The State of Maine includes 3,500 miles of indescribably beautiful coastline, comprised of bays, coves and similar indentations.  Over 60 lighthouses dot the craggy shore including the Portland Head Light, which was commissioned by George Washington.  Wreck diving (many accessible from shore) is available at many locations.  Check your tide tables and enjoy!<br><br>We would like to thank the kind assistance of Mike Bridges for helping us prepare this section for Maine. He and his wife provided guided shore diving tours in Maine for many years, but have since moved to the warmer climate of Panama City, Florida where he continues to shore dive and teach classes

Maine

York 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



Southeast side of Duck Island, Isle of Shoals.

Kittery

Seal Cove & Mingo Rock

Cedar Island Ledge

Another fine stretch of rocky coast line, Pulpit Rock offers an easy entry and lots to explore.

North of Rye and just .75 mile North of Wallis Sands State Park at the intersection of 1A and Pulpit Rock Rd.

Pulpit Rock

Fort Foster was an active military site from 1873 to 1948.  The grounds are easily accessible during season, but are quite a hike when the gates are closed.  You can get more information here: Fort Foster gate house (207)439-2182  or Kittery Recreation Department (207)439-3800.  Fees are $10.00 per car, $5.00 per person for pedestrians. Fort Foster is open 7 days a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and on weekends in May and September. The hours of operation are from 10:00am-8:00pm or dusk. Pedestrians can come to the park as early as 8:00am, free of charge. Rocky Beach is the area for scuba diving, while Pier beach offers restrooms and picnic tables.

At the Southeastern most point of Maine, you'll find Kittery.  From Route 1, head East on 103 for 3.4 miles.  Carefully follow the signs for 103, as Walker St. becomes Wentworth St. which becomes Whipple Rd. which becomes Pepperrell Rd. You'll pass Fort McClary along the way.  At 3.4 miles, bear right onto Chauncey Creek Rd. In about a half a mile, turn right onto Pocohontas Rd., and bear right (you'll see the sign to Fort Foster).  In  1.4 miles, you'll be at the park.

Fort Foster

Fort McClary is an easily accessible dive site with a moderate hike from the parking area.  You should be able to park on the grounds between Memorial Day and September 30.  Call  (207) 384-5160 to be sure.  A small fee will be charged.  While you are there, take a look at the construction that took place over the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I.  Truly impressive!

At the Southeastern most point of Maine, you'll find Kittery.  From Route 1, head East on 103 for 2.5 miles.  Carefully follow the signs for 103, as Walker St. becomes Wentworth St. which becomes Whipple Rd. which becomes Pepperrell Rd. (you get the idea!)  Fort McClary will be on your right after winding around these roads.

Fort McClary

Nubble Light is a very picturesque location that offers easy access to some fine diving.  Established in 1879, Nubble Light is off limits to visitors, but you can still get a good view of it from the park.

Located next to York Village, in Cape Neddick.  From Route 1A in Cape Neddick (S. Main Street), follow Nubble Rd for about 1 mile.  Turn left into Sohler Park.

Nubble Light

Depending on the wind and waves you start diving at the south / north point of the rock with the lighthouse, and dive around it. It can be a far swim if you take it easy, so better spend a couple of dives doing the whole site. We saw a lot of lobsters hereand a few stingrays, besides the normal marinelife.

Easy shoredive.

Cape Neddick Nubble

For an easy sandy entry, try Wells Beach.  This intermediate  dive offers a view of the typical critters found in this area: lobster, crab, and flounder.  A dive flag is required in this area since boats are plentiful.

At about 4 miles North of Ogunquit on Route 1, turn right onto Mile Rd.  Go about 1 mile to the end, where you will find parking.  Park next to the benches, since that is the closest to the stairs to the beach.

Wells Beach

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

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.

Folly 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.

Seal Cove & Mingo Rock

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Seal Cove & Mingo Rock