Trails 12-13-2008

This father and daughter team returned to dive Trails 1-4. The daughter said her friends at school won't believe she is a scuba diver until they can see a picture of her diving. So here is a picture she can show her friends. More pictures from the weekend are available by clicking here.

The group is getting ready to enter the Mule Entrance and walk down to the dock to start Trail 2. Today's weather forecast is for low temps of 20F with snow showers, but that never slows the diving in the Mine where air temps underground are always 61F.

This couple came from Philadelphia to take the Cavern Certification course.


Our youngest diver of the day watches his dad analyze his Nitrox tank.

Class 11-29-2008

Don brought a group from Chicago to complete their Stress and Rescue dives. To view additional pictures from the weekend click here.

Trails 11-15-2008

Group A gets ready to enter the Mine for Trail 4. One of the highlights of this trail is visiting the The Structure, which a previous diver described as a "jungle gym for divers". The Structure is actually an elevator shaft that was used to haul ore, equipment, and workers in and out of the Mine. It is fun to try and swim through the framework of the elevator shaft without touching the crossbeams and is a good buoyancy exercise. To view additional pictures from the day click here.

Group B consisted of divers who had previously dove Trails 1-4 and were now moving on to more advanced trails. The trails are dove in order with each subsequent trail revealing features unique to that seen on previous trails.

This day was a lot of fun because Tori and Brian, two divers from Indiana who visited during last years Treasure Hunt, returned bringing family and friends. Tori and Brian dove with Group B and the rest of the family dove with Group A, but they were all able to visit throughout the day while on the dock or "up top" during surface intervals.

This diver "Test Dove" a demo pair of Omega Flip Fins for the first time.

Maya Palms Update

Maya Palms Resort is nearing completion after hurricane repairs. The retaining wall that separates the pool from the ocean front has been replaced with contoured recliners. Each adjoining recliner alternates having either a view of the sea or a view of the pool. Improvements continue and the recliners will next be surfaced with ceramic tiles.


Maya Palms Resort is owned by Doug and Cathy Goergens and is located 30 north of Belize and on the same reef that makes Belize so popular. Because the property is very secluded, divers and beach lovers can enjoy virgin reef and beach front like no other section of Caribbean.

• Maya Palms Resort & Dive Center

Learn more about Maya Palms by visiting http://www.mayapalms.com/. You may also view a slideshow of Maya Palms by clicking here.

Trails 10-18-2008

Katy visited from Florida

National Geographic features BTM

The October 2008 edition of National Geographic Adventure Magazine featured Bonne Terre Mine in Next Weekend: Instant Adventures.

Chicago Sea Lions visit BTM

The Sea Lions from Chicago

For additional pictures from the day click here

Trails 8-31-08

Divers from Nebraska, Texas, Mississippi, and Missouri traveled to BTM to spend Labor Day Weekend diving. Click here to view additional pictures from Sunday.

In front of the Mule Entrance before Trail 4

This St Louis couple took the Walking and Boat Tour. They forgot their camera so here is their picture as promised!

Andy gives a "right on" thumbs-up while visiting with our diver from Mississippi.

On the dock before Trail 4. Some divers wear dry suits and others dive wet. A 7mm wetsuit and hood is all that is needed to stay comfortable in the 58F water.

8-28-08 Comment

William Collins from New York kindly took time to send us a note of appreciation after his experience diving Trails with us in August. He specifically recognized Donna, Jeff, Jen, John, Barb, and Wes.

Thank you, Mr. Collins, for diving with us and taking time to recognize our dive staff. We are proud that you joined us and hope to see you soon!

Trails and AOW Class 7-26-08

This father and son team enjoy diving together.

To view addtional pictures from the day click here.

The City of Houston Underwater Mariners - CHUM - had fun in the sun in between dives

Trail 4 in front of the Mule Entrance before entering the Mine for their last dive of the day

Buddy's before their dive

Two Advanced Open Water students finish their Nitrox Certification after the last Night Dive. For Night Dive certification all the underground stadium lighting is turned off.

Trails and OW Class 7-19-08

Above is our youngest diver of the day who dove Trails 1 and 2.

Click here to view additional pictures from the day.

Typical hot humid Missouri summers have arrived and divers welcomed the pleasant 61 degree temperature inside the Mine. Surface intervals were spent on the wooden deck logging dives, snacking, and hydrating.

Two divers, Jay and Micki, arrived on their Honda Goldwing pulling a trailer. They rented all their gear and dove Trails 1, 2, and 4.

These students completed their Open Water Class at Bonne Terre Mine. Congratulations!

PADI Leadership Dives BTM

To view related pics from the day click here.

15 PADI corporate leaders gave us the pleasure of their visit and were treated to two Mine dives in addition to a Walking and Boat Tour.

Pictured above: Jon Coon, Gondon Apons, Bill Hamm, Barry Dunford, Gary Joyce, Randolph Giles, Michael Janssen, Stush Doviat, Steve Clifford, Claudio Brandileone, Bob Coleman, Michael Kurczewski, Jeff Nadler

FAQ's - Your First Time at BTM

Is this your first time diving Bonne Terre Mine?

Soon we'll add a list of Frequenly Asked Questions to give you an idea of what to expect at the mine (i.e., where to dress, eat lunch, amount of weight needed, etc.)

Feel free to use the comment feature below to ask your question. We'll add your answer to the list of FAQ's.