East Shore Park in the Finger Lakes offers accessible shore entry into the shallow, rocky shelves of Cayuga Lake. This freshwater site is suitable for beginners, with depths ranging from 2 to 6 metres and an average depth of 4 metres. Visibility is generally limited to 2 to 3 metres. The environment supports various temperate freshwater fish and invertebrates typical of the region. Divers and snorkellers should be aware of the risks associated with cold water, particularly in early spring when temperatures can drop to freezing. Parking is available on-site for convenience. The area is also popular for searching for lake stones and fossils along the shoreline.

The Sunken Cabin Cruiser is a freshwater wreck dive located in the Finger Lakes. Resting at a constant depth of 7 metres, the site is suitable for beginner divers. The wreck serves as an artificial reef structure, providing a stable environment for exploration. Visibility at the site typically ranges from 5 to 10 metres, and there is generally no current to manage. Access to this site requires a boat. Due to the shallow depth, divers can enjoy extended bottom times. It is recommended to check locally for current boat charter availability and site-specific access requirements before planning a trip. Divers should consider using a surface marker buoy for a safe ascent.

The Steps at the Seneca Lake FLUPA buoy is a technical wreck and drift dive located in the Finger Lakes. This site reaches depths between 30 and 70 metres, with an average depth of 50 metres. Divers must use a boat for entry. Conditions include moderate currents and visibility ranging from 5 to 15 metres. The water remains cold year-round, with temperatures below the thermocline staying between 3 and 7 degrees Celsius. Due to the depth, cold water, and potential for entanglement near the wreck, this site is suitable only for advanced divers. Dry suit protection is recommended for all dives.

Watkins Glen Barges in Seneca Lake offer a straightforward freshwater wreck dive accessible directly from the shore. The site features depths ranging from 1 to 20 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. Divers encounter mild currents and visibility typically between 5 and 15 metres. The wrecks present an overhead environment, requiring caution regarding entanglement risks. Due to the consistent 4°C water temperature at depth, dry suits are recommended. Divers should account for the increased weight requirements compared to salt water and monitor depth to manage nitrogen narcosis and decompression risks. This site is suitable for beginners, with typical dives lasting around 40 minutes.

Staghorn Cliffs in Skaneateles Lake features a massive Devonian-era fossilized coral reef embedded within the shale cliffs. Divers and snorkellers can observe horn coral fossils, known as Rugosa, both within the rock face and scattered across the lake floor. The site is accessible only by boat and is suitable for intermediate divers. Depths range from 2 to 10 metres. Visibility is variable, typically starting at 6 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate significantly, with summer surface temperatures reaching 16 to 24°C, while spring and autumn temperatures can drop to 3 to 5°C. A thermocline typically forms at approximately 10.7 metres, creating colder conditions below.

Frontenac Island is one of only two islands located in the Finger Lakes. Situated off Union Springs, the site features a limestone base that contains unique stromatoporoid fossils. The rocky habitat surrounding the island provides a distinct underwater environment for snorkelers to explore. Access to this site is by boat, and it is best suited for intermediate snorkelers due to the nature of the location. As a freshwater site in Cayuga Lake, the topography is defined by its geological features and rocky substrate rather than marine life.

Skaneateles Lake is a long, narrow freshwater lake located in the Finger Lakes region of the United States. Divers can explore underwater rock walls and the wreck of the Ossahinta. The site is suitable for beginners and offers both shore and boat access. Visibility in the lake varies, typically ranging from 1 to 12 metres. As a freshwater environment, the site features a variety of local fish and plant life. Divers should be prepared for variable conditions typical of a large inland lake.