Favorite Winter Shore Spots

[MadisonK]

Boat is put away but my gear and I still haven't had enough. How about a list of favorite north of Boston but South of Portland spots.

 

[decapoddiver]

In the winter I'm all about easy entry and short swims to the "stuff". Back Beach is protected and has a short walk back to the vehicle.

 

[reefseal]

I've had good dives at same spots I dive in "season" Though, Cat Rocks is out of question when snow on rocks! There is a definate visible difference in plant life diving winter than summer. Also, after a few days of calm seas, vis is amazingly better without plankton..

One of my best dives in winter was Norman's woe. Though air temps were just a tad under 40, It was a sunny AM, no wind. I dove wet then as didn't have drysuit yet. Was awesome. Laid out to warm up on rocks in sun.

 

[Soggy]

I'm a big fan of Old Garden Beach. It's always decent vis and protected, so very little surf.

 

[Green_Manelishi]

Just like in summer, Nubble Light because it's only 20 minutes from my house.

 

[adshepard]

I try and do both at high tide only in the winter. Actually Plum Cove is only good at high tide. Sometimes I'll do Back Beach but it is just not a favorite of mine at any time of year despite the easy parking and entry/exit.

DSDo

Alan

 

[matt_unique]

Boat is put away but my gear and I still haven't had enough. How about a list of favorite north of Boston but South of Portland spots.

Yeah I am going through the same withdrawal. I have gone through this every year for the past 5 years actually. My favorite shore dive spot is Cat if weather/snow coverage allows. This site offers the best bang for your buck. I will not try it when there is snow or ice on the rocks. I do Folly when Cat is not possible. Magnolia is a decent spot. It's nothing like boat diving but it feels good to get wet and keep skills sharp.

--Matt

 

[MadisonK]

I've had good dives at same spots I dive in "season" Though, Cat Rocks is out of question when snow on rocks! There is a definate visible difference in plant life diving winter than summer. Also, after a few days of calm seas, vis is amazingly better without plankton..

One of my best dives in winter was Norman's woe. Though air temps were just a tad under 40, It was a sunny AM, no wind. I dove wet then as didn't have drysuit yet. Was awesome. Laid out to warm up on rocks in sun.

How do you dive Normans without a boat? Is there a street nearby I don't know about? Seems like a bunch of private homes.

I should know this but where is Nubble Light? I've only lived on the north shore for 34 of my 34 years.

 

[decapoddiver]

.

 

[MSilvia]

I'm a big fan of Old Garden Beach. It's always decent vis and protected, so very little surf.

I'll second that, and add that there are some great shallow reefs there with LOTS of life. In fact, we should get out for a dive there soon Soggy.