

Best for beginner divers, 10-40m, boat entry, mild current.
Lake Ouachita is a large freshwater site featuring over 200 islands and 40,000 acres of water. Diving here requires a boat, with depths ranging from 10 to 60 metres and an average depth of 15 metres. Divers encounter mild currents and visibility between 5 and 15 metres. A thermocline is typically present between 4.5 and 10.5 metres, causing significant temperature drops below this depth. Summer surface temperatures reach 25 to 29°C, while winter surface temperatures range from 7 to 10°C. The site is suitable for beginners and supports night diving. Facilities including air fills, equipment rental, and boat charters are available at Mountain Harbor Resort.
34.57427, -93.43754
Bring cheese whiz or a bag of food to the Blakely Mountain Dam site to attract large numbers of bream and bass.
Many dive sites are accessible only by boat. Shore entry is possible at the far end of the Blakely Mountain Dam via a long series of steps.
Recorded at this site
Depth
10-40m
Visibility
5-15m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
40 min
Best Time
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Yes, the site is rated as suitable for beginner divers.
Depths range from 10 to 60 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres.
Yes, a boat is required to access dive locations on the lake.
The provided data does not specify if snorkelling is permitted or supported at this site.
Diving at Lake Ouachita in Hot Springs requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Lake Ouachita in Hot Springs. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
The best months to visit Lake Ouachita in Hot Springs are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Lake Ouachita in Hot Springs typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Lake Ouachita in Hot Springs typically ranges from 5 metres to 15 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.