Massachusetts provides a variety of diving locations and exploration possibilities. Cape Ann affords numerous shore-diving locations, with countless varieties of fish (tautog, flounder, skate, striped bass, and squid, to name but a few!) In addition, lobster and crab can also be found in most rocky areas. An abundance of interesting wrecks can also be accessed from shore.

Massachusetts

Essex County

Divers will travel far and wide to find the best diving. But those who live in the United States have plenty of great diving on their doorstep as well, with plentiful access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. From warm-water reefs to temperate seas, here are some of the top places to scuba dive in the United States.

United States

This site is a small cove bordered by rocky walls with Northeastern exposure.  There is an underwater wall home to a multitude of marine life right beyond the cove.  The center of the cove has a sandy bottom.  Generally you can easily find marine life in all areas of this site and there have been recent sightings of an Electric Torpedo Ray.  Entry at low tide is rocky.  You can hit a maximum depth of over 80', but most dives are around 30-40', and visibility is usually around 20'.  Water temperature ranges from approx. 35 degrees in the winter to 65 degrees in the summer.  There is a small parking lot for residents only – non-residents can drop their gear and find street parking down the road or park at Halibut Point State Park.  Night dives here are usually incredible.  There are no amenities at this site. 



Rockport

Folly Cove

Folly Cove is one of the finer dives on this part of the peninsula due to the accessibility of a spectacular wall just outside the cove.  Any life indigenous to the New England area can be found here.

At the intersection of SR 127 and SR127A in Rockport (NE Cape Ann), continue North for 2.3 miles, turn right onto Gott Ave.  Parking will be on your right in about 200 yards.

Halibut Cove is a fairly easy dive (if the conditions are right), but can be physical demanding to get the entry.  You'll have almost a mile hike from the parking area, so you will definitely need a three or four wheeled equipment cart.  Only do this dive if you are good shape.  Remember that the effects of nitrogen are magnified by physical exertion.

At the intersection of SR 127 and SR127A in Rockport (NE Cape Ann), continue North for 1.8 miles, turn right onto Gott Ave.  Parking will be on your right in about 200 yards.

Halibut Point



Head northeast on MA-128 N		
At Grant Circle, take the 3rd exit onto MA-127/Washington St
Turn left at Andrews St/MA-127
Follow Andrews street around to parking area and walk over rock wall for dive entry.


Lanes Cove

One of the more popular dives in Cape Ann, Cathedral Rocks is known for its abundance of lobsters and for its deep dives.  If you consider yourself an advanced diver, you'll feel at home here.

At the intersection of SR 127 and SR127A in Rockport (NE Cape Ann), continue North for 1.2 miles, turn right onto Cathedral Ave, and continue further for another .1 mile.

Cathedral Rocks

Plum Cove is a relatively easy entry and is generally shelter from ocean swell when other sites may be undivable.  With a maximum depth of 35 feet, it is great for novices just wanting to get web for a couple of hours.

At the intersection of SR 127 and SR127A in Rockport (NE Cape Ann), continue North for 4.2 miles. The Cove will appear on your right.

Plum Cove

Back Beach is a very easy site and should be interesting for all skill levels.  Because of the easy of entry and proximity to parking, many come here watch the squid perform their antics during a night dive.

At the intersection of SR 127 and SR127A in Rockport (NE Cape Ann), turn South on SR 127A (Beach Street) to head into Rockport.   In .2 miles, Back Beach will be on your left.

Back Beach

Front Beach is best as a swimming beach for the kids.  The area is mostly sandy and shallow, with a few patches of rocks.  It is, however, an excellent starting point for those willing to make the swim around the point to the left and end up in the next cove over, Back Beach.

At the intersection of SR 127 and SR127A in Rockport (NE Cape Ann), turn South on SR 127A (Beach Street) to head into Rockport.   In .3 miles, Front Beach will be on your left.  You will pass Back Beach along the way.

Front Beach

Old Garden Beach is in a small and very scenic residential area of Rockport.  It used by divers of all skill levels due to its ease of entry. This is a small, secluded beach with a sandy shore near Rockport Harbor. By swimming 100 yards or so straight out from the beach you can reach depths of 50', and the bottom topography includes huge boulders. Following the shoreline to the right, depths are considerably shallower – around 15-25 feet max – and the bottom is rocky. Both areas are home to many lobsters. This site has a very easy entry – there is a ramp from the street to the beach. There is a lot that is residents only during the summer, but parking is available on Old Garden Street during weekdays. On weekends, you can drop your gear off at the top of the ramp, and then park the car on adjacent streets (Atlantic Ave. is unrestricted). They will tow cars that are parked illegally. There is a "No Night Diving" sign posted – this contradicts MA state law and is unenforceable. At high tide the water level is right at the base of the ramp, and low tide reveals a stretch of sand. There are no restrooms or other amenities here. This site generally has very good visibility. Exposure is Northeast.

At the end of SR 128 in Cape Ann, turn Left on SR 127A (Cross Street).   In one half mile, turn left (following SR 127A) onto Thatcher Road.  After 4.3 miles, turn right onto Calebs Lane, and travel almost to the end (.25 miles), turning left on Old Garden Rd.  The Beach will be on your right.

Old Garden Beach



Head northeast on MA-128 N
At Grant Circle, take the 2nd exit onto MA-128		
At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on MA-128		
Turn left at Eastern Ave/MA-127		
Turn right at Barn Ln		
Turn left at MA-127A/Thatcher Rd		
Turn right at Tregony Bow		
Turn right at South St		
Turn left at Old Penzance Rd
Park along the pebbles (free).

Pebble Beach

Salt Island is an easy dive, however, the hike out is not!  For the best diving you'll need to walk out to the far side of Salt Island during low tide, so make sure you are in shape!

At the end of SR 128 in Cape Ann, turn Left on SR 127A (Cross Street).   In one half mile, continue straight onto Nautilus Road for another quarter mile.  Alternatively, in one half mile, turn left on Thatcher Road and turn right in .7 miles into the Good Harbor Beach Lot.  The latter is closer to Salt Island.

Folly Cove

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Folly Cove