Diving in Belgium: The Best Quarries and Lakes
Let's be honest: when you think of diving, Belgium isn't the first destination that comes to mind. Yet our small country has a surprising number of sites to train, improve and even have fun underwater. Quarries, lakes, deep pools , here are the spots I know and dive regularly.
Why is Vodelee Belgium's most popular dive site?
Located in the province of Namur, the Vodelee quarry is probably Belgium's most popular dive site. And for good reason: decent visibility (5 to 10 metres depending on the season), submerged platforms at various depths (6, 10, 20 metres), and well-designed facilities with changing rooms and parking.
It's the ideal spot for training exercises , from discovery dives to advanced skills. The different depth levels allow for smooth, safe progression. The atmosphere is also very friendly: you'll always run into other divers, especially on weekends.
Can beginners learn to dive at La Gombe?
This calm lake near Rochefort is an underrated spot. The water is generally peaceful, access is easy and the depth stays reasonable. It's a reassuring setting for those making their first bubbles in open water.
If you've just finished your pool sessions and are looking for a first lake before heading to the sea, La Gombe is an excellent choice. The setting is pleasant and the freshwater life holds some nice surprises: pike, perch and crayfish.
What can you discover diving at Barrage de l'Eau d'Heure?
Belgium's largest reservoir complex offers interesting dives with varied topography. The bottom is undulating, with weed beds and submerged structures that serve as habitat for freshwater fish.
Visibility varies a lot depending on the season and weather (generally 2 to 8 metres), but the appeal lies in the diversity of possible routes. It's a good place to practise underwater navigation and buddy diving in varied conditions.
Can you dive at Nemo 33 in Brussels?
You can't talk about diving in Belgium without mentioning Nemo 33, the famous 33-metre deep pool located in Brussels. The water is a toasty 33 degrees C (yes, that's a luxury in Belgium), visibility is excellent and the environment is fully controlled.
It's the perfect spot for pool sessions during an Open Water course, for testing new gear or simply for practising buoyancy without a thick suit. We also run Rescue and Deep Diver sessions there in an ultra-safe environment.
Where can you dive near Antwerp? Ekeren quarry
Located near Antwerp, the Ekeren quarry is a good option for Flemish divers or those who want to vary their sites. The water tends to be a bit darker than in the Walloon quarries, but the depth is interesting and the site is well organised.
It's a solid spot for racking up training dives without long drives from the Antwerp area. Make sure to check visibility conditions before heading out.
Is 3 Fontaines worth visiting for diving?
This Walloon site is worth the trip. Access is practical, the setting is pleasant and diving here is enjoyable for most of the season. It's a great complement to Vodelee for variety and discovering different underwater landscapes.
What are the diving conditions in Belgium?
Belgian water is cold , that's a fact. From 5 degrees C in winter to 18 degrees C at the absolute peak of summer. A drysuit is strongly recommended if you dive regularly between October and May. Even in summer, a thick wetsuit (7mm) with hood and gloves will be your best friend.
If you're unsure about the right cold-water gear, feel free to check the DiveWithLau online shop , we can point you in the right direction based on your practice and budget.
The best time to dive in Belgium runs from May to October. Visibility is generally better on weekdays than weekends (less silt disturbance) and early in the season rather than mid-summer (algae blooms reduce visibility).
Why dive in Belgium?
Cold-water, low-visibility diving doesn't sound glamorous on paper. But it builds skills that tropical waters will never give you: stress management, compass navigation, gear handling in demanding conditions. Divers trained in Belgium are often the most comfortable when they head out to sea.
And it's right on your doorstep. No flights, no leave days needed. Just a Saturday morning, your buddy, and a quarry or lake. That's where real skills are built.
Fancy discovering these sites with a guide? Get in touch and we'll plan your next Belgian dive.