Cape Ann Dive Sites we visit
Burnham Rock
Description: This is a trench which runs south east, on either side of the trench there are nice rock formations where different species' of fish school, large mussels, anemones, and sun stars also live here.
Depths: 60-140 feet.
Diving: Typical visibility 30+ feet, this is an advanced dive where there is a lot to explore, depth, time, gas/air all have to be looked at. Mooring is at top of trench in 65 feet.
Chester Poling
Description: Stern (Back) section of a coastal oil tanker which is 130 feet long and 40 feet wide. Various new England fish hang out here, as well as sponges, mussels, anemones, and various crabs.
Depths: Top of the deck is 70 feet, along the hull the sand reaches a max depth of 95 feet.
Diving: Typical visibility 20-30 feet, current can be on the first 15 feet from the surface, but the captain will advise on the day's condition. Depth is another consideration with GAS/AIR, decompression, and Narcosis. This is a Moored site.
Dry Salvages
Description: A group of rocks that penetrate the surface, where there are large boulders and granite rocks to swim around. Seals are regulars here and this is also one of the better lobster sites early in the season.
Depths: 25-80 feet
Diving: Usually better visibility: 30-40 feet, Current is a serious consideration with this dive and the captain will advise based on the day's condition. Anchoring site.
Halfway Rock
Description: This is a premiere New England dive site. Rock island halfway between Boston and Gloucester. Awesome rock formations and shear walls covered in marine life.
Depths: 15-105 feet
Diving: Typical visibility 25-35 feet. Depth can be a factor. This is an anchoring site.
Kettle Island
Description: The front side (facing east), has large granite slabs which eventually meets sand. The back (west facing), is sandier but has some great rock formations. The wall (south facing) is a steep rock wall with some great swim-through and large boulders. This is a popular lobster hunt, but is very scenic for the photographer.
Depths: 20-65 feet front, 20-55 feet back, 15-75 feet wall.
Diving: Typical visibility 20-30 feet. Anchoring site.
New York Central (PUG wreck)
Description: Self powered boat, only 110 feet long by 30 feet wide which gave it the "pug" nickname by divers.
Depths: 120 feet
Diving: Typical visibility 10-20 feet. Depth, time, gas/air all have to be considered. This is a moored site.
Thatcher Island
Description: This island is off of Rockport and is most recognized for its twin lighthouses. The site has very nice topography and is a popular lobster hunting site.
Depths: 25-55 feet
Diving: Typical visibility 23-30 feet. Nice trenches to help with navigation, this is an anchoring site.
Paddock Rock
Description: This is an underwater pinnacle with an awesome south facing wall that "steps" down to a trench. Lots of fish and other marine life here. This is a moored site.
Depths: Top of the pinnacle is 15-20 feet, first step on the wall is 45-50 feet, next step 65-70 feet, and the trench is in 90 feet. Great site for advanced classes.
Diving: Typical visibility 25-35 feet. Depth can be a consideration if a diver wants to go down the wall. This is a moored site.
Pickett's Ledge
Description: Rock pinnacle that breaks the surface, huge cracks and crevices to swim through. Lobsters can be found here, among other marine creatures.
Depth: 20-80 feet
Diving: Typical visibility 25-35 feet. Pay attention to your compass as some cracks can lead your farther than you want! This is an anchor site.
Popple Stone Ledge
Description: Rock pinnacle off of Magnolia Rocks. Nice topography, lots of marine life including lobsters.
Depths: 15-70 feet
Diving: Typical visibility 20-30 feet. Boat traffic can be heavy in the mid-summer months so the captain will make the call if he doesn't think it's safe. This is an anchoring site.
|
