NJ Wreck Recommendation

[scott7685]

Question for those experienced / dive often on NJ wrecks. Given the following profile, which wrecks would recommend would be the first ones to look at in terms of first wreck dives off the Northeast Atlantic. (would likely be late summer / early fall '25)

1) ~100 dives
2) AOW/Rescue/Nitrox/Deep/Wreck/Dry training and certs
3) 50+ dives on "deep" wrecks where Deep means > 100'
a) sub note that those deep wreck dives would all be in warm waters (FL Keys, Truk Lagoon, etc)
4) Single steel 100 tank w/ AL40 slung pony

With those parameters are there NJ wrecks to dive and be enjoyed? Or does one really need to be into the early tech / deco stages to enjoy NJ wreck diving?

 

[cmsstoneworks]

also curious as I lived in NJ for most of my life before moving upstate but still have family in the area with a boat.

 

[flymolo]

Question for those experienced / dive often on NJ wrecks. Given the following profile, which wrecks would recommend would be the first ones to look at in terms of first wreck dives off the Northeast Atlantic. (would likely be late summer / early fall '25)

1) ~100 dives
2) AOW/Rescue/Nitrox/Deep/Wreck/Dry training and certs
3) 50+ dives on "deep" wrecks where Deep means > 100'
a) sub note that those deep wreck dives would all be in warm waters (FL Keys, Truk Lagoon, etc)
4) Single steel 100 tank w/ AL40 slung pony

With those parameters are there NJ wrecks to dive and be enjoyed? Or does one really need to be into the early tech / deco stages to enjoy NJ wreck diving?

no you don't need technical certs to enjoy local diving.

for boat dives, look at the inshore wrecks- the mohawk, deleware, tolten, granite wreck, iberia, stolt dagali, algol, as well as others. my advice would be look at the charter schedules and pick dives within the depth range that you are comfortable, but if you are used to warm water dives with good visibility, maybe scale the depths down a bit to account for the colder water and lower vis, so you can get used to the environment first

 

[coldwaterglutton]

Maybe drive up to Long Island and hit the Oregon and San Diego, both are great wrecks and relatively straightforward dives despite the depth.

Also, this:

Dive Sites ~ New Jersey Scuba Diving

 

[flymolo]

Maybe drive up to Long Island and hit the Oregon and San Diego, both are great wrecks and relatively straightforward dives despite the depth.

Also, this:

Dive Sites ~ New Jersey Scuba Diving

yeah. really great wrecks and they both sit on a sandy bottom which is nice

 

[acxc]

A couple things to add:

Your certs, experience, and equipment are perfect for the recreational depth wrecks. Biggest thing to get used to will be visibility adjustment. It's not as bad as most people will tell you it is (there's only a handful of days I have seen less than 10', with 20-30' being average), but it will definitely change the way you dive a bit. Going slow, being comfortable with basic navigation, and knowing how to properly run a reel will be super helpful.

I'd also recommend finding a good buddy or mentor, hiring a guide, or just being open with the captain about your experience level the first time out. The process of it all can be more intimidating than the dive itself, and having someone to help you along will make it an enjoyable experience. The Independence II out of Point Pleasant, the Dina Dee out of LBI, or any of the Atlantic Divers charters out of Cape May typically carry extra crew and can usually set you up with someone for a tour.

Lastly, consider starting your season earlier than later. Late June to Mid August will really be your best shot at getting out, as you get into the late summer / early fall weather can really make the schedule unpredictable.

If you have any other questions or would like more detailed advice on some of the wreck and charter options feel free to DM me.

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

Garden State Parkway at rush hour. Lots of wrecks.

 

[Wants2divemore]

South Jersey Scuba periodically offers a New to New Jersey diving charter on the Dina Dee specifically designed for people that have never dove NJ wrecks. It's very well run.

2025 New to Jersey Diving: Dina Dee

www.southjerseyscuba.com

 

[coldwaterglutton]

. . . Biggest thing to get used to will be visibility adjustment. It's not as bad as most people will tell you it is (there's only a handful of days I have seen less than 10', with 20-30' being average), but it will definitely change the way you dive a bit. . . . Late June to Mid August. . .

IMHO visibility on the Atlantic wrecks gradually decreases over the summer as plankton/algae blooms and is noticeably better in May/June than August.