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

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

Boat access by Cape Anne Divers boat charter.

Gloucester

Picketts Point

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

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

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

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

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

Boat access from Cape Anne Divers boat charter.

Paddock Rock

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.

Chester E. Poling Wreck

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

Many crevices and interesting formations near island. 

Boat access from Cape Anne Divers boat charter.

Salt Rock

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

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.

Picketts Point

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Picketts Point