Carnelian Bay is a shore dive site in California, United States with depths of 3–7.6 m (10–25 ft). Typically most favorable Jul–Aug · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Signal crayfish (crawdad), Rainbow trout, and Sculpin. Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.
Tap a factor for its source and model point
Site hazards: High-altitude dive (~6,225 ft)
Read the full hazards ↓Dive windows this week
No dive windows in this week’s forecast — no stretch of daylight hours scored favorable or moderate for this site.
First light 5:25 · Sunrise 5:55 · Sunset 20:18
Source: Open-Meteo wind · graded 3h ago
Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.
Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.
No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.
Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.
What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.
July and August havetypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.
Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.
Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.
No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.
Carnelian Bay, on Tahoe's north shore at Patton Beach/Waterman's Landing and Carnelian West Beach, is a free, year-round beginner site named for the reddish carnelian stones found along the shoreline. A very gradually sloping sandy bottom averaging 20-25 ft holds a scattering of semi-historic debris — a sunken barge, engine blocks, deteriorating fishing boats and enormous logs — with 50-60 ft visibility typical. It is the lake's most popular summer night-dive site, alive with crawfish, sculpin and rainbow trout after dark.
High-altitude dive (~6,225 ft) — altitude procedures required; cold water year-round; very long shallow shelf means navigation (compass) skills are needed if venturing beyond ~1,000 ft from shore; summer boat traffic near Waterman's Landing; silt/sand bottom can reduce visibility if disturbed.
Carnelian Bay has a depth range of 3–7.6 metres (10–25 feet). Check the dive site page for current conditions and any depth-specific guidance before planning your dive.
The best time to dive Carnelian Bay is typically Year-round access; summer for warmest conditions and classic night dives, winter for solitude.. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.
Divers at Carnelian Bay in United States commonly report sightings of Signal crayfish (crawdad), Rainbow trout, Sculpin, and Tahoe sucker. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.
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