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Madison Quarry

3.9 — based on 18 community signals
4.5 12 species 59 contributors

Madison Quarry is a year-round freshwater dive destination in the United States with accessible geology and wildlife viewing.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
Shore entryFamily-friendlyBeginner

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Best months
Year-round

Map

This spot Airport Nearby spots
Madison Quarry location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
1.6 kn
Wave
m
Water
—°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: NNW (21%)
Now: SE (135°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0m
+0.0 m0 m+0.0 m
Now +0.0m
Fri 18Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24
UV6.95 · high Air PM2.511 · good 06:32 18:49
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-18 8 7 0mm
09-19 5.7 7 0mm
09-20 11.7 7 1mm
09-21 16.4 7 7mm
09-22 5.8 6 2mm
09-23 8.5 6 0mm
09-24 8.2 6 0mm

About this spot

Madison Quarry offers divers a unique freshwater diving experience in the United States. The site is open year-round, making it accessible to divers planning trips during any season. The quarry features submerged geological formations and a natural setting that attracts both recreational and exploratory divers. The dive site has documented species observations from 12 different sightings, indicating healthy biodiversity in the freshwater environment. Three community-produced dive videos are available, providing insights into conditions and what to expect during a dive. These resources help divers prepare and get a realistic preview of the site before visiting. Madison Quarry is not located within a marine protected area, meaning access is straightforward without special permit requirements. The site's year-round availability and natural freshwater ecosystem make it a reliable option for divers seeking inland quarry diving without seasonal closures or environmental restrictions.

📖 Guide: Diving in the United States: 87 Sites From Springs to Open Ocean

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Dive types

Shore

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type A/B · 120V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 6830km · ~1571kg · €28

FAQ

When can I dive Madison Quarry?

Madison Quarry is open year-round, allowing divers to plan visits during any season based on their schedule and comfort with seasonal water conditions.

What kind of marine life will I see?

The site has 12 documented species observations. Community videos show the actual wildlife present. Check those resources for specifics on freshwater species you may encounter.

Do I need permits or certifications to dive here?

Madison Quarry is not within a marine protected area, so standard access rules apply. Contact local authorities or the site directly about any specific requirements or certifications they may require.

How do I learn more about conditions?

Three community dive videos are available online showing real footage from Madison Quarry. These provide the best view of actual visibility, geology, and site conditions before you visit.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

36 records · 16 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Ptychobranchus fasciolaris

Bivalvia · Unionidae
GBIF
Last seen:
21 Jan 2026
×3records

Obovaria subrotunda

Bivalvia · Unionidae
GBIF
Last seen:
21 Jan 2026
×2records

Amblema plicata

Bivalvia · Unionidae
GBIF
Last seen:
21 Jan 2026
×2records

Lampsilis virescens

Bivalvia · Unionidae
GBIF
Last seen:
21 Jan 2026
×1records

Theliderma cylindrica

Bivalvia · Unionidae
GBIF
Last seen:
21 Jan 2026
×1records

Utterbackia imbecillis

Bivalvia · Unionidae
GBIF
Last seen:
17 Jan 2026
×1records

Arcidens confragosus

Bivalvia · Unionidae
GBIF
Last seen:
17 Jan 2026
×1records

Lampsilis teres

Bivalvia · Unionidae
GBIF
Last seen:
17 Jan 2026
×1records

Pustulosa Frierson, 1927

Bivalvia · Unionidae
GBIF
Last seen:
17 Jan 2026
×1records

Toxolasma parvum

Bivalvia · Unionidae
GBIF
Last seen:
17 Jan 2026
×1records

Gastropoda

Gastropoda
OBIS
Last seen:
22 Jun 2009
×1records

Caenogastropoda

Gastropoda
OBIS
Last seen:
15 May 2009
×1records

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Diving at Madison Quarry

firedog09us

Madison Quarry 6/15/2013 Second Dive

ALZipsterDiver
💬 1 top comments
  • Can u get into the quarry or do u have to get permission

    @brittanysimmonds6728 · 👍 0

Alabama Lady at Madison Quarry

Rick Terry

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