Diving in Gulf of Maine/Bay of Fundy
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Gulf of Maine/Bay of Fundy's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Gulf of Maine/Bay of Fundy, ecoregion. This region features 16 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Gulf of Maine/Bay of Fundy has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Gulf of Maine/Bay of Fundy (2)
Popular Spots in Gulf of Maine/Bay of Fundy (16)
Ahern State Park
Ahern State Park encompasses 128 acres within Laconia, situated on Lake Winnisquam in New Hampshire's Lakes Region. The area is accessible year-round and supports various activities including diving, hiking, and fishing. Divers can enter the water from the shore at the beach area, where parking is available. Underwater, divers may encounter a range of freshwater species such as fish, crabs, and snails. The site features minimal aquatic vegetation, facilitating easier entry and exploration.
Back Beach
Back Beach offers a shore diving experience characterized by diverse bottom topography and a significant population of lobsters. Divers can also encounter various New England marine species, including flounder resting on the sand and striped bass. This site is suitable for divers of all experience levels.
Cathedral Rocks
Cathedral Rocks offers a shore entry dive characterized by its unique topographical features that resemble cathedral structures. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including numerous fish species, small pelagics, and bottom feeders. The site is also rich in invertebrate life and crabs, contributing to its biodiversity. While the underwater scenery is captivating, divers should be prepared for a potentially challenging exit from the water.
Chester Poling
Chester Poling is a wreck dive located just outside Gloucester Harbor, with depths ranging from 70 to 90 feet. The site features a sandy bottom surrounding the wreck, making it a notable location for deep diving and training. The stern of the wreck is particularly popular among divers. Marine life at this site includes plumose anemones, lemon nudibranchs, and finger sponges, with a wolfish often found residing under the wreck structure.
Devil'S Glen
Devil's Glen is a dive site located off Appledore Island with a maximum depth of 16-18 meters (51-60 feet). The site features numerous crevices, cracks, and ledges, with an average visibility of 5-6 meters (16-20 feet). Due to potentially rough conditions, diving may not always be recommended.
Folly Cove
Folly Cove offers a diverse underwater landscape with a maximum depth of approximately 75 feet. The site is characterized by a variety of invertebrate species, including numerous anemones, as well as larger crustaceans and fish. Access to the dive site is via shore, providing convenient entry for divers.
Lanes Cove
Lanes Cove is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates 42.679700, -70.659900. The area is known for its diverse marine life, including lobsters and torpedo rays. The bottom topography offers interesting features for exploration. As this is an active cove, divers should be mindful of boat traffic while diving.
Loblolly Cove
Loblolly Cove features diverse topography with a ledge of boulders of various sizes, providing habitat for a range of marine life. The bottom composition varies between sand and gravel, contributing to the site's ecological diversity. Common sightings include lobsters and larger fish species. Access to the site is via shore entry, although parking can be somewhat limited.
Magnolia Rocks
Magnolia Rocks is accessible via shore entry, though divers should be prepared for challenging conditions due to large swells that can change rapidly. This site is known for its lobstering opportunities, with lobsters often found hiding in the small crevices characteristic of the area. Experienced divers will find the underwater environment rewarding despite the entry difficulties.
Old Garden Beach
Old Garden Beach features a sandy shoreline leading to a series of moderately sized boulders located a short swim offshore. The maximum depth at this site reaches between 45 and 50 feet. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including lobster, cod, crab, dogfish, and occasionally, the mola mola. Parking is conveniently located approximately 100 yards from the entry point.
Pebble Beach - Massachusetts
Pebble Beach, located off the east coast of the United States, offers an accessible shore dive characterized by two parallel bands of boulders situated over a gravel bottom. The dive reaches a depth of approximately 25 feet and is known for its diverse marine life. This site is particularly popular for lobstering, attracting both divers and lobsters in significant numbers. Additionally, divers may encounter rays, crabs, and other typical marine fauna found in New England waters. Parking facilities are straightforward, making it convenient for divers to access the site.
Pot Island, Lake Winnisquam
Pot Island is located in Lake Winnisquam, which measures approximately 10.5 miles in length and 1.5 miles in width, featuring a shoreline of about 28.2 miles. The lake is recognized as a habitat for trout and salmon, with these species typically found at depths ranging from 20 to 40 feet beneath the thermocline during the summer months. Divers can access the site from the shore, making it convenient for entry.
Rafes Chasm
Rafes Chasm features a 1/4 mile walk through oakwood leading to granite ledges that descend into the ocean. Divers can enter the water via a giant stride from the west side of the cut located at the path's end. Exiting the water may be difficult due to surge conditions. The site is home to various marine life, including Striped Bass, Halibut, and Cunner, while lobsters can be found in the deeper areas. Divers should also be on the lookout for sculpin and northern puffers among the rocky terrain lined with mussels.
Sandbar at Lake Winnisquam
The Sandbar at Lake Winnisquam is located on the southwest end of the lake, just north of the Route 3 Bridge. This site is accessible by boat, providing easy anchorage for divers. The sandbar typically reaches waist-deep depths, with quick drop-offs leading to deeper waters. It is suitable for open water training and is diveable from May through October in most years.
Stage Fort Park
Stage Fort Park is an ideal location for divers looking to practice skills such as navigation. The site features a broad sandy area that remains shallow, making it suitable for training and checkout dives. Divers may encounter bottom fish and flounder in the sandy substrate. Additionally, exploring the small rocky formations can reveal various invertebrates, enhancing the diving experience.
USS New Hampshire SOL Wreck
The USS New Hampshire wreck is located approximately 60 feet from Graves Island, resting in depths ranging from 25 to 35 feet. Accessible exclusively by boat, this dive site features the remaining timbers of the historic ship, which are partially buried in the sandy substrate. Divers can observe small fish and various crustaceans, including lobsters and crabs, among the wreckage. The surrounding sandy area is home to species such as flounder, skate, and moonsnails.