Cabinsite Cove

Overview

Cabinsite Cove sits on Lake Mohave and is the go-to shore dive for folks based around Laughlin/Bullhead City. It’s simple to reach, easy to enter, and surprisingly entertaining underwater—more interesting than nearby beginner spots thanks to multiple wrecks and playful underwater oddities.

What You’ll See Underwater

• Two small boat wrecks reachable from shore, with a line off the first wreck leading you toward the second or out deeper.
• A reported submerged school bus in a neighboring cove, often treated as a second dive from shore or by boat.
• Quagga mussels coating hard surfaces and fish using the wrecks for shelter.
• A buoyancy course and scattered curios (think “Scuba Steve,” “Barry D Bones,” “Sea Biscuit”) that add to the scavenger-hunt vibe.

Access & Entry

It’s a short drive north of Laughlin toward the Katherine Landing area, with pavement giving way to a good dirt spur down to lakeshore parking. Park near the northwest end of the lot for the most direct swim to the first wreck, then make a straightforward shore entry down a gentle slope. Basic restrooms are by the parking area. The lot is popular—arrive early on busy days.

Conditions & Safety

Expect depths ranging from about 25–30 feet near the wrecks to roughly 70 feet if you follow the guideline deeper (lake level matters). Winter dives can be brisk—one January log noted 52°F at depth—so plan a 7 mm with hood and gloves or a drysuit. Silt is easy to stir up; keep good trim and avoid finning near the bottom or poking deep into cabins. Tow and display a dive flag, skip penetration unless trained and equipped, and manage desert realities: wind can be bitter in winter, heat intense in summer.

Wildlife & Ecology

You’ll see plenty of fish around the structures. Surfaces are heavily encrusted with invasive quagga mussels—sharp and fragile—so look, don’t touch, and mind your gloves and exposure suit.

Best Time to Visit

• Aim for early arrival to snag parking and calmer vibes.
• Winter offers quieter shorelines but colder water and potentially strong, chilly winds.
• In summer, plan short, shaded surface intervals and hydrate; do your gearing-up before the lot bakes.
• Visibility holds best when divers avoid silting—go midweek or early to reduce crowds kicking up the bottom.