Explore Massachusetts

Diving in Massachusetts presents a unique and invigorating experience, distinct from the tropical waters many divers might be accustomed to. Despite its cooler temperatures, usually ranging from 50°F–70°F/10°C–21°C, the nutrient-rich waters off the Massachusetts coast are a haven for marine biodiversity. Divers can encounter an array of fascinating marine life, thanks to the fertile fishing grounds that the nutrient upwelling creates. This makes every dive an adventure, filled with the possibility of spotting diverse species that thrive in these waters.

Massachusetts is a treasure trove for wreck diving enthusiasts. With nearly 40 named shipwrecks to explore, divers can delve into the history of these submerged relics. The state's coastline, stretching a third of its length along the Atlantic Ocean, offers diverse environments from rocky shores to serene bays. Whether you're embarking on a boat dive or exploring from the shore, the rugged beauty of Massachusetts' underwater landscapes provides a compelling dive experience. Be sure to check weather forecasts before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly in the open Atlantic. Reaching Massachusetts is straightforward, with Boston's international airport providing easy access for divers from around the world.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Yokum Pond Public Boat Launch

This great pond is a Berkshire County treasure!! It has limited non-native invasive aquatic plant species, so care should be taken to avoid cross-contamination of organic material. Decontaminating or disinfecting all water crafts, water toys, snorkeling, and Scuba equipment should be done before your adventures.

9
Logs
6
Divers
3.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Back Beach

Back Beach, known for an abundance of lobsters and varied bottom topography, provides a straightforward and interesting shore dive great for divers of any level.

1,159
Logs
352
Divers
8.0 m
⌀ Depth
4.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

☆☆☆☆☆ Stockbridge Bowl

This lake can be accessed either from the Boat Launch at 55 Interlaken Road in Stockbridge, MA or Stockbridge Town Beach (must have town resident sticker to park at the beach in the summer season). Boat activity can be heavy during the summer so plan to dive early or late and avoid weekends if possible.

7
Logs
3
Divers
4.0 m
⌀ Depth
3.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★☆ Classroom Rock

To access this dive site, from the fishing pier, dive to 10 ft/3 m. Turn to your left (south), maintaining your position at 10 ft/3 m for approx 10-20 kicks to find two logs located together. You may see 3-5 large boulders on your way. These logs (50 foot/15 m trees) will bring you to Classroom Rock.

1,126
Logs
155
Divers
6.0 m
⌀ Depth
2.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★☆☆ Pontoosuc Lake

This lake can be best accessed via the Public Boat Launch at 10 Hancock Road in Pittsfield, MA. Recreational boating is popular during the summer so diving safely can be difficult during peak times. Plan to dive early or late in the day and avoid weekend if possible.

13
Logs
7
Divers
6.0 m
⌀ Depth
1.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★☆ USS New Hampshire SOL Wreck

Just 60ft off Graves Island, the remains of the USS New Hampshire lies in 25-35 ft of water. Accessible by boat, this easy dive is an opportunity to see the last remaining timbers of the once magnificent ship of the line burried in the sandy botto.

10
Logs
7
Divers
9.0 m
⌀ Depth
3.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★★ Magnolia Rocks

Parking here is easy, but the entry can be challenging due to large and erratic swells and conditions that can change relatively quickly. That being said, if you are an experienced diver, getting underwater here is well worth it.

16
Logs
12
Divers
11.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Chester Poling

Depth: 70–90 fsw+ Wreck surrounded by sandy bottom. The stern of the Chester Poling is the most popular deep dive in New England. This site is located minutes outside Gloucester Harbor and hosts abundant invertebrate and fish life. The wreck is an ideal deep training location.

130
Logs
54
Divers
27.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Rafes Chasm

A 1/4 mile walk through the oakwood reveals a series of granite ledges dropping into the sea. The entry/exit is the cut in front of the path. A giant stride can be used for entry on the west side of the cut. Exists can be challenging due to surge.

9
Logs
8
Divers
11.0 m
⌀ Depth
4.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Stage Fort Park

A great spot for training or working on your skills (especially navigation). Stage Fort Park boasts a shallow and broad sandy area where you can regularly find divers completing checkout dives and advancing their technique.

370
Logs
141
Divers
6.0 m
⌀ Depth
3.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Pebble Beach - Massachusetts

Off the east coast of the United States, Pebble Beach is an easy entry shore dive with two bands of boulders along a gravel bottom, each running parallel to the shore,and provide interesting marine life and a fun ~25 foot dive. Parking is not complicated.

317
Logs
130
Divers
9.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Loblolly Cove

Great topography defines this site; you’ll get to see a ledge of boulders that range in size, home to all manner of marine life, with the bottom ranging from sand to gravel at various points. Unfortunately parking is a slight challenge, but the dive is well worth it.

128
Logs
44
Divers
10.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★☆ Old Garden Beach

Sandy beach with a line of moderately sized boulders after a slight swim offshore. Max depth 45-50 feet. Parking is about 100 yards away from the entry.

1,568
Logs
400
Divers
10.0 m
⌀ Depth
4.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Lanes Cove

While parking is limited, Lanes Cove provides an interesting dive that is popular among kayakers, snorkelers, and divers alike. Remember this is an active cove, so watch out for boat traffic.

282
Logs
69
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth
4.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Cathedral Rocks

A beautiful dive with a potentially difficult exit. Diverse marine life (lots of fish) with beautiful topographical structures (it’s called Cathedral Rocks for a reason) are the hallmarks of this site.

170
Logs
88
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers diverse diving experiences for enthusiasts. Notable wreck dives include the Chester Poling, a tanker located off the coast of Gloucester, providing an exciting opportunity to explore a well-preserved site teeming with marine life. Another popular wreck is the USS Nezinscot, accessible from Manchester-by-the-Sea, offering divers a glimpse into history. Shore dives in Massachusetts are equally thrilling, with popular spots like Folly Cove, known for its rich biodiversity and dramatic underwater landscapes. For those seeking unique experiences, night dives at Nubble Light showcase fascinating marine behaviors in a different light. Massachusetts caters to both shore and liveaboard diving, offering flexibility and adventure for all levels of divers.

The best Months to dive in Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers diverse diving opportunities year-round, though conditions vary by season. In summer, water temperatures range from 15°C–21°C/59°F–70°F, providing comfortable conditions for divers. Visibility is generally good, averaging 3 to 9 meters/10 to 30 feet, but can be affected by plankton blooms. Winter diving is possible but challenging, with water temperatures dropping to 1°C–4°C/34°F–39°F and visibility often reduced. Autumn and spring bring moderate conditions, but divers should be mindful of strong winds and currents, especially during storms, which can impact safety and visibility.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

East Coast Divers

213 Boylston Street, 02445 Brookline, MA - USA

North Atlantic Scuba

1820 Ocean St Rt 139, 02050 Marshfield, MA - USA

Bob’s Sea &Ski

63 Alden Road, 02719 Fairhaven, MA - USA

ASTSCUBA

369 North St., 01201 Pittsfield, MA - USA

Central MASS SCUBA

250 Main St, 01540 Oxford, MA - USA