This dive site, De Melle, is a man-made pit, formerly a sand extraction site, now a freshwater pond in Belgium. It boasts a length of 930m and a maximum width of 480m. Divers can navigate a sandy bottom with gentle hills and abundant vegetation. While there's no specific historical narrative provided, its origin as a pit suggests a former industrial use now reclaimed by nature, offering a unique inland diving experience.
The site is rich in freshwater aquatic life. Divers can expect to encounter various fish species including perch, rudd, eel, bream, tench, and pike. The shallower parts, especially towards the end of summer, are teeming with diverse aquatic vegetation, creating bustling ecosystems that attract small creatures and serve as hunting grounds for larger fish.
The best time to visit De Melle is during the warmer months, particularly late summer, when the shallower areas are most vibrant with life and visibility above the thermocline is generally better. Divers should be aware of potential hazards such as fishing lines due to active fishing around the pond. If sailors are present, caution regarding boat traffic is advised. Due to variable visibility, especially below the thermocline, good buoyancy control and navigation skills are beneficial for all divers and freedivers.
