Sand Harbor in Lake Tahoe offers a freshwater shore dive featuring a mix of natural boulder formations and an artificial reef area. Divers can explore a navigation and buoyancy course equipped with reference lines and swim-through tubes located beyond the boat-protected zone. The site reaches depths between 1 and 30 metres, with visibility ranging from 30 to 75 metres. Surface temperatures reach 21°C in late summer, though bottom temperatures remain a constant 4°C. The site is suitable for beginners, though divers should remain aware of boat traffic and cold water conditions. Facilities include parking, toilets, showers, changing rooms, a rinse station, and a cafe.

Bonsai Rock in Lake Tahoe is a distinctive freshwater site featuring a large offshore boulder with small trees growing from its crevices. Snorkellers can explore the area around this granite formation, which sits approximately 50 metres from the shore. The topography includes submerged granite slabs and deep channels. Conditions are variable, with visibility typically ranging between 20 and 23 metres and currents described as mild. The site is suitable for intermediate snorkellers, with depths starting at 2 metres. Entry can be made from the shore or by boat. The habitat supports various temperate freshwater fish and invertebrates. Divers and snorkellers should be aware of cold water, boat traffic, and potential down currents.

Thunderbird Lodge is a freshwater site situated in a bay directly below the historic estate. The topography features ancient felled trees submerged in the lake, providing a unique underwater landscape. This site is accessible only by boat or kayak and is suited for advanced snorkelers and divers due to the challenging conditions. Depths range from 10 to 25 metres, with an average of 18 metres. Visibility varies between 9 and 23 metres. Divers and snorkelers must be prepared for cold water temperatures, as deep water remains near 4°C, and significant thermoclines are present. Boat traffic is a constant hazard in this area.

Secret Cove in Lake Tahoe features a distinctive topography of smooth boulder fields and teal freshwater. This shore-entry site is suitable for intermediate snorkelers, with depths ranging from 3 to 15 metres and an average depth of 8 metres. Visibility typically spans 10 to 20 metres. The environment supports various temperate freshwater fish and invertebrates typical of the region. Due to the significant cold-water hazard, wetsuits are highly recommended for all visitors. The site includes parking and toilet facilities. Visitors should note that this is a popular clothing-optional area.

Whale Beach in Lake Tahoe is a freshwater site characterised by large rocks that resemble breaching whales. The topography consists of several small alcoves featuring sandy bottoms and rocky perimeters. Snorkellers can explore this area at depths ranging from 2 to 10 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. The site is accessed from the shore, located approximately 20 metres out. Conditions generally offer visibility between 10 and 20 metres, though mild currents and cold water are present. Divers and snorkellers should be aware of boat traffic and thermoclines, which can occur at approximately 30 to 35 feet during the summer months. Toilets are available at the site.

Popcorn Rock is a shallow freshwater site in Pyramid Lake, United States, named for its distinctive tufa formations that resemble popcorn kernels. These structures are the result of chemical precipitation processes, which snorkelers can observe in depths ranging from 1 to 5 metres, with an average depth of 3 metres. The site is accessible via a shore entry and is suitable for beginners. Conditions vary, and snorkelers should be aware of the potential for strong currents. The lake is saline, and the swimming season typically runs from July to September when water temperatures are generally above 20°C.

Wino Beach on the Pacific Coast offers a wide sandy entry suitable for beginner snorkellers. The site features small tufa clusters scattered along the lake bottom. Snorkelling conditions are generally mild, though water temperatures vary due to seasonal stratification, with deeper areas remaining significantly colder. Visibility can be low, and divers should be prepared for cold water temperatures. Facilities at the beach include parking, toilets, and showers. This site is primarily a shore entry location, providing a straightforward experience for those exploring the shallows.

Skunk Harbor is a historic cove in Lake Tahoe featuring the ruins of a 1920s stone cabin. The site is well-protected from wind, offering calm surface conditions for snorkelling around old pier remnants and rocky points. This artificial reef site is located 2500 metres from shore and is suitable for intermediate snorkellers. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 25 metres. The environment supports temperate freshwater fish and invertebrates. Divers and snorkellers must be prepared for dangerously cold water temperatures year-round, which range from 42°F in winter to over 70°F in summer. Hazards include boat traffic, deep water, and the risk of cold water exposure.