www.bxtimes.com · Community
Published May 23, 2014Bronx Times report on the beach's summer reopening, amenities, and water character.
Dive Spot Guide•
Orchard Beach (a/k/a Captain Mike's Beach)
Bronx shore dive for northeast practice
Scuba DivingShoreBeginner
Swim Spot
Public beach shore dive with easy access, low relief, and muddy Long Island Sound conditions that favor short practice sessions.
About Orchard Beach (a/k/a Captain Mike's Beach)
Orchard Beach (a/k/a Captain Mike's Beach) is a very shallow Bronx shore dive for practicing cold-water basics, with a sandy-bottom mix, small life, and public-beach access on the Long Island Sound side. It is best for divers who want easy entry, short bottom time, and a local practice site rather than a coral or drift destination.
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Research Estimate At Orchard Beach (a/k/a Captain Mike's Beach)
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 2m
AccessEasy entry
CoralHeavily damaged
Aquatic LifeAverage variety
FacilitiesExcellent facilities
Crowd / PopularityVery crowded
CurrentNo current
SurgeFlat calm
Where Is Orchard Beach (a/k/a Captain Mike's Beach)?
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.
Orchard Beach (a/k/a Captain Mike's Beach) Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
0m - 2m
Depth Note
The site is a very shallow shore practice dive with a published 2m maximum, suited to short bottom times.
Best Season
Late spring through early fall
Typical Conditions
Shallow shore-dive conditions in muddy Long Island Sound water, with little depth and a practice-friendly bottom.
Safety & Access At Orchard Beach (a/k/a Captain Mike's Beach)
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Low visibilityRestricted access
Safety Notes
Use a dive flag, SMB, and exposure protection; the site is shallow, but the water is cold and visibility is limited.
Access Restrictions
Shore entry uses a public beach, so follow NYC beach rules and lifeguard restrictions around active swim periods.
Legal Notes
Do not assume unrestricted beach access during the summer swim season; check the beach rules before entering the water.
Local Intel For Orchard Beach (a/k/a Captain Mike's Beach)
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba
A shallow practice shore dive for buoyancy, navigation, and cold-water control.
Freedive
Not a freedive target; the shallow shore profile is more useful for scuba practice.
Snorkel
The public-beach rules and muddy water make scuba the main use case.
Orchard Beach (a/k/a Captain Mike's Beach) Dive Conditions Planner
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Orchard Beach (a/k/a Captain Mike's Beach).
Current Snapshot
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🌥️Variable
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Surface / Entry
Wind No data · Tide No data
Sea State
Swell No data · Period unavailable
Visibility Outlook
Rain chance No data
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Exposure Profile at Orchard Beach (a/k/a Captain Mike's Beach)
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Exposure Note
Hourly forecast data is not available yet.
Wildlife at Orchard Beach (a/k/a Captain Mike's Beach)
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Orchard Beach (a/k/a Captain Mike's Beach)
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
No Dive Logs Yet
Be the first to log a dive at this spot and share your experience!
Dive Spot Log Averages At Orchard Beach (a/k/a Captain Mike's Beach)
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility2m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
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Orchard Beach (a/k/a Captain Mike's Beach) Guide - Frequently Asked Questions
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Orchard Beach (a/k/a Captain Mike's Beach) Guide - Sources and Updates
Last Updated
Research Sources
www.nan.usace.army.mil · Official
Published Dec 9, 2024USACE fact sheet on Orchard Beach shoreline protection and crowding.
www2.nycgovparks.org · Official
Official NYC Parks beach page for Orchard Beach and promenade.
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