Diving in New Jersey offers a variety of options for both beginners and experienced divers. Here is some information on the best diving spots in New Jersey, dive conditions, marine life, and costs.
Best Diving Spots for Experienced Divers:
- The Axel Carlson and Sandy Hook artificial reefs offer some of the best wreck diving opportunities in New Jersey, with several sunken ships to explore.
- The Cape May wreck, a sunken barge, offers a unique diving experience with interesting marine life.
- The Manasquan Inlet and Shark River Inlet offer challenging dive conditions with strong currents, but also have the opportunity to see pelagic species such as sharks and rays.
Best Diving Spots for Beginners:
- Dutch Springs, a freshwater quarry, offers a great location for beginner divers to practice and gain experience in a controlled environment.
- The Belmar Shark River Reef offers a relatively shallow dive with an abundance of marine life, including sea bass, fluke, and lobster.
- The Sandy Hook Bay is another great location for beginner divers, with relatively calm conditions and opportunities to see a variety of fish species.
Marine Life:
New Jersey's diving sites offer a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, rays, and a variety of fish species. Some areas also have interesting invertebrates such as crabs, lobsters, and seahorses.
Dive Conditions:
Dive conditions in New Jersey can vary depending on the location and season. Water temperatures range from the 40s in the winter to the 70s in the summer, with visibility typically ranging from 15-40 feet. Currents can be strong in some areas, so it is important for divers to check conditions before diving.
Cost:
Diving costs in New Jersey vary depending on the location and equipment needed. Many dive shops in the area offer gear rentals and certification courses for beginners, with prices ranging from $150-$500. Guided dives with experienced instructors can cost around $100-$150 per person.
Overall, New Jersey offers a variety of diving opportunities for both beginners and experienced divers, with interesting marine life and diverse dive conditions.
