Bonne Terre – Mining For Incredible Experiences December 2nd

Rick-xx Smith-xx   Oct 27, 2023

Bonne Terre Mine is one of the most  unusual of all diving destinations!  Though the mine hasn’t produced lead or silver, since 1962, a wealth of treasure awaits you!  This treasure is the incredible experiences divers receive there!  Even now, the mine delivers, and produces!  Divers come from all over the world!  From Poland, Russia, Europe, divers transverse continents to get to this fantastic dive destination.  No where else in the world will you find anything like Bonne Terre Mine!  Obviously, Bonne Terre is known as the Billion Gallon Lake Resort.  Why?   It is one of the world’s largest man made caverns!  Not only does it have 5 separate levels, Bonne Terre sports an incredible 17 miles of navigable shore line. Because of the 500,000 watts of stadium lights, divers can navigate following their guide! No wonder that National Geographic calls Bonne Terre Mine “One of America’s Top 10 Greatest Adventures!”   Being only six hours away from Toucan Dive, it comes as no surprise that we visit this incredible underwater treasures as much as possible. 

Bonne Terre Mine – The Conditions
Divers prepare to plunge into the 58 degree water at Bonne Terre Mine.

Bonne Terre Mine has an underground dock with staff that provides cylinders for the tours.  Enriched air must be requested in advance.  There are wooden benches for gearing up which allows space underneath to store items in dry bags.  These tours are guided, with a dive master leading, and another following up from the rear.  The underwater visibility is in excess of 100 ft!  The air temperature is 65 degrees, and the water temps are 58 degrees year round.   Divers need to have a 7mm wetsuit, or drysuit with hood and gloves to be truly comfortable diving in Bonne Terre.    Elevators, locomotives, mining carts, jackhammers, buildings, and much, much more, excite divers as they move through this incredible panorama!  This is an awesome place to go diving!

The Particulars
The date is Saturday, December 2nd.  The price of $199.00 includes 2 dive tours on Saturday, with optional dives on Saturday afternoon, or a Sunday morning.  Accommodations for Friday and Saturday night can be made at the Bonne Terre Super 8 at Ph.# (573) 358-5888.  Last date for signup and deposits is November 20th!  Call Toucan Dive for further information at (847) 356-7826.