This dive site, Carrière de Dour, is a former chalk quarry in Dour, Belgium, transformed into a popular inland diving destination. Spanning about 10 hectares, it features varied underwater topography with several plateaus at different depths, catering to divers from beginners completing their "baptism" dives to experienced explorers. Navigation is aided by numerous submerged objects, including cars, a sailboat wreck, a motorcycle, and bicycles, which provide intriguing points of interest and photographic opportunities.
The quarry supports a diverse freshwater ecosystem. Divers can encounter various fish species such as pikes, perches, carps, and eels. The site is also home to crayfish and, notably, sturgeons, adding a unique element to the marine life observations in this Belgian quarry.
The best time to visit Carrière de Dour is generally during the warmer months (spring to autumn) for more comfortable water temperatures, though it is accessible year-round for drysuit divers. It's an excellent location for dive training, gear testing, and enjoying a relaxing inland dive. Both scuba divers and freedivers will find the varied depths and submerged attractions appealing, making it a versatile and accessible dive spot.
