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

Barnstable 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

An unidentified trawler shipwreck rests on Stellwagen Bank in 105-110 feet of water in NOAA's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary off Massachusetts.  The trawler is broken into four pieces; its pilothouse, hull, stern, and net reel.  Smaller hull fragments surround the site.  As the shipwreck sits on a mostly featureless sand bottom, it attracts schools of cod and pollock that hide within its structure.  The identity of this trawler has not been determined and the sanctuary is seeking help from anyone who might know its name.  The trawler lies within the Outbound Lane of the Port of Boston's Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS).  Vessel operators should follow all regulations pertaining to the safe operation of vessels in a TSS.

The sanctuary offers SCUBA divers a chance to explore an offshore environment at the mouth of Massachusetts Bay.  Exposed waters create challenging dive conditions, but offer rewarding experiences.  Surprisingly, fifteen percent of the sanctuary, or 126 square miles, is shallower than 130 feet at low tide.  Much of this area lies atop Stellwagen Bank, but also includes southern Jeffreys Ledge and the top of Sanctuary Hill. Diving offshore is unlike diving at a similar depth inshore. In addition to the deep water, you will likely experience strong currents at the surface and the bottom, especially if the wind and tide are moving in the same direction. Plan your dive around slack tide for the best underwater and surface conditions.

NOAA's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary off Massachusetts

Unidentified Trawler Shipwreck is also known as Unidentified Fishing Vessel.