A person is jumping off a cliff into the water

Cliff Diving at Possum Kingdom Lake: Everything You Need to Know Before You Leap

Possum Kingdom Lake provides visitors with a wide range of things to do, including boating, swimming, biking, and hiking. The clear blue water also makes it a great place for scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing. Possum Kingdom Lake activities can keep visitors so busy that they choose to stay overnight. For those visitors who do choose to extend their stay, the state park offers cabins, a variety of RV camping sites, and primitive tent camping sites. 


Though Possum Kingdom Lake is also a popular place for cliff jumping, there are a few things visitors should know before taking the plunge. Below are a few tips to keep in mind when preparing to go cliff diving at Possum Kingdom State Park.

A man is jumping off a cliff into the ocean.

Cliff Diving at Possum Kingdom Lake

Though Hell’s Gate at Possum Kingdom Lake is famous for its 90-foot cliffs and Red Bull cliff jumping events, it’s important to note that diving from the Hell’s Gate cliffs is strictly prohibited unless you are a professional diver at a hosted event. However, Devil’s Island, which is near Hell’s Gate, does have several other cliff jumping areas that are legal to use. 


Devil’s Island at Possum Kingdom State Park is just over 1000 feet long and 500 feet wide. Cliff jumping at Devil’s Island can be achieved from some of the 10- or 20-foot cliffs. While there are higher peaks on the island, cliff jumping from heights above 20 feet is illegal and punishable by a fine or other penalties. Devil’s Island is best accessed by water. Though it’s a popular location at Possum Kingdom Lake, it does not have any beaches, and the shore is rocky. 


The relatively lower cliff heights on Devil’s Island make this an excellent location for new divers as well as more experienced cliff jumpers. Visitors should keep in mind, though, that this is a busy location and potential hazards like boats and other swimmers should always be identified before diving.

A man and a woman are jumping into the ocean from a cliff.

Cliff Diving Tips

Whether you’re cliff diving at Possum Kingdom State Park or another location, there are a few important tips to keep in mind. These include:


  • Check the water depth - make sure that the water is deep enough to permit diving. Also, make sure to check for any rocks or other obstructions that could injure you when entering the water. The Possum Kingdom Lake level is recorded at 145 feet at its deepest point, but this can change depending on seasonal conditions. Always check the water level before you go, and when in doubt, err on the side of caution!
  • Check your surroundings - lakes and rivers are usually busy places, and you never know who will be nearby when you’re getting ready to dive. Check for other swimmers, boaters, fishermen, kayakers, and anyone or anything else that could end up in your way.
  • Don’t dive alone - always have someone with you when you dive to aid you in case of emergencies. Having another pair of eyes on the scene can also be beneficial when it comes to checking the water depth, looking for obstacles, and watching for anyone who swims or boats into your path as you’re preparing to dive.
  • Don’t mix drinking with diving - since substances like alcohol can impair judgement, it’s important that you don’t mix drinking and diving. Even a moment’s lapse in attention could cause serious injury. Stay sober so you can be fully aware of your surroundings at all times.
  • Jump feet first - unless you’re an experienced diver, be sure to jump so that your feet enter the water first. This reduces the risk of injuries to your head, neck, or spinal cord and ensures a safer dive. Always make sure to keep your body in an upright position as you leap so that you enter the water in the safest way possible.
  • Wear the proper shoes - cliff diving also requires hiking or climbing, so be sure to wear the right shoes. Sandals or shoes that have straps and can get wet are ideal since they’ll not only protect your feet, but also won’t fall off when you leap into the water. 
  • Check weather conditions - make sure the weather will be appropriate for cliff diving and swimming. A day where there’s a risk of thunder or lightning storms probably isn’t the best day to go cliff jumping. Know the weather beforehand and make a final check right before you leave for your destination to ensure the weather will be good for your activities. 

Enjoy Cliff Diving with The Breakers Marina

The Breakers Marina on Possum Kingdom Lake has everything you need to make your day of cliff diving full of fun. Our stocked convenience store offers drinks, snacks, and other essentials to keep you going all day long. Getting to Devil’s Island by boat? We’ve got complimentary boat slips for our customers to use and a fuel station so you have everything you need for your day on the water. We also offer fishing gear, boating supplies, and lake essentials like sunscreen to make sure your day at the lake is one to remember.   


Come visit us at The Breakers Marina today and make your trip to Possum Kingdom Lake unforgettable!