40 Steps

Looking down the stairs, you get an idea of the type of diving to expect. An easy entry for all levels. A view off to the right toward the Northeastern University Marine Station.

Good snorkeling spot. Easy to get to and enter the water. I went alone. I saw lots of small fish, star fish and plants/seaweed. I went more out and I saw a small sting ray and one lobster and a 2 good sized crabs. I think I'll be able to see more next time now that I know where to look. I did park my car without a permit and went scuba diving for an hour. I didn't get towed, but there are signs, and there's a lot for about 8 or 9 cars (unless you have a access to the university lot).

I dove 40 Steps with my buddy Mack. We knew there was no parking near the site, so we unloaded my truck at the top of the steps. While I dropped the truck off at the Nahant/Lynn Beach ($3 Parking, 2 miles away), Mack lugged the gear down to the dive site. I brought a bike and road back to 40 Steps and locked it up there. We took two dives, left and right of the cove. The right side has a good deal of animal life (lobster, crabs, hermit crabs, flounder, schools of small fish, star fish).The left side has less animal life but has channels of reefs with plant life to swim through. I would recommend keeping right if you're only taking one dive. The maximum depth in the cove is 30 ft. I have been told it becomes deeper as you exit the cove but there was a strong current outside the cove. Locals were friendly and interested to hear about the dive. Remember to respect their beach, as they keep it very clean. Hope this helps.

I spent many a summers day diving {swan} from the running rock, which can reach a height of 40 feet at low tide. This is a great dive for all levels. I learned to snorkel here in the 70's and eventually sharpened my scuba skills in the relatively shallow inlet. OK, now let's get to the gear haul. I park at the top of the steps and carry my EQ down to the beach. If you don't know any locals, I recommend you park at the public lot near Lynn Beach and take your mountain bike back to the dive site. DO NOT park at the library because they will nail ya. There's plenty of fun things to see on this dive. I've caught many lobsters at this spot and seen a variety of marine life. Enjoy your dive and have a fun safe time, I hope to see you there.