Lake Monticello Recreation Area - Blair SC

Dive SiteLake Monticello Recreation Area - Blair, SC

Lake Monticello is a 7,000-acre lake about 45 minutes northeast from downtown Columbia that is owned and operated by Dominion Energy. Completed in 1978, the reservoir serves a single nuclear reactor. 

The dive site is above the main lake and is a 300-acre reserved for public swimming, fishing and non-motorized boating. Dominion Energy maintains a buffer around the lake to ensure the area retains it's natural beauty. 

Dive Site Info

The only restrooms at this site are located within the park/swim area. The parking area for the dive site is at the boat ramp and there are no restrooms in this area. There are no changing areas. It is recommended to bring any snacks and drinks with you. There is one picnic table and areas where people can gather. Many divers set up at the back of their cars and bring a tarp to catch debris.

Site Entry

Site entry is to the left of the boat ramp. To gain underwater orientation, there is a 100 ft. swim line due east of the boat ramp. 

Depth

The depth of the most common dive sites is 17-25 ft. Deeper depths up to 45 ft are accessible further away from shore.

Conditions

Visibility at this site can be good for the area with viz as good as 20 ft. However typical visibility is 7-10 ft. In heavy rain or algae blooms, visability can be reduced to  ft or less.