Whether you’re planning an upcoming island getaway or simply looking for a new hobby, snorkeling can help gear you up for a successful water adventure. Here are four places in and around Knoxville where you can learn the basics of snorkeling and push your skills to pro level. If you’re more of an outdoors kind of swimmer, don’t forget to check out our 5 best swimming spots near Knoxville blog!
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Ski SCUBA Center
Underwater diving and snorkeling typically go hand-in-hand, and this first location has the resources you need to excel at both. Ski SCUBA Center offers everything from certification training to private and semi-private courses for students of all skill levels.
The center itself houses a heated indoor pool, classroom, and gear shop with the best diving and snorkeling equipment available. Plus, students at the Ski SCUBA Center can look forward to fun club activities, including Sunday Funday where you can enjoy leisure diving with friends. There’s also a SCUBA Kids Camp for children ages 10 to 14 where they can study in a classroom and pool setting while learning the basics of snorkeling and SCUBA diving.
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University of Tennessee SCUBA Club
Want to enhance your underwater skills with a SCUBA diving and snorkeling lesson? The University of Tennessee SCUBA Club has the equipment, background, and instruction to help you get there. Club membership is open to university affiliates along with exclusive gear rentals, but you will find public SCUBA diving certification lessons available to students 12 and older, too. These courses are split between classroom lectures and pool sessions, so you’ll learn all there is to know about snorkeling and underwater diving in the best way possible.
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Snorkeling at Cherokee National Forest
Situated just east of Knoxville and running along southeast Tennessee and northwest Georgia is Cherokee National Forest. This area is home to 650,000 acres of forest and shimmering bodies of water like the Conasauga River and Citico Creek. They set the perfect backdrop for snorkeling among the clear, crystal waters that are brimming with various native and colorful aquatic species.
So don your favorite wetsuit, wading shoes, and snorkeling gear, and head out for a fun underwater adventure as you learn about aquatic wildlife. In fact, the Ocoee Whitewater Center often hosts guided tours to these areas available for ages 12 and older. Residents from the Atlanta-Chattanooga area often flock to the Conasauga River for snorkeling, while Knoxville residents will find an easier entrance via Citico Creek.
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Choo Choo Diving and Aquatic Center
Head two hours southwest of Knoxville and you’ll find the charming city of Chattanooga, home to the Choo Choo Diving and Aquatic Center. Here you can enjoy swimming lessons and snorkeling courses, both suited for those just starting out and those with a few skills under their belt.
There’s even a C-Rays program designed just for kids between the ages of 4 to 7 where they can enhance their SCUBA diving and snorkeling knowledge and learn how to properly operate underwater equipment. The program also encourages students to participate in optional activities such as snorkeling alongside manatees in the Crystal River.
Want to plan the perfect underwater excursion? These four spots in and around Knoxville are great for helping you get your feet wet (literally) while learning the basics of snorkeling and SCUBA diving.
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