Diving in Kazakhstan
Including Lake Kaindy. On the map.
The vibe
Scuba diving does not exist as a mainstream visitor activity here, as the major lakes lack visibility and infrastructure. A few technical or scientific groups occasionally dive inland flooded sites, but there are no resort operations or tourist dive boats. You will find zero commercial dive culture.
Lake Kaindy
Almaty Region
Valihan Konurbayev / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Famous for its unique submerged spruce forest, this high-altitude lake offers a surreal freshwater diving experience. Divers navigate between the preserved, moss-covered trunks of trees that have stood underwater for over a century.
Access. Access requires a 4x4 vehicle from Almaty followed by a hike or horse ride. Specialized technical diving expeditions must be arranged through local adventure tour operators in Almaty who provide tanks and support for high-altitude diving.
Notes. Altitude: 2,000m. Water temperature is very cold (around 6°C). Requires drysuit certification and high-altitude diving experience.