Notes about things regarding scuba diving that I have come to know
Southern Maine Shore Dive Site Guide
Here is our ever-growing list of regional dive sites. Some of these can be found in the popular published guides or on the numerous regional Web-sites. Others are spots you just don't hear about. Some of them we first discovered as skin-diving sites. I will also include some spots on our list of places to try. If you get there first let me know what you find. In addition to local salt and fresh water sites I am including some sites in the Mount Desert Island region that we have enjoyed on several trips to the area.
They are organized starting with ocean sites running south to north. I will follow with freshwater sites starting in Maine and following with other states. I am not going to go into great detail regarding directions. I will assume that you have a "Maine Atlas and Gazetteer" or state Atlas. GPS cordinates are provided. They will cut and paste into Google Maps and other online mapping sites. They may also be used with your own GPS or navigational aid.
Many of these sites are also historic public locations such as forts and lighthouses. They can add interest to your visit and provide a diversion during your surface interval. Where known I will include some background links on these aspects of the sites.
At the bottom of this page you find links to online resources that I use in planning local dives including...
The general weather
The Marine Forecast
The tide charts
The water temperature guides
Buoy data
Generally N or NW winds will be our friends and will knock down the seas at shore sites. Our typical seas will be forecasted as 2-4 feet. Anything less than that is a bonus. Above 2-4 feet the site, tide and the site's wind exposure along with diver ability should be considered. In terms of seasonal access I have not taken snow into account since it varies widely.
Water temperatures will vary with the seasons. Our warmest water is found from Late July into early September. During the 1st part of August it may be possible to make a shallow shore dive without dipping below 60F but this will require ideal conditions. For most divers a 7mm wetsuit with a second layer on the core will allow enjoyable diving from mid May though October. Outside that range diving wet is still possible but most will prefer to be in a drysuit in those conditions. By late October the surface interval and changing back to street clotes can be the most challenging part of the dive day, more so than the bottom time.
Lastly we are privileged to enjoy many of theses sites through permissive trespass and the welcoming communities that have chosen to keep waterfront access available to the general public. Please use these sites with care and consideration. The principle of leave only footprints and take only memories will serve you well. Remember that the curious folks who come to speak with you may very well be visitors from away. Please be gracious ambassadors of Vacationland as well as our sport. Should you find yourself enjoying these sites from away welcome to our little corner of the world.
If you are a new to diving, a guest to the area or just looking for a buddy to enjoy a dive with drop me an e-mail and maybe we can get together.
