"First-Class Diving" is born

Mermet Springs was founded by Glen Faith who discovered this abandoned quarry lake early in his days as a recreational diver. Seeing the potential of the property he made his move by signing a long term lease with the owner and removing tons of scrap and junk from the quarry. Early on, Glen designed the drainage around the 8.5-acre lake to slope away from the water. By doing this the lake remains clean and clear with only rain and spring water feeding the lake. Over the years, Glen continues to update the site with campgrounds facilities, training pavilions and numerous underwater attractions. All revenue generated by Mermet Springs is immediately reinvested into the facility. By doing this, Glen has created a scuba diving facility offering divers an extraordinary opportunity not found anywhere in the Midwest. With crystal-clear water, 100-foot deep underwater cliffs, sunken wrecks and schools of colored, pre-historic looking fish, Mermet Springs is not just another lake in Southern Illinois...it is a "First-Class Diving" site.

"One of the must dives in the Midwest"

Mermet Springs is located on US 45 between Vienna and Metropolis, IL. As you enter the site, you'll be amazed at the picturesque wooded backdrop and sheer cliff rising across from the cool-blue water. From the main diving dock, you'll see schools of large bluegill, giant albino channel catfish and further down Spoonbills! These prehistoric throw-backs have huge mouths and are known to grow larger than five-foot in length. Seeing these "paddlefish" up close will raise your pulse a bit, but don't worry...all they eat is plants and crustaceans. All these fish are very friendly ...almost tame. Fishing is strictly prohibited at Mermet Springs. But feeding the fish is welcome...just watch your fingers with those big cats.

Ever dive inside a jumbo jet?

During filing for U.S. Marshals in 1997, a Boeing 727 containing actor Wesley Snipes "crashed" outside Bay, City, Illinois and rolled into the Ohio River.  Despite lawman Tommy Lee Jones' best efforts, Sinpes' character got away, and the production team headed back to New York City.  The broken plane was purchased by Glen, pulled out of the river and hauled 33 miles to Mermet Springs, where it now lies with its noes cone under 50 feet of hazel-green water.  The plane's 120 foot long fuselage provides a unique swim through opportunity for the Midwestern diver. The 727's tail is at a depth of 15 feet and its nose is at a depth of 60 feet. Divers are able to test their skills by diving into and around this unique piece of Hollywood memorabilia.

Scuba diving through the fuselage is a surreal swim.  The combination of charred cockpit controls, missing wings and open hatches throughout is a one of a kind experiences.  It truly is First Class Diving!

Besides the 727, we have other submerged attractions including a school bus, semi tractor, sunken boats, a petting zoo, navigation course as well as 100 foot wall dives, a swim beach and lot more.

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Mermet Springs - a full service dive site

Safety at Mermet Springs is priority number one. Instructors are kept up-to-date and maintain all certification in Scuba Schools International, International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers, first aid, AED Operators and CPR. Glen oversees that a safe and controlled diving environment is present at all times. For those needing to purchase or rent equipment, Mermet Springs provides a fully stocked rental facility and store. An one-site air tank filling station, Nitrox fill and custom air blends are also available only a few steps from the water. A hydraulic underwater lift is also available for divers with special needs. Early spring and late fall are some of the best times to dive at Mermet. But year-round diving is possible both day and night. Mermet Springs topography is more shallow on one side of the quarry than the other, with a maximum depth of approximately 120' on the deep side. The bottom temperature below the second thermocline is usually 42F.

"Come on out and dive" - Glen

Glen Faith's Mermet Springs prides itself on being well-organized, professional and comfortable with some of the best trained diving instructors in the Midwest. Whether your a beginner or an advanced diver, Mermet Springs will easily accommodate your training needs and some great diving adventures.