Piscataqua River

[petrieps]

Looking for a buddy to dive The Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor with. Portsmouth Scuba has a nice chart showing the dive sites. We could try for some old bottles or a scallop dive from shore.

 

[oldflounder]

I dive it often in the winter as a plan B when Nubble is blown out. I have dove it enough to be acquiring a healthy respect for it - namely the wicked tidal longshore currents you can encounter anywhere at anytime in either direction. Make sure that you have a buddy that knows what he/she is doing if you plan on going out into the channel. I still consider myself to be in the learning process. I do postings here in the winter but it is usually simple, shallow shore dives just to stay tuned up. Go see Jay at Portsmouth Scuba. I think he was the one that spotted most of those dive sites on the map and he may be able to give you some tips.

 

[petrieps]

Thanks for the advice Old Flounder. The more I learn about the Piscataqua the more challenging it sounds. I think the appeal is in the challenge though. I am planning on checking out Portsmouth Scuba, I'm hoping they can give me some info on any charters that run regularly in the area as well.

 

[oldflounder]

To the best of my knowledge there aren't any regular charters out of the Portsmouth-York area. I think it is because of the unpredictable ocean/weather and the lack of diving tourists. Most of us locals are cheap and get our "fix" on shore dives or have a friend with a boat. There are several deep sea fishing operators in this area that will take you out on a charter but they need to be set up in advance. Your best bet for "regular" charters that might come up this way would be out of Cape Ann.