MASS DIVING
Dealer Website: https://massdiving.com/
Natick, Massachusetts
Where are the best dive spots near you?
- Rockport and Gloucester are the most popular locations for diving in our area. Some diver favorite sites are Folly Cove, Pebble Beach, and Old Garden for shore diving. For boat diving, Big Fantastic Wall, Saturday Night Ledge, Dry Salvages Halfway Rock, and Burnham Ledge, are some favorites as well as some wrecks like the Chester Poling.
What would you see at the dive site(s)?
- In general, you can count on seeing some local wildlife such as an assortment of crabs, lobsters, moon snails, sea stars, sand dollars, flounder, urchins, sea ravens, rock gunnel, etc. Some more unusual but exciting sightings would be skates, torpedo rays, striped bass, seals, and this year lion’s mane jellies. There are also a variety of nudibranchs, often more sightings and variety of species in the colder months.
When is the best time to go?
- Diving here typically takes place in the mornings. The main reason for this is to access parking before the beachgoers arrive. Also, to catch high tide at some sites. The majority of diving is done between June and October, however there are some who dive all year round – just depends on your personal temperature tolerance.
Recommended gear for the dive?
- Minimum of a 7mm full suit with 5mm boots, gloves and hood. Some divers add a vest or hooded vest depending on temperatures and their comfort level. Drysuit is another option – for some all year round, for others just in the colder months.
How do you get to the dive site?
- For shore dives, you just drive there. At some sites parking is limited or restricted, so be sure to pay attention to the signage and follow the rules to avoid getting a ticket. At some sites it’s necessary to drop off the gear and park a block or so away. For boat dives there’s a parking lot for charter customers and then it’s just a matter of loading your gear from your car to the boat.
What is the dive depth and visibility like?
- Shore dives are typically shallow ranging from a maximum of 20 – 40 feet, depending on tide. There are a few sites that can be deeper, but they are also more challenging to get to. Boat dives are where you can get some depth. Sites range from the rocks/pinnacles at 40 feet to the walls at 100+ft. Visibility often depends on the weather/wind conditions over the prior few days. At best it can be 20 feet, at worst just a few feet.
How many dives a day can be done?
- Typically, most divers do 2 dives a day. That’s the same for shore or boat diving. Of course, if one still has energy and tanks remaining, they’re welcome to do more!
Who takes the divers out?
- Our program dives are led by our instructional staff, PADI Divemasters and Instructors. They have experience with the sites and can give the briefing and be the guide underwater as well. This program is a great opportunity to become familiar with the local sites under the guidance of a professional – whether you’re new to the area or new to diving, as well as a great way to meet other local divers and new dive buddies. Our guide is also there to assist with any equipment questions or issues.
How do divers sign up or learn more?
- Divers pre-register to join the dives by contacting the shop. Members of our dive program attend for free; non-members pay a fee of $15. As part of our dive program we also offer the Local 25 Dive Site Challenge. Here’s a link to more information on our website: https://massdiving.com/mass-diving-progam
