Skip to content
Go to Dive Champ home pageDive Champ LogoDive Champ

Bonne Terre Mine

Explore the extraordinary wonders of the underwater world with our unparalleled adventure, the "Dive to the Center of the Earth." Immerse yourself in the captivating Bonne Terre Mine, a national historic site and the largest fresh water dive resort on the planet. With remarkable clarity boasting over 100-foot visibility, the water conditions at our dive site remain consistent throughout the year.

Prepare to be awestruck by the mammoth architecture that awaits you, as well as the guaranteed year-round diving conditions. From the majestic calcium falls and oar carts to the intricate scaffolding, grating, staircases, pillars, slurry pipes, and the renowned elevator shaft, each sight at Bonne Terre Mine is a testament to its uniqueness and beauty.

Unwind and indulge in the sheer relaxation of our full-service dive resort, nestled in the picturesque rolling foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Choose between elegant accommodations at the nearby 1909 Depot or a more laid-back atmosphere at the Divers Lodge, conveniently located at the Mine.

Our Billion Gallon Lake, brought to life by over 500,000 watts of illuminating light, beckons you to explore its depths. With twenty-four carefully crafted dive trails, divers are taken on an enchanting journey through colossal archways, past breathtaking calcium falls, around towering pillars, and amidst the remnants of the mining era. The average depth of our dive tours ranges from 40 to 60 feet.

Safety and guidance are our utmost priorities. Qualified dive guides, specially trained for groups of ten divers, accompany you throughout your underwater adventure. With our provision of Super 80 cubic ft. aluminum tanks for each diver, we ensure a seamless diving experience. To preserve the natural splendor of our illuminated surroundings, we kindly request that dive lights be refrained from using in the lake.

Indulge in the comfortable water temperature of 58°F, unaffected by external weather conditions, as you marvel at the spectacular lighting on the rock formations. Descend to 80 feet and witness the captivating sight of divers silhouetted against a vibrant rainbow. The entire Billion Gallon Lake is graced with man-carved pillars, while the walls and floor proudly display remnants of mining artifacts, presenting photographers with an exceptional opportunity.

Join us at Bonne Terre Mine, located on North Allen Street in The Lead Belt, Bonne Terre, St. Francois County, Missouri, United States, and embark on an extraordinary dive experience that will leave you in awe of the underwater wonders that await. Whether you are a beginner, an advanced diver, or an expert, our dive site welcomes enthusiasts of all levels to explore its magnificent depths.

Diving Conditions Score for Bonne Terre Mine

6.9
Above Average

Decent conditions, proceed with caution.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.

Dive Site Overview for Bonne Terre Mine

Depth

17m

Visibility

27m

Experience Level

beginner
advanced
expert

Weather Conditions for Bonne Terre Mine

Wave Height

1m

Wind Speed

4.9 m/s

Water Temp

18°C

Visibility

28km

Cloud Cover

22%

Wave Period

8s

Air Temperature

29°C

Precipitation

0 mm

Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for Bonne Terre Mine
Alpha

Dive Score Chart for Bonne Terre Mine

Best time to dive: 9:00 with score 8.136133333333333/10. Water conditions: Waves 1m, Wind 2.9 m/s.Best night dive time: 3:00 with score 7.706133333333334/10.

Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.

Sunrise at Bonne Terre Mine: 06:00
Sunset at Bonne Terre Mine: 18:00

Optimal diving conditions at Bonne Terre Mine are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.

🌞
Best Overall
9:00

Score: 8.1/10
Waves: 1m (8s), Wind: 2.9 m/s

🌙
Best Night
3:00

Score: 7.7/10
Waves: 1m, Wind: 2.2 m/s

Seasonal Analysis for Bonne Terre Mine
Alpha

Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Bonne Terre Mine

The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.

Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions

Higher values indicate better diving conditions

Seasonal DiveScore Chart

This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.

Higher values indicate better diving conditions

Best Season for Bonne Terre Mine

Winter

Avg. Score: 9.9/10

Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.

Best Months for Bonne Terre Mine

January
Score: 10.0
February
Score: 9.8
December
Score: 9.8

Ideal Conditions for Bonne Terre Mine

Water Temp

Thermometer Emoji

23.8°C / 74.8°F

June

Visibility

Telescope Emoji

20.1m / 65.9ft

October

Wave Height

Wave Emoji

0.2m / 0.7ft

January

Wave Period

Wave Emoji

8.0s

January

Seasonal Insights for Bonne Terre Mine

Bonne Terre Mine shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with June being the warmest month (23.8°C) and December the coldest (19.8°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 0.2m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in January with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during January to March, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.

Scoring Legend:
9-10 (Excellent)
7-8 (Good)
5-6 (Average)
3-4 (Poor)
1-2 (Dangerous)

Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 19, 2026

Note: This dive site is not a verified dive site. Please dive with caution. This dive site might have incorrect information by the community.

1 Dive sites near Bonne Terre Mine in

Find more dive sites in United States

United StatesUnited States

United States

Got feedback?

Help us improve this dive site by giving us feedback.