New Hampshire is a State with many unique features, including some great shore diving. Although the coastline is relatively small, there are some good dive locations included here. Watch out for lobster boat traffic, watch your tides and enjoy some of the unique underwater vistas of New Hampshire!

New Hampshire

Merrimack 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

Site is directly between red and black buoys, making easy to find and navigate. Many large rocks and some various items to find. Some large fish also can be seen swimming about the plateau.

Access by boat only. Dive shop nearby and public beach access.

Newbury

The Plateau

The Wheetamoo wreck lies in 18-24 meters of water.  Dive lights may be necessary to penetrate the wreck.  Buoy down line lands directly on the pilothouse of the wreck.  A boat can be moored to the buoy. 

Submerged buoy marks the down line which lands you right on the pilothouse of the Weetamoo wreck. Can be found along a line drawn from pointy green boathouse to steps of white house on opposite shore.

Weetamoo Wreck

Split rock is the rock in about 5m / 15ft of water which is marked by a black buoy. Towards the center of the lake, the depth rapidly drops to 23m / 75ft with large rock formations and ledges. 

Close to boat launch in Sunapee Harbor. Difficult to access without boat. Need at least 75 ft anchor line to drop anchor to bottom of wall.

Split Rock

Site contains three old boats in 6m /20ft of water. All three boats are within close proximity. Two are easy to find since they are less than 5m / 15ft apart. Dive is very easy and in a secluded area, good for using up last bit of air in the tank or for a quick refresher dive.

Shore access possible and would be very easy. Parking may or may not be available on Burkehaven Hill Road. Boat access easy from Sunapee Harbor boat launch.

Three Old Boats

I dove this site about 4 times now. Twice for my Advance certification and a couple other fun dives.  I travel about 1 1/2 hours south to enjoy it and I know others that travel even farther.  There is a car to explore at about 40 feet down, the quarry walls are so cool, especially if you've never dove in a quarry before.  This quarry has some of the best viz as it gets very little top soil run off. Another car to check out at 80 feet down.  I'm not a cave diver, however there is a network of caves from when they mined the marble.  I believe there is a map available that some divers have made of the underwater cave system. You would want to ask Bottom Time Scuba in Rutland or Victory Sports in Colchester Vermont.

Go from Rutland Vermont to West Rutland on route 4 B. When in the center of West Rutland turn right onto Marble street extension and follow for about 3 miles on your right. There are about 4 large Marble blocks that are place at the entrance where you need to park on the right side of the road. You can't see the quarry from the road.  You need to walk in your gear about 150 yards. There are two common entrances. One to the left is a giant stride entrance and the one to the right is a walk in spot.

True Blue Quarry

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

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

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

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

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.

The Plateau

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at The Plateau