Zurich's diving is freshwater diving, spread across three distinct sub-areas: Lake Zürich, Walensee, and Greifensee and Pfäffikersee. Lake Zürich holds the largest share of sites, while Walensee is known for its dramatic wall and drop-off topography. The site mix ranges from shallow, beginner-friendly shore entries and artificial reefs to deep walls and drift dives on the Rhine. Common Perch, Pike, Burbot, and Catfish are regularly observed, making encounters with native freshwater fish the defining wildlife experience here. Summer months see the strongest activity across all sub-areas.
3 areas
76Shore-entry freshwater diving with walls, artificial reefs and a rich cast of lake fish including Pike, Perch and Burbot.
35A freshwater lake with steep walls, wrecks, and cave systems. Carp, Perch, Pike, and Trout are regularly observed.
27Freshwater drift and reef diving near Zurich, with rich populations of perch, pike, and burbot across shore-accessible lake and river sites.
106 operators
Fin maps 138 sites in Zurich (129 scuba diving sites and 19 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both), organised into 3 areas.
Across Zurich's dive sites, May, June, July, August and September are most often reported as the best months to visit.
The lakes and rivers around Zurich host a rich variety of native freshwater species. Common Perch and Sun Perch are observed across the great majority of sites, while Burbot, Pike, and Common Carp are also frequently encountered. Occasional sightings include Pike Perch, Catfish, Wels Catfish, Brown Trout, Bullhead, Chub, Barbel, and Signal Crayfish.
A good number of sites are rated beginner level and accessible directly from the shore, including artificial reef dives and gentle drift dives in shallow water. Intermediate-rated sites, such as the walls and drop-offs of Walensee, require more experience and are sometimes boat-access only. New divers have plenty of options, and several local operators offer instruction and guided dives.
Lake Zürich offers the widest range of sites, from shallow artificial reefs and seagrass beds to deeper walls. Walensee is characterised by steep wall and drop-off diving, with boat-access sites such as Quinten Ost requiring intermediate certification. Greifensee and Pfäffikersee provide a quieter alternative with a smaller but varied selection of freshwater sites.
Shore entry is the dominant access type across Zurich's sites, making independent diving straightforward at most locations. A number of intermediate and deeper sites in Walensee, including Quinten Ost and Weisswand, are boat-access only. Operators such as Scuba Viva, Tauchschule and Tauchshop Waterworld, and Tauchsport Uster can assist with boat-based excursions.
