Consider New England Scuba Diving For An Experience With A Difference

By Ladonna Chambers


Many people think that the only great destinations for diving are tropical coral reefs like those of the Caribbean or the Pacific. These places are indeed wonderful for underwater explorers because they offer such a variety of colorful ocean creatures. However, cold-water diving is a wonderful experience too. New England scuba clubs know that their ocean and lakes offer unforgettable experiences.

New England is famed for its spectacular fall scenery. However, if you want to head for the water, the area also has an abundance of dive sites. The rugged coastline and many islands off Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut are home to a large variety of marine life. You can also head inland and dive in the lakes here, so even landlocked Vermont is a great scuba diving destination.

The variety of dive sites in the area means that you'll be able to find a suitable spot, no matter what type of thrill you're looking for or what your level of skill is. There are plenty of wreck diving opportunities or you can go ice diving or cave diving. It's even possible to go diving at high altitudes if you head for some of the inland lakes.

The states of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut border on the Atlantic coast. This means that they are the places to go to if you're looking for saltwater dive sites. Wreck diving is a favorite pastime here, with everything from fishing boats to warships lying at the bottom of the ocean. If you've always thought that submarines can't sink, be sure to visit Rhode Island and explore the wreck of U-853, a German U-boat sunk during World War 2. Marine life in these waters includes shoals of fish as well as sharks, whales and seals.

The inland parts has plenty of dive sites too. With about 2,500 lakes and smaller ponds and several quarries, you can take your pick of freshwater dive sites. One spot that you shouldn't miss out on is Lake Champlain in Vermont. Here, centuries of boat traffic across the lake has meant that there are age-old wrecks to explore.

You don't have to wait for summer to go diving. Ice diving may not be for the faint-hearted, but it's a thrill like nothing you'll ever experience underwater. If this sounds too extreme for you, contact the diving club at the New England Aquarium for aquarium dives.

The type of diving will dictate the equipment you will need. A wetsuit is essential, though, no matter where in the area you dive. Even in summer the water can be very chilly. In winter a drysuit over thermal undergarments is the best option. A dive light is indispensable in the murky water and you'll also need your usual safety equipment.

If you're planning on doing some diving in the area, first do some research on the best dive sites for you. There are several New England scuba clubs and dive shops that you can contact for advice. Then make sure that your camera works well under water.




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