New Hampshire Diving

[Scuba Sheri]

I'm going to be going to Hampton Beach, NH for a family vacation (will be visiting from Washington State) in July. Is there any diving out around that area? Dive shop or dive boat recommendations anyone? We're visiting family from Massachusetts but none of them dive, so they aren't much help!

 

[spectrum]

The New Hampshire coast (all 19 miles or so) is amazingly accessible by New England standard. US RT1 runs along the seashore and there are a number of dive sites mentioned on websites and in published guides. I have only made one quick dive on that coast and in general it's passed over for the shores of Maine and Mass which are close by.
Here are some links:
http://www.scuba-newengland.com/DiveSiteList.asp?StateID=NH
http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/USA_East/New_Hampshire/index.htm

From there you can navigate to ME and MA


There are dive charters to the isle of Shoales off of Portsmouth, Captian Rob comes to mind. Nubble light (Cape Neddick, York) in Maine is a must. To the south in MA are a number of sites that dominate traffic on this board an that others can talk to much more.

Coastal NH dive shops are in Rye and Portsmouth that I know of.

It's a short drive inland for a freswater romp in Lake Winnipesukee if the seas are not friendly. Shore and boat dives can be made there.

Let us all know when you're in town.

Pete

 

[Mark_N]

I would suggest a charter out to Isle of Shoals for a seal dive. My absolute favorite! There are many charters that go from Portsmith NH, Rye NH and maybe Cape Ann MA. The shops that I've chartered with are:

http://aquaticspecialties.net/

For shore dives Cape Ann has a dozen or so shore dives as well as charters to a variety of wrecks and other popular spots.

http://www.capeanndivers.com/

I also here there is some really nice diving down in RI but have yet to venture that far south.

When you get out this way just post a message in this forum looking for a dive partner, shouldn't have any problem finding one or two.

 

[Cecil]

Agree wit above comments, do the Isle of Shoal if at all possible. The Nubble Lighthouse in York Beach Maine would be the next best.

 

[Green_Manelishi]

Atlantic Aquasport in Rye (www.atlanticaquasport.com) offers guided shore dives during the summer. The instructor/guides are familiar with the sites they take the group to for the dives.

 

[ScubaSarus]

I Have to third the Isle of Shoals dive. It was one of my top 10 dives

 

[Scuba Sheri]

Thanks for all the tips! I appreciate it!

 

[Diesel298]

lots good diving down here in RI too
but thers lots good diving up there around where you are gonna be..

 

[DavidInNH]

A good trip to the Shoals is with Captain Rob's Dive Charters. He's at www.captainrobs.com and runs a fine operation.

As for shore diving, Nubble Light is a standard place for visitors to Maine and New Hampshire and is only a little up the road from Hampton Beach. Get in touch with me or my club (United Divers of New Hampshire at www.udnh.org) when you know your dates in the area. I'm always up for Nubble and always interested in having new folks join me.

- David

 

[reefseal]

Much of the NH coastline isn't really good for shore dives. Where you are staying, Hampton beach is nice beach but not good for diving. (Sand, long swim out to get depth)

Just of north of you is Portsmouth. There, you can dive off Great Island Commons. It's a nice little dive site and you can bring your non-diver friends with you to picnic while you're diving.

From hampton, you're not far from Nubble light. It would be a shame to come out here and not dive it. You just can't dive it on Sundays.

Definately do an Isle of shoals dive with Captain Rob. He leaves out of Rye harbor which is next to Hampton beach.

These I recommend are 3 best dive options. no need to go to Cape Ann. Spend your tourist dollars in NH. Live free and Dive!

http://www.scuba-newengland.com/DiveSiteList.asp?StateID=NH
http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/USA_East/New_Hampshire/