Diving in Boston with no car and a student budget?!

[neonstingray]

Hey everyone,
I'm a dental student at Tufts, but would like to get back into diving this summer and take advantage of living so close to water for the first time. I also have two other classmates looking to join in. That being said, none of us have a car and we're working on a tight budget. One of the best-looking opportunities I've found so far seems to be Boston Harbor Diving Company, and their little boat charters at $80 a person.

That being said, we can always do Zip-car, but we'd be paying per hour on the car. For a close drive that isn't too bad once we split it, so I thought that may give us a shore diving opportunity. I've tried to read up on Cape Ann, but it sounds like parking is a major pain and there are issues with the locals? Why wouldn't locals want people diving off the cape there? It seems like one of the more harmless of activities. :shocked2:

Are there any other non-car (or zip-car feasible), budget friendly, opportunities I should look into for the summer, or any other advice?

Thanks as always.

 

[kmurray719]

Shore diving is really the most budget friendly way to dive in MA. There are some parking "issues" around Cape Ann, but they're manageable. You really do need to have (access to) a car to dive here. Even boat diving you'll have to bring all your gear. Even if there were T accessible sites, there's no way to bring it all on public transportation. There are some shore diving sites a bit closer to the city in Nahant and Marblehead, but those come with their own parking and/or tidal issues.

Boston Scuba (the harbor diving company) is a great outfit, and they have a great boat. Their shop is right there so you may be able to rent gear from them and avoid bringing it with you. But boat diving is not going to be a cheap option either way. I'm pretty sure there is no cheap option ever when scuba is involved

 

[neonstingray]

Thanks Kim! I fully expected to need a zip-car for Cape Ann, and after splitting the cost that would be fine. I didn't think there was any reason I couldn't take the T to Boston Scuba with gear though, since I can fit everything in a rolling scuba bag?

 

[kmurray719]

I'm not sure how T accessible the marina actually is, I've only driven there. You'd still need to rent tanks and weights, those are not included by any dive boats around here.

 

[macado]

I'll echo another vote for Boston Scuba. I may be a bit biased since I dive with them very often and occasionally deckhand/divemaster on the boat. They are a very good operation, Pat and Jim know the harbor very well. Good scalloping and lobster hunting.

Boston Scuba is T accessible. You can walk from Maverick Station (blue line) to the dive shop which is located in Boston Shipyard and Marina; I have done it many times actually. It's 5-10 minute walk depending on your walking pace.

Shop has full set of rental gear available, including weights and tanks if you need.

Google maps says 11 minute walking: https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=...EMaXDjiTHlIYhr6_h1ZQ&t=h&dirflg=w&mra=ltm&z=1

I would be glad to answer any questions if you have any..

EDIT: Also forgot to mention I have seen some customers bring roller bags from T station so it definitely can be done

 

[ScubaGypsy]

I too agree that Boston Scuba is a good choice. In fact, since you are trying to live on a budget, you should break even, and likely come out ahead, if you go on their scallop dives. On the four times I've gone out with them for the scallop dives, I have left with between 6-10 lbs of fresh scallops! Our local grocery store is selling these same scallops for $18/lb and you can't get any fresher than self harvesting.

 

[paulthenurse]

Another thumbs up for Pat and Jimmy. Love those guys.

I'd think that taking the T would be far more comfortable than jamming three divers and gear into a Zip car.

PTN

 

[Hapkiman]

Hey everyone,
I'm a dental student at Tufts, but would like to get back into diving this summer and take advantage of living so close to water for the first time. I also have two other classmates looking to join in. That being said, none of us have a car and we're working on a tight budget. One of the best-looking opportunities I've found so far seems to be Boston Harbor Diving Company, and their little boat charters at $80 a person.

That being said, we can always do Zip-car, but we'd be paying per hour on the car. For a close drive that isn't too bad once we split it, so I thought that may give us a shore diving opportunity. I've tried to read up on Cape Ann, but it sounds like parking is a major pain and there are issues with the locals? Why wouldn't locals want people diving off the cape there? It seems like one of the more harmless of activities. :shocked2:

Are there any other non-car (or zip-car feasible), budget friendly, opportunities I should look into for the summer, or any other advice?

Thanks as always.

I am from the area and am a father of two sons whom both dive we beach dive throughout the area throughout the summer . My sons live on the South shore I live in Hyde Park .They are both advanced open water I hold a master scuba from PADI and lean more towards the tech approach having about 200 dives in the Philippines with my UTD mentors .

We are always looking for partners and we always have room with two jeeps and plenty of space ,we go lobstering on a regular basis contact me at hapkihw7@yahoo.com

Hal

 

[Grant Rudd]

I guess im not the only one in this situation! I just recently got certified, but after 10 days of diving down in the Caribbean i cant wait to get back in the water, only I have no way to get to any of the local diving. If you are in need of another person to split the zipcar with let me know!

Grant

 

[Tug]

I'll also add a recommendation for Boston Scuba. They are a great outfit and know what they are doing in the harbor. Like macado said, there are people that will take the T there with a gear bag and rent tanks. Plus, it's easy to make a night of it. Often times the guys will hang out on the dock and there is a great place for food in the shipyard (KO's Pies) so it's easy to make a day/night of it.

I would also recommend hooking up with East Coast Divers. There are often people looking for rides up to cape Ann from the Boston area that you might e able to share a zip car with.

A third option would be to post here on weekends that you're looking to dive. There might be a few folks willing the pick someone up on their way.


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