Carolina. The cost is $50 and will be applied to the Open Water Diver course fee if you sign up within 30 days.  Lake Jocassee is one of South Carolina's best keep diving secrets! Plan your Palmetto State adventure today. There was nice water but the rangers are mean and you can not park golf carts no where I will never come back. We will run with as few as 4 paying divers. The Official Website of the South Carolina Office of Tourism | © 2020 South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Crystal clear waters, no muddy slimy shorelines here. Lake Jocassee (Fishing Map : US_SC_01230532) Lake Jocassee fishing map is available as part of iBoating : USA Marine & Fishing App (now supported on multiple platforms including Android , iPhone/iPad , MacBook , and Windows(tablet and phone)/PC based chartplotter .) With a scuba diving certification, I could see the sunken Chinese junk at the bottom of Lake Jocassee, collect million-year-old fossilized Megalodon shark teeth in the Cooper River and swim through the 470-foot World War II USS Vermilion lying in the waters off the coast of Myrtle Beach. Lake Jocassee has been featured as National Geographic's "50 of the World's Last Great Places - Destinations of a Lifetime" and it's only 1.5 hours from Greenville, SC. One of the best parts of every Summer. km (7,500 acres) and is 91 m (300 ft) deep. Lake Jocassee Fishing Guide Trips. Formed by the Whitewater, Thompson, and Toxaway Rivers, it is known for its mostly undeveloped shoreline, views of the Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area and surrounding mountains, and waterfalls that cascade directly into the lake. The next weekend we headed up to Devils Fork State Park's Lake Jocassee, known throughout the Southeast as a premiere location for all levels of scuba dive training. Are there Stripers In Lake Jocassee February 7, 2017 ODU Admin Fishing News - Fresh Comments Off on Are there Stripers In Lake Jocassee North Carolina Sportsman reported first: Lake Jocassee is known for large lake trout, great smallmouth and largemouth fishing, but anyone in the Upstate will tell you the lake does not have stripers. Hike through the glorious spring bloom... Lake Jocassee is a 7,565 acre man-made lake in the South Carolina mountains. Water training, we had an amazing afternoon, deep diving, deep diving, well, not much see. 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Attractions and long-distance travel resources, including visa information, regional overviews and tour operator credentials `` underwater... By mail below, and are a designated rain forest -- one of South Carolina dry.... Done on wooden platforms erected some 25 to 30 feet below the.. Who enjoys the outdoors, and much more boat tours are a rain. First waterfall we discovered on lake Jocassee is a lake in devil 's Fork boat ramp or request copy!