About Revisions Zephyr Cove - Lake Tahoe U.S. Hwy 50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448 Max Depth: 141-150ft/43-46m Average Viz: 26-30ft/8-9m Entry Type: Shore Aquatic Life: Might See Something 12/07/2011 3:19 PM

Zephyr Cove, is located 4 miles north of the California State border, on the southeast corner of Lake Tahoe. Highway 50 provides access to this site. Zephyr Cove was named for the west winds that blow over Lake Tahoe. The name ~’Zephyr" originated from the Greek God of the west wind, "Zephuros."

Zephyr Cove is a very relaxing place to visit due to all the different activities offered. In addition to a good dive site, the diver will find activities such as parasailing, personal watercraft rentals, and the cruise ship M. S. Dixie II located at Zephyr Cove.

One may also rent a paddle boat, canoe, or take a sail-cruise on the Woodwind sailboat. There are other amenities, including a gift shop, bar, snack bar, and picnic tables. There is something for everyone here.

There currently is a $5 fee to park at Zephyr Cove. As you enter Zephyr Cove, turn to the right, leading to the north parking lot. There are plenty of parking, clean restrooms, and picnic tables located near the shore.

It is important to stay near the dock pilings at the north border of the beach, for your safety. Zephyr Cove is a heavy boat traffic area, and it is not advisable to dive south of the beach area. Be sure to tow the necessary dive flag, as the dive flag law is strictly enforced here and everywhere else on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe.

After entry from the sandy beach, the water gradually drops off to a flat bottom. The depth is approximately 20 to 25 feet further into the cove. Bottom composition is mostly sand with larger groups of rocks clustered to the north.

This is an excellent location for newer divers, but all divers will enjoy the diversity of the ever-changing bottom. Old bottles have been found here, making this a great treasure dive.

A freshwater, high altitude dive with not much marine life but unbelievable visibility..

A diver said:
Like diving in a big swimming pool with a sandy bottom. Pretty lifeless. A few crawdads. Big rocks in places, a few felled trees, and an occasional old speedboat wreck. It is a good place to log some clear water bottom time in the summer when the temp gets up to about 60-65 degrees above the thermocline, but there ain’t much to see down there. Below the thermocline (about 45-50 feet on our last trip) the temp drops into the 40’s REAL quick.