East Coast Dives

[LI Diver]

Does anyone know of any shore or shallow boat dives along the central east coast south of NY that are comfortably driveable from new york? I just got into local diving and the water temp is going to start dropping from now on so I was wondering if I could drive south and extend my season.I prefer water temps of 67 degrees or above. I have not mastered using a hood yet and the thickest wetsuit I have is 5mm. I know about cooper river so please disregard this dive. Thanks, Ed

 

[WetDawg]

How about the USS Huron- very historical dive 250 yds off the beach in Nags Head, NC.

http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/USA_/North_Carolina_/USS_Huron/index.htm

 

[Prostar]

How about Lake Rawlings in Virginia?

 

[sasquatcher]

Hi Ed. I know you asked about shallow boat dives south of New York, but have you thought about the St. Lawrence? I was up there last weekend, and enjoyed temps that ranged from 68 to 71. Plus, no thermoclines. That'll atleast extend your diving season up around New York for a couple more weeks.

 

[LI Diver]

Thanks Guy's I will research these options

 

[rawls]

I don't know what you consider a comfortable driving distance, but Beaufort, NC has a great rock jetty at a place called Radio Island. The depth is no more than 35 fsw. The temp doesn't drop to 67 degrees until mid to late November...perhaps even a little later. Call Discovery Diving at 252-728-2265 for more info. It is a great place to do a beach dive...I have dived it hundreds of times and never get tired of it.

 

[LI Diver]

How about Lake Rawlings in Virginia?

I looked at their site and other than warm(which is relative) they don't list water temps. Do you know the temp range this time of year??

 

[LI Diver]

Hi Ed. I know you asked about shallow boat dives south of New York, but have you thought about the St. Lawrence? I was up there last weekend, and enjoyed temps that ranged from 68 to 71. Plus, no thermoclines. That'll atleast extend your diving season up around New York for a couple more weeks.

Are currents an issue here?

 

[sasquatcher]

Are currents an issue here?

Yea, currents in some areas can get a little stronger here. This season they've had less rainfall and the currents are more mild. There are some wrecks that can be a little tougher, but there are a bunch of dive spots that have mild to medium currents. If you can manage the drift dives in Cozumel well, you shouldn't have trouble with most of the dives here. The big thing is to pay close attention to what the dive boat captains tell in how to dive the particular conditions. They know them well. I would just inform them of what depths and conditions you're looking to dive.

There are also some great shore dives that are really easy and fun at 30 feet with very little current at all. Most of the shore dives have places to park and are easy to plan out. If you're wanting to stay shallow and avoid current, I would stick with these.

 

[Garrobo]

How about the southeastern coast of Florids and the Keys. That's south of NY.