Inland New York
According to locals, New York offers some of the best diving in the world where you can experience some well-preserved shipwrecks.
Explore New York
Diving in New York offers a unique blend of underwater exploration and historical intrigue. The area known as Wreck Valley is a diver's haven, with hundreds of shipwrecks scattered along a 97-kilometer (60-mile) stretch from New York to New Jersey. These wrecks, remnants of a bustling maritime history, provide fascinating dive sites teeming with diverse marine life. Divers can encounter schools of fish, lobsters, and even rays amidst the historical artifacts. The cooler Atlantic waters add a refreshing challenge, making each dive an exhilarating experience.
Beyond the Atlantic, New York's diverse diving environments include the freshwater experiences of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. These Great Lakes, straddling the state border, offer clear waters and unique underwater landscapes, with shipwrecks and rock formations to explore. For those who prefer a different setting, the state's interior boasts numerous smaller lakes and rivers, perfect for a serene dive. New York's diving scene is not only about underwater adventure; it also offers a perfect blend of history, marine diversity, and varied environments, ensuring an unforgettable experience for divers of all levels.
Places to explore
Dive Activity
Diving in New York
New York offers a variety of diving experiences, with some notable wreck dives like the "USS San Diego" off the coast of Long Island. This protected wreck, a World War I cruiser, rests upright and is a magnet for divers interested in exploring history beneath the waves. Popular shore dives include "Dutch Springs" in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where divers can practice skills in a controlled environment, dive through submerged vehicles, and enjoy a vibrant aquatic life. For those interested in unique underwater experiences, night dives at "Dutch Springs" offer a chance to witness nocturnal marine behaviors, providing a different perspective on the aquatic world. While liveaboard diving is less common in New York, the balance between accessible shore dives and organized boat trips makes it a flexible destination for both seasoned divers and beginners eager to explore the hidden depths of its waters.
Top Wildlife Sightings in New York
New York's marine life offers a surprising diversity for divers to explore. Common reef fish include species like striped bass and bluefish, often seen around the coastal waters. These fish are typically more visible in the spring and summer months when water temperatures increase. Seasonal highlights of New York's marine biodiversity include the occasional sightings of sand tiger sharks, typically spotted around shipwrecks in the summer. Additionally, leatherback turtles and stingrays might be encountered during their migration periods, offering unique experiences for divers, especially along Long Island's shores.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 19
iStock-ANDY_BOWLIN
Bass
570 Sightings
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1
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1
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2
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4
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54
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185
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153
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125
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41
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2
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2
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 30
Shutterstock-Rostislav Stefanek
Carp
143 Sightings
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1
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3
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53
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46
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23
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16
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1
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0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3
iStock-jpa1999
Perch
117 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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11
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33
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36
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25
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12
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0
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0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 2000
AdobeStock-Alex
Loach Goby
99 Sightings
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0
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5
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48
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28
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15
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3
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0
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0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 35
Shutterstock-divedog
Trout
63 Sightings
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18
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31
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7
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3
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4
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 5
Shutterstock-Rostislav Stefanek
Walleye
59 Sightings
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4
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17
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14
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13
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11
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3000
Shutterstock-zsolt_uveges
Catfish
52 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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1
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0
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11
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18
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9
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12
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0
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1
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 7000
iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab
44 Sightings
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4
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6
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11
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8
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6
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4
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5
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0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
Shutterstock-dushkovladimir
Crayfish
43 Sightings
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0
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2
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20
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19
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0
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2
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0
The best Months to dive in O'ahu
Diving conditions in New York vary with the seasons, offering unique experiences throughout the year. Water temperatures range from 5°C–22°C/41°F–72°F, with the warmest months being July and August. Winter temperatures can make diving challenging, requiring proper thermal protection.
Visibility in New York waters typically ranges from 3 to 10 meters/10 to 33 feet, influenced by local weather and tides. Wind and currents can affect diving conditions, especially in open water settings. While diving is possible year-round, the best conditions are found between late spring and early fall, when water temperatures and visibility are at their peak.
