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Switzerland

Divesites
88
Centers
53
Courses & Events
296
Wildlife
8
© iStock/Xantana

Explore Switzerland

Switzerland, renowned for its breathtaking alpine landscapes, offers unique freshwater diving experiences that few other places can match. With over 1,500 lakes spread across a compact 41,277 square kilometers, divers can explore crystal-clear waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The lakes, such as Lake Geneva and Lake Lucerne, provide diverse opportunities for both recreational and technical diving. These glistening bodies of water are known for their impressive visibility, often exceeding 20 meters, making them ideal for observing submerged landscapes and aquatic life. 

For those seeking more adventurous diving, Switzerland's mountain reservoirs and quarries offer thrilling experiences. Altitude diving in places like Lake Maggiore combines the exhilaration of diving with the stunning backdrop of the Alps. The colder temperatures, often ranging from 4°C to 20°C/39°F to 68°F depending on the season, require divers to be well-prepared but reward them with encounters with unique freshwater species. Switzerland's diving scene may not include coral reefs, but its dramatic underwater topography and pristine conditions make it a hidden gem for divers seeking something truly different.

Power Plug Type
C, J
Payment Method
VISA, MC, AMEX, Cir, Plus
Tipping
5–10% / Service Staff / Tipping is appreciated but not expected, as service charges are already included in bills.
Currency
CHF
Dial Code
+41
Electricity
230V / 50Hz
Time
UTC+1, UTC+2

Places to explore

Courses and Events

Dive Centers

Dive Sites

Top Wildlife Sightings in Switzerland

Switzerland's freshwater lakes, including Lake Geneva and Lake Lucerne, offer divers encounters with a rich variety of wildlife. Typical fish species include perch, pike, and trout, which are commonly observed. Seasonal activities such as the spawning of whitefish in autumn provide unique opportunities for divers to witness natural phenomena.

Visibility in Swiss lakes varies, often best in early spring and late fall when plankton levels are lower. Depth affects sightings as some species, like catfish, prefer deeper, cooler waters. Special sightings, such as sturgeon, can occur, although they are rare and usually found at significant depths. Planning dives around these factors can enhance the chances of observing diverse aquatic life.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3

Perch

18k Sightings
J
820
F
507
M
570
A
729
M
1.3k
J
1.7k
J
2.9k
A
3.6k
S
2.4k
O
1.7k
N
1k
D
855

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 5

Pike

14k Sightings
J
663
F
389
M
398
A
367
M
855
J
1.1k
J
2k
A
2.7k
S
2.1k
O
1.5k
N
1k
D
707

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 600

Crayfish

7.9k Sightings
J
596
F
398
M
470
A
440
M
444
J
613
J
841
A
1k
S
940
O
916
N
674
D
522

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 19

Bass

5.9k Sightings
J
143
F
121
M
73
A
94
M
314
J
739
J
1.2k
A
1.3k
S
838
O
605
N
314
D
178

Burbot

3.9k Sightings
J
322
F
191
M
195
A
211
M
402
J
369
J
386
A
468
S
340
O
378
N
304
D
369

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3000

Catfish

3.3k Sightings
J
173
F
104
M
138
A
237
M
304
J
284
J
313
A
343
S
379
O
468
N
331
D
176

Tench

1k Sightings
J
38
F
8
M
14
A
4
M
51
J
183
J
241
A
240
S
118
O
94
N
31
D
16

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 16

Eel

934 Sightings
J
24
F
22
M
33
A
45
M
57
J
67
J
97
A
144
S
103
O
157
N
151
D
34