Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Rockport

The top 8 dive and snorkel sites in Rockport, ranked by diver reviews, with maps and photos. Read the Rockport guide

dive sites
8
reviews
65
8 sites, ranked by diver reviews
Front Beach1

Front Beach

5.0(3 reviews)Massachusetts, USA East

Front Beach is best as a swimming beach for the kids. The area is mostly sandy and shallow, with a few patches of rocks. It is, however, an excellent starting point for those willing to make the swim around the point to the left and end up in the next cove over, Back Beach. At the intersection of SR 127 and SR127A in Rockport (NE Cape Ann), turn South on SR 127A (Beach Street) to head into Rockport. In .3 miles, Front Beach will be on your left. You will pass Back Beach along the way.

BeginnerMax depth 29.9 ftShore entry
Back Beach2

Back Beach

4.5(15 reviews)Massachusetts, USA East

Back Beach is a very easy site and should be interesting for all skill levels. Because of the easy of entry and proximity to parking, many come here watch the squid perform their antics during a night dive. At the intersection of SR 127 and SR127A in Rockport (NE Cape Ann), turn South on SR 127A (Beach Street) to head into Rockport. In .2 miles, Back Beach will be on your left.

BeginnerMax depth 15.1 ftShore entry
Old Garden Beach3

Old Garden Beach

4.5(10 reviews)Massachusetts, USA East

Old Garden Beach is in a small and very scenic residential area of Rockport. It used by divers of all skill levels due to its ease of entry. This is a small, secluded beach with a sandy shore near Rockport Harbor. By swimming 100 yards or so straight out from the beach you can reach depths of 50', and the bottom topography includes huge boulders. Following the shoreline to the right, depths are considerably shallower – around 15-25 feet max – and the bottom is rocky. Both areas are home to many lobsters. This site has a very easy entry – there is a ramp from the street to the beach. There is a lot that is residents only during the summer, but parking is available on Old Garden Street during weekdays. On weekends, you can drop your gear off at the top of the ramp, and then park the car on adjacent streets (Atlantic Ave. is unrestricted). They will tow cars that are parked illegally. There is a "No Night Diving" sign posted – this contradicts MA state law and is unenforceable. At high tide the water level is right at the base of the ramp, and low tide reveals a stretch of sand. There are no restrooms or other amenities here. This site generally has very good visibility. Exposure is Northeast. At the end of SR 128 in Cape Ann, turn Left on SR 127A (Cross Street). In one half mile, turn left (following SR 127A) onto Thatcher Road. After 4.3 miles, turn right onto Calebs Lane, and travel almost to the end (.25 miles), turning left on Old Garden Rd. The Beach will be on your right.

BeginnerMax depth 20 ftShore entry
Folly Cove4

Folly Cove

4.4(21 reviews)Massachusetts, USA East

Folly Cove is one of the finer dives on this part of the peninsula due to the accessibility of a spectacular wall just outside the cove. Any life indigenous to the New England area can be found here. At the intersection of SR 127 and SR127A in Rockport (NE Cape Ann), continue North for 2.3 miles, turn right onto Gott Ave. Parking will be on your right in about 200 yards.

BeginnerMax depth 29.9 ftShore entry
No photos yet
5

Pebble Beach

5.0(1 review)USA, Massachusetts, Cape Ann

Head northeast on MA-128 N At Grant Circle, take the 2nd exit onto MA-128 At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on MA-128 Turn left at Eastern Ave/MA-127 Turn right at Barn Ln Turn left at MA-127A/Thatcher Rd Turn right at Tregony Bow Turn right at South St Turn left at Old Penzance Rd Park along the pebbles (free).

BeginnerMax depth 15.1 ftShore entry
Halibut Point6

Halibut Point

4.5(4 reviews)Massachusetts, USA East

Halibut Cove is a fairly easy dive (if the conditions are right), but can be physical demanding to get the entry. You'll have almost a mile hike from the parking area, so you will definitely need a three or four wheeled equipment cart. Only do this dive if you are good shape. Remember that the effects of nitrogen are magnified by physical exertion. At the intersection of SR 127 and SR127A in Rockport (NE Cape Ann), continue North for 1.8 miles, turn right onto Gott Ave. Parking will be on your right in about 200 yards.

BeginnerMax depth 29.9 ftShore entry
Cathedral Rocks7

Cathedral Rocks

4.1(11 reviews)Massachusetts, USA East

One of the more popular dives in Cape Ann, Cathedral Rocks is known for its abundance of lobsters and for its deep dives. If you consider yourself an advanced diver, you'll feel at home here. At the intersection of SR 127 and SR127A in Rockport (NE Cape Ann), continue North for 1.2 miles, turn right onto Cathedral Ave, and continue further for another .1 mile.

AdvancedMax depth 15.1 ftShore entry
No photos yet
8

Sanctuary Hill

No reviews yetUSA, Massachusetts, Stellwagen Bank

Sanctuary Hill in NOAA's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary rises from 325 feet to 115 feet and is topped with solid granite and piled boulders. Like Jeffreys Ledge, the hill's hard substrate is home to a variety of invertebrates and fishes that live on and in the piled boulders. Since Sanctuary Hill is 18 nautical miles offshore, the bedrock outcropping experiences very strong currents. Reportedly, blue and porbeagle sharks visit areas with steeply sloping topography like Sanctuary Hill. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary's northeast corner.

IntermediateMax depth 120.1 ftBoat entry
Numbers match the ranked list of Rockport dive and snorkel sites. Full map with key

Rockport diving guide

Ready to check out the best sites in Rockport for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 8 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best dive and snorkel sites in Rockport?

Based on Zentacle reviews, the top-rated sites in Rockport are Front Beach (5.0 from 3 reviews), Back Beach (4.5 from 15 reviews) and Old Garden Beach (4.5 from 10 reviews).

Where is the best snorkeling for beginners in Rockport?

The top-rated beginner sites are Front Beach (5.0 from 3 reviews), Back Beach (4.5 from 15 reviews) and Old Garden Beach (4.5 from 10 reviews).

Where can I shore dive in Rockport?

Front Beach, Back Beach, Old Garden Beach and Folly Cove are the top-rated sites you can enter from shore.

What is the best advanced dive in Rockport?

Cathedral Rocks (4.1 from 11 reviews), with a maximum depth of 15.1 ft.