Guppy Gulch Quarry - Delta, PA - Stone Quarry to Diving Delight

Guppy Gulch Quarry is located south of Lancaster, Pa, near the border of Maryland, in Delta, PA. Originally, it was a hub for masons and quarrymen. The area achieved a measure of fame for its high quality slate that was mined in the area from more than 10 nearby quarries. The Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad carried the freight from Delta to other regions. In the 1950's, the quarry was closed down and it eventually filled with water. In 1988, Steve Deem of Baltimore, MD, purchased the property. The twenty-two acre property was reworked as a diving facility and opened as such in 1995.

Guppy Gulch is considered a recreational scuba diving facility. There are roughly fifteen acres of diving water that is treated for increased visibility. Depth of water runs from fifteen to eighty feet and underwater visibility is between thirty and fifty feet. Water temperature averages 52 degrees year-round. There are five underwater platforms at various depths (10', 20', and 30'). There are also six sunken vehicles including small train locomotives. There are also 320 feet of floating docks enabling divers to navigate to their chosen dive spot. Marine life includes bluegill, bass, and trout.

The diving site is open March through December, Saturday and Sunday, from 8am to 5pm. Other days are available, but appointment is necessary. Guppy Gulch frequently services diving courses from local colleges which certify divers and offer advanced open water training courses. Night diving is allowed, but only by appointment.

During the summer, Guppy Gulch offers the Aquatic Adventure Camp. This Camp was designed with teenagers, 14-17 years, in mind. No previous underwater experience is required. The Camp provides personal instruction to campers for their open water and advanced open water certificates. The Camp also provides the opportunity for campers to learn kayaking skills and obtain their certification in flatwater, moving water, and whitewater kayaking.

Throughout the year, Guppy Gulch sponsors several holiday dives to benefit breast cancer awareness and the American Cancer Society. There are also Halloween, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day dives.

Guppy Gulch also hosts the BSA (Boy Scouts of America) Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation Lost Pines Outpost. This program is for older scouts seeking advanced outdoors adventure. The program includes patrol method, hiking, diving, and axe throwing among other activities. The program is one week long and scouts must pass a full physical in order to join.

There are several facilities at Guppy Gulch that provide dive support. There is a full service air fill station, a snack bar, lavatories with shower facilities, and heated dressing rooms. Air fills cost $5 per fill up. Diving gear sales and rentals are also available. There are also picnic areas and outside pavilions. The outside pavilion is lighted and is also used as an outdoor classroom.

The rates for daily admission are as follows: Scuba divers $15, non-divers $10, certified scuba instructors with valid identification are admitted free, as well as children under twelve.

Further information can be found on Guppy Gulch's Facebook page. To obtain additional information by phone, interested parties can call 717-456-7535 or 410-458-8881.