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

Stern of the Chester Poling sits upright in about 28m / 90ft. Broken in half, it makes for an awesome dive around the perimeter and over the deck. Can also be penetrated, but sediment settling in the boat could be stirred and obscure visibility.

Boat access by Cape Anne Divers boat charter.

Gloucester

Chester E. Poling Wreck

This site is excellent as a second dive especially because it is shallow and the visibility is usually excellent for the NE(20 - 30ft). Enter Brace Cove, Brace rock will be to your left (south). Motor in and look to anchor yourself about 100 feet beyond Brace Rock on the south western end. I would usually dropped anchor in about 13 ft. of water just as I could start making out the rocky bottom. The bottom is a mix of large smooth flat rock with lots of rocks with sparse vegetation mixed in and sea life of all descriptions. I have never been disappointed with this dive especially on sunny days. I have dived the other side of the cove also which is less spectacular.

I am only familiar with this dive site by boat and dove primarily the south west side. Most of the time this was in the lee of Brace Rock some 100 feet away.I would anchor my inflatable in about 13 feet of water. 

Brace Cove

For advanced divers and hikers!

East of magnolia; at the end of Strawberry cove road. A good 300-400 yard hike from the parking spot to the dive entry.

Normans Woe

This is the spare tire of dive sites - when everything else is blown out, Niles is often okay to dive.  This is a great back up site for instructors with classes.  There is not a lot to see, although photographers claim the eel grass offers a lot of small marine life. The bottom is a combination of sand and mud.  The long sandy beach offers easy entry and depths can reach up to about 20-25 feet.  This site is very sheltered and has Western exposure.  Parking is restricted to residents, but this is only (usually) enforced during the summer. There are no public facilities at or near the beach. You may want to lock up any valuables as it is quite an isolated area.



Niles Beach

Lots of crevices and large rocks. Following crevices makes for easy navigation.

Boat access by Cape Anne Divers boat charter.

Picketts Point

Stage Fort Park offers an easy entry and a shallow dive.  Mostly sandy throughout the center of the cove, the edges offer more exciting exploration.  Diving is only permitted here during the off-season, so call ahead to get the exact dates.

At the end of SR 128 in Cape Ann, turn right on SR 127A (Cross Street), and then bear left onto SR 127 South.   In 1.3 miles, you will cross a bridge.  The park will be your first left after the bridge (.22 miles).  The dive site is .36 miles further.

Stage Fort Park

Another good area for lobster, Magnolia Rocks can be a great dive once you get past the rocky entry.  You can descend down to about 45 feet where you'll find boulders, sand and crevasses.  Perfect for exploration! Lots of lobsters, too close to rocks for boats to drop their pots...large stripers, not afraid of you...easy to spear..delicious..cold and when algae bloom, no vis..but can get dinner there in 15 minutes

At the end of SR 128 in Cape Ann, turn right on SR 127A (Cross Street), and then bear left onto SR 127 South.   In 1.3 miles, you will cross a bridge.  In another 2.3 miles, turn left onto Magnolia Ave.  In .6 miles, turn left onto Raymond/Norman.  In 300 yards, turn right onto Lexington Ave. and go to the end.

Magnolia Rocks

Burnham Rocks is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Massachusetts, Cape Ann which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Burnham Rocks

Saturday Night Ledge is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Massachusetts, Cape Ann which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Saturday Night Ledge

Parking is restricted to residents only for the summer months, although groups can check with the local police dept. for a permit.  This is a sandy beach with an easy entry, and a short walk from the parking lot.  This site is a small cove with rocky walls bordering both sides and a sandy center, with Southwesterly exposure.  A reef can be found a few hundred yards offshore.  Depth is approx. 25'.  Typical marine life includes lobster, flounder, moonsnails, etc.

A resident sticker is required to park here in the summer months

White Beach

Long crevice to swim through varying from 6m / 20ft deep to 11m / 35ft deep.

Boat access by Cape Anne Divers boat charter.

Chester E. Poling Wreck

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Chester E. Poling Wreck