Lake Hydra

Lake Hydra is a scuba diving training facility located in Bethlehem, PA only a few minutes from Atlantis Aquatics. 

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The History of Lake Hydra

In 1933 the National Portland Cement Company and began manufacturing cement and mining limestone. As the mining operation continued, the quarry began to fill with water. For the remainder of the quarry’s operational life, water had to be continuously pumped out. 

1970s, the pumps shut down as well and the now 50-acre (200,000 m2) quarry filled with water.

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In 1980, the land was bought and turned into a fresh water scuba diving facility. After 41 years of operation, the property was then sold to commercial real estate developer Trammel Crow, with the intention to close off the lake and develop the land for warehouses. The Lehigh Valley community at large was saddened by the loss of vital resource that attracted business to the local economy. 

Trammel Crow's Vice President Matt Nunn was determined to give back to the community and keep the lake accessible. 

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With the help of Matt Nunn and Trammel Crow, Ken Kraft and his friend and business partner, Jim Folk, also a diver and local business owner, opened Lake Hydra, Inc. in 2024. 

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Today, Lake Hydra still open for scuba diving training. In addition to its thriving business as a dive training facility, Lake Hydra is open free to Fire Fighters and First Responder organizations for team training. 

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