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1Gwynn Island Reef
Gwynn Island Reef was reconfigured to a square site located 1.35 nautical miles NE of "Hole in the Wall".
BeginnerMax depth 24.9 ftBoat entry
Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Virginia
The top 35 dive and snorkel sites in Virginia, ranked by diver reviews, with maps and photos. Read the Virginia guide
- dive sites
- 35
- dive shops
- 12
- reviews
- 13
AreasAccomack County5Northampton County4Mathews County2Northumberland County2Brunswick County2Fauquier County1Lancaster County1Prince William County1
35 sites, ranked by diver reviews
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2Lake Phoenix Scuba Park
Lake Phoenix (formerly known as Lake Rawlings) is a good sized beautiful lake that was at one time a granite quarry. Depths up to 65 feet, and all sorts or neat stuff to explore such as two school buses, boats, and lots of special treats. About 60 miles south of Richmond VA,Take I-95 south to Exit 51, I-85 South (near Petersburg). Take Exit 39 Rawlings and turn right towards the Nottoway Inn. After 0.2 miles, at the "T" intersection, turn left onto Route 1 South. After 1 mile, at the dive flag sign, turn right onto Rawlings Rd/Route 629. After 1.4 miles, turn right onto Quarry Lane (dirt road). Follow Quarry Lane straight to the main gate!
Max depth 65 ftShore entry
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3Millbrook Quarry
About an hour west from Washington D.C. and east from Winchester, Va, Millbrook Quarry is an ideal site for weekend dives. There are multiple sunken attractions including a plane, several boats, and buses, to name a few. They are open Saturday and Sunday only. Water temps can get up to the mid 70's in the summer, but the deepest point is consistently in the 40-50 degree range year round. Thick wetsuits or dry suits are the norm. Visibility can range from 10-20 feet. Entry at the gate is $25, but can be purchased ahead of time at local dive shops for less. For more information see the dive site link listed below. From Washington D.C. and points east, take I-66 west. Get off on exit 40, Route 15 Haymarket/Leesburg. Turn Left onto Rt. 15. Turn right onto John Marshall Highway/Rt 55 at first traffic light. Follow this road 3.4 miles, you will see a barrel, painted as a dive flag, on the left side of the road marking the entrance to the quarry. From Winchester and points west, I-66 east. Get off on exit 40, Route 15 Haymarket/Leesburg, headed South. Turn right onto John Marshall Highway/Rt 55 at first traffic light. Follow this road 3.4 miles, you will see a barrel, painted as a dive flag, on the left side of the road marking the entrance to the quarry.
Shore entry
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4Blackfish Bank Reef
40 Armored personnel carriers were scattered at this site as part of "Operation Reef-Ex '98". In November of 2003, 50 New York City MTA "Redbird" subway cars were added to the site. In June of 2008, 46 New York City MTA stainless steel subway cars were deployed. This reef is located 5.8 nautical miles SE of Assateague Beach.
IntermediateMax depth 60 ftBoat entry
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5Anglers Reef
Anglers Reef is located 2.5 nautical miles WNW of the entrance to Onancock Creek.
Max depth 29.9 ft
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6Cherrystone Reef
Cherrystone Reef is a circular site located 1.8 nautical miles NNW of Cherrystone Creek, bayside of the Eastern Shore.
BeginnerMax depth 32.2 ftBoat entry
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7Cabbage Patch Reef
reef is located 5.5 nautical miles SSW of the entrance to Cape Charles Harbor.
BeginnerMax depth 28.9 ftBoat entry
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8The Cell Reef
The "Cell " Reef is located W of Hungars Creek, bayside of the Eastern Shore.
BeginnerMax depth 40 ftBoat entry
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9Nandua-Pungoteague Reef
Nandua-Pungoteague Reef is located 3.3 nautical miles ENE of the entrance to Pungoteague Creek.
BeginnerMax depth 29.9 ftBoat entry
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10Nassawadox Reef
This reef is located 2.6 nautical miles NW of the entrance to Nassawadox Creek, bayside of the Eastern Shore.
BeginnerMax depth 33.1 ftBoat entry
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11Occohannock Reef
Occohannock Reef is located 4 nautical miles WNW of the entrance to Occohannock Creek, bayside of the Eastern Shore.
BeginnerMax depth 33.1 ftBoat entry
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12Mobjack Bay Reef
This is a rectangular shaped reef located outside of the channel, SW of Mobjack Bay Main Channel Buoy "6MB".
BeginnerMax depth 22 ftBoat entry
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13York Spit Reef
York Spit Reef is square shaped and located east of the entrance to the York River, one-half nautical mile south of the New Point Comfort Shoal.
BeginnerMax depth 29.9 ftBoat entry
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14USNS Morgan Wreck
USNS Morgan Wreck is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Virginia which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
IntermediateMax depth 100.1 ftBoat entry
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15USNS Clark Wreck
USNS Clark Wreck is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Virginia which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
IntermediateMax depth 100.1 ftBoat entry
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16USNS Haviland Wreck
USNS Haviland Wreck is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Virginia which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
IntermediateMax depth 100.1 ftBoat entry
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17Bluefish Rock Reef
This reef is located approximately 4 1/2 nautical miles east of Buckroe Beach and the entrance to Saltponds.
BeginnerMax depth 24.9 ftBoat entry
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18East Ocean View Reef
This reef, originally referred to as the ODU Reef, was reconfigured to a square shape and is located 2500 yards west of the entrance of Little Creek Harbor, approximately 900 yards off the beach.
BeginnerMax depth 26.9 ftBoat entry
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19Wachapreague Reef
This site is located 3.8 nautical miles E of the old Parramore Coast Guard Tower at Wachapreague Inlet.
BeginnerMax depth 44.9 ftBoat entry
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20Windmill Point Reef
This square reef site is located 1.4 nautical miles north of Windmill Point Light. The center of the reef is marked with a yellow VMRC buoy designated "WP".
BeginnerMax depth 29.9 ftBoat entry
Top dive shops in Virginia
All 12Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy
Book5.0 (27) · Springfield
Patriot Scuba
Book4.8 (98) · Occoquan
The SCUBA Shack
Book4.9 (24) · Fredericksburg
Mad About Diving
Book5.0 (10) · Fredericksburg
Virginia diving guide
Ready to check out the best sites in Virginia for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 35 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best dive and snorkel sites in Virginia?
Based on Zentacle reviews, the top-rated sites in Virginia are Gwynn Island Reef (5.0 from 1 review), Lake Phoenix Scuba Park (4.3 from 9 reviews) and Millbrook Quarry (4.0 from 3 reviews).
Where can I shore dive in Virginia?
Lake Phoenix Scuba Park and Millbrook Quarry are the top-rated sites you can enter from shore.
Are there dive shops in Virginia?
Zentacle lists 12 dive shops in Virginia. The top-rated are Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy (5.0 from 27 reviews) and Patriot Scuba (4.8 from 98 reviews).