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

Pinnacle dive with steep walls and crevices. Easy to navigate and circle around.

Boat access from Cape Anne Divers boat charter.

Manchester-by-the-Sea

Paddock Rock

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

Boat access by Cape Anne Divers boat charter.

Great Egg Rock

Many crevices and interesting formations near island. 

Boat access from Cape Anne Divers boat charter.

Salt Rock

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

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

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

Boat access by Cape Anne Divers boat charter.

Picketts Point

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

Launched in 1901 by the Eastern Steamship Company to ferry passangers between Boston and Maine. In 1923 she ran aground in the Kennebec River. Coupled with a decline is passenger service the company sold her. When the new owner couldn't find a buyer he had the ship stripped of its fixtures and towed to Misery Island and set on fire to salvage any remaining items. Today all that remains are some ribs and parts of the boilers. Source:wreckhunter.net

This wreck is located in Manchester Bay between Misery Island and Little Misery. A boat is needed to access the main island. The wreck is an easy shore dive, once you have reached Misery Island. 

City of Rockland Wreck is also known as Misery Island.

City of Rockland Wreck

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

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

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.

Paddock Rock

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Paddock Rock