Two Lights Portland Maine

[oldflounder]

What is the dive at Two Lights State Park like. It looks very ledgy so there may be a lot of critters there in the summer. By the same token those ledges may cause a lot of surge at high tide if the cove isn't protected. Is it worth the time or should I stick to Ship's Cove when in the area???

 

[gypsyjim]

I will be taking a week long class in Portland, this Sept, and was wondering what dive oportunities there are available in that area, figuring I can do a dive or 2 Sat when the school is done. If the diving is worthwhile. (?)

Any suggestions?

 

[oldflounder]

You don't do night dives??? Will you have a car available? There are several good spots in the Portland area and within a 1 hour drive [considered the extents of a local dive around here.] I hope you are used to poor viz [8-12']- or you'll be disappointed - expect to get up close and personal with the critters.

 

[oldflounder]

Never mind - I just found out the answer to my question. The state does not allow swimming or scuba diving there.

 

[cfelliot]

Never mind - I just found out the answer to my question. The state does not allow swimming or scuba diving there.

Not true! The state park which is close by may not, but the cove "Dyer Cove" at the end of the access road is used all year round by divers. It like Ship's Cove is more or less protected on both sides.

See:
Google Maps

 

[oldflounder]

I'll have to check Dyer Cove out next time I'm up that way. Can you give me a quick little blurb on what I would expect to find there. I am mostly just an underwater tourist and critter voyeur.

 

[Maine Diver]

I have only done the left side of the cove. There was plenty of life to see. Lobsters, crabs, hermits, small fish. I have heard that the right side is very nice as well. It is a very easy entry over a sandy/pebble beach. It was my first Maine dive last year. I enjoyed it. I plan to dive it this year. The parking is very limited as many people come to look at the light houses and walk on the rocks. Be patient and a spot will open up.

 

[gypsyjim]

You don't do night dives??? Will you have a car available? There are several good spots in the Portland area and within a 1 hour drive [considered the extents of a local dive around here.] I hope you are used to poor viz [8-12']- or you'll be disappointed - expect to get up close and personal with the critters.

Love night dives. I won't do a night dive for the first time, at a site I have not dived in daylight. Maybe I'll come over a day early, to check out this site before I start my week of classes. hmmm......

Thanks

 

[oldflounder]

Ship's Cove at the Portland Head Light [Ft. Williams] would be an ideal site for a first visit night dive. In fact, my club [UDNH] went there last August and at noon we were essentially doing a night dive on a gorgeous summer day. Like I said before the viz can leave a lot to be desired. You need a different mindset - that is a different reason to dive to enjoy poor viz. Nubble is also a good place for a night dive and you will probably find others going there if you watch this board or the UDNH board or Spectrum's club's site [I don't have the www at the tip of my tongue - mainiacdivers maybe.] You shouldn't have any problem finding a buddy or two to go with you. We're pretty active here along the seacoast from Cape Ann to Cape Elizabeth especially. Most night dives are done in less than 40' as that's where the crawling critters are for the most part. I don't know if I want to drive 1 3/4 hours to Portland when you're here but I would certainly be up for Nubble if it was a nice night.

 

[Maine Diver]

I will be taking a week long class in Portland, this Sept, and was wondering what dive oportunities there are available in that area, figuring I can do a dive or 2 Sat when the school is done. If the diving is worthwhile. (?)

Any suggestions?

Gypsyjim, there are many nice sites in southern Maine to dive. Portland Head/Ships Coves is nice and easy. As mentioned, 2 Lights is good. Wells Beach and Kennebunk offer some nice diving. Check out this site for more info. If you PM me with your dates, our group would be happy to dive with you.

SCUBA Knowtes, Southern Maine Shore Dive Site Guide