Review: Blue Stone Dive Resort

When you want to hone your skills in scuba diving but don’t want to be restricted to the confines of a pool then the Blue Stone Dive Resort is the place for you. Blue Stone is located in Thomasville North Carolina approximately forty-five minutes up Interstate 85 from Salisbury.

If you are short on funds or just rather do some inland diving then you should really consider stopping by. The resort has an entry charge of twenty dollars or so and then the only additional costs are for air/nitrox and any equipment rentals needed.

As opposed to other locations in North Carolina, Blue Stone offers many additional perks including clearer waters, a tram to assist with the moving of equipment as well as restrooms and many other luxuries that aren't offered at dive sites elsewhere.

Although the primary reason I prefer diving here is because you can actually see what else is in the water. When I was younger the majority of my training took place in Lake Hickory which is equivalent to diving in mud (5 ft visibility max-my experiences), I had my first night/cold water dive at 3 PM in the heat of summer. So I tend to favor diving in places where I can see can see aquatic organisms, that’s kind of why I became certified.

There are several access points to get to the water. One offers a shallow area with a roped off area that allows you to get accustomed to the gear and gradually work your way into the water. This side is especially nice during the spring when the Bluegills use the shallow waters to construct their nests, you can find them guarding over the gravel pits.

The other option is a platform that is roughly 10-15 ft deep and you can choose to do a feet first entry, however if you’re still hesitant you can opt to use the ladder or there is also stairs leading to shallower waters. I personally enjoy doing a giant stride and splashing down into the water.

Make sure you have good directions or a GPS when you go because like most quarries they won’t be in a thriving metropolis. Instead you’ll find Blue Stone several miles off the beaten path nestled back in the woods. When you first pull up you will know you are in the right place, with a rock guarding the gate with a dive flag painted on it. Dive flags line the driveway as you pull up to the quarry which resembles a large warehouse and has many miscellaneous submersibles (cars/boats/helicopters). 

In all the Blue Stone Dive Resort is an excellent site and one that I would highly recommend for new or seasoned divers.