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

Inland New York

12 Divesites 4 Centers

According to locals, New York offers some of the best diving in the world where you can experience some well-preserved shipwrecks.

Atlantic Ocean

1 Divesite 2 Centers

Diving in the Atlantic Ocean of New York, is a little more extreme compared to reef diving in shallow, warm water.

Upcoming Events

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Discover Diving

Open Water Diver

Contact the Center for more information.

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Discover Diving

React Right - Course Combination (FA, CPR, AED, O2)

15 Nov 2025

React Right is SSI’s emergency first response course and provides you with the training and knowledge you need to act as a first responder in a medical emergency. In this flexible dive program, you can choose which subjects you want to learn about, including primary assessment, first aid, CPR and primary stabilization techniques. You can also learn about oxygen administration in diving emergencies and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) basics. Using a combination of academic sessions and practical training scenarios, this program will give you the tools and confidence you need for emergency response. By the time you are certified, you will be able to act as an emergency first responder, provide first aid and CPR, administer oxygen and provide AED support in a medical emergency. Earn your SSI React Right specialty certification. Get started today!

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Islander (Wreck)

The Islander wreck is found in Alexandria Bay on the USA side of the St. Lawrence River. This is an easy dive to access from shore and even has a dive park for divers to park and stage their dive from. Visibility is usually pretty good at around 50 feet.

287
Logs
95
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Niagara River Isle View Drift

River drift from Isleview south parking lot to Isleview boat docks. Float and flag needed. Max depth is approx 23-feet and approx a 45-minute dive time.

242
Logs
73
Divers
7.0 m
⌀ Depth
2.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ A.E. Vickery (Wreck)

Wreck dive for Advanced Certification recreational divers. Divers will use guide lines to get onto the wreck. Depth varies from 60ft at stern to 115’ at bottom of rudder.

47
Logs
33
Divers
33.0 m
⌀ Depth
7.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Bonnie Castle

Great training area for Open Water, Advanced, & Master diver students. Shore entry to wall. Guide lines take you from wall to platforms at 30-feet. Max depth is 65-feet following guide lines to sunken car or boat.

317
Logs
86
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ USS San Diego Wreck

In July 1918, the 15,000-ton armored cruiser USS San Diego sank off Long Island, New York, losing six sailors from a crew of 1,200 after a mysterious explosion struck the vessel. She was later determined to have been sunk by a mine, laid by U-156.

14
Logs
6
Divers
31.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Ponquogue Bridge

The Old Ponquogue Bridge was replaced a few years back with a larger concrete bridge. The Old Bridge has been left intact to provide an area for diving and fishing; its also become a fish haven!

162
Logs
36
Divers
7.0 m
⌀ Depth
3.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Keuka Lake

Keuka Lake is one of the Finger Lakes of New York. There’s always something to be found at the bottom of the Finger Lakes from 18th-century glass bottles to old jewelry and even old fossils. Visibility is best in the spring and fall but the water is pretty chilly so bring a thick wetsuit!

139
Logs
21
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth
4.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Sevey’s Marina

Sevey’s Marina is a private working boatyard so please be courteous when diving here. Leave your keys in your car in case they need to move it and pay your $10 parking fee at the green kiosk. Located on Lake Skaneateles, this dive site is like diving in an aquarium it’s so loaded with fish.

151
Logs
40
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Skaneateles Lake

Lake Skaneateles is a long skinny freshwater lake in the state of New York. You’ll enjoy seeing fish and plant species, beautiful underwater rock walls and the wreck of the Ossahinta.

193
Logs
48
Divers
11.0 m
⌀ Depth
7.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Scottsville Quarry

The Scottsville Quarry is located right outside of Rochester, New York and is easily accessible. Not the best vis but a good dive for all levels.

537
Logs
117
Divers
7.0 m
⌀ Depth
4.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ RU4Scuba Quarry

Twenty minutes south of Rochester this is a training site for local shop. Large quarry for checkout, training and specialty dives. Come join us!Bench for gear setup. Changing facility. Portable bathroom.

372
Logs
48
Divers
6.0 m
⌀ Depth
3.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★★ Edison Pool

Pool site at Edison Career and Technical High School in the Rochester City School District in Rochester NY. Located at 665 Colfax Street in Rochester, NY.

32
Logs
9
Divers
4.0 m
⌀ Depth
Aqualung

★★★★☆ SS Keystorm (Wreck)

The S.S. Keystorm is a great wreck dive located on the USA side of the St. Lawrence River. Be cautious as some fishing line may be present on the wreck. You’ll see larger fish speciesm, especially if this dive is done as a night dive.

215
Logs
127
Divers
30.0 m
⌀ Depth
7.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ The America (Wreck)

The America wreck is located across the shipping channel from Jordstat Castle and Dark Island on the St. Lawrence River, New York side. Canadian boats going to this wreck must check-in with US customs first. The current can be strong so this dive is recommended only for advanced divers.

161
Logs
108
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
7.0 m
⌀ Visibility

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.

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.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

Discover Diving

5319 Transit Rd, 14043 Depew, NY - USA

Tiedemanns Diving Center

56 Gardiners Ave, 11756 Levittown, NY - USA

Dutchess Scuba Diving LLC

1164 Route 9G, 12538 Hyde Park, NY - USA

Gotham Divers

125 East 4th Street, 10003 New York, NY - USA

Finger Lakes Scuba

11 Dill St, 13021 Auburn, NY - USA

Middletown Scuba

17 Dolson Ave, 10940 Middletown, NY - USA