

Sponge Forest - Big Boulders dive site is an area on top of Stellwagen Bank with cobble and boulders that provide hard substrate for the finger sponges after which it was named. Codfish and other fish hide amongst the larger boulders that are also home to large northern red anemones.

Sponge Forest - Big Boulders is also known as Big Boulders.

Sponge Forest - Big Boulders

Sponge Forest encompasses areas ontop of Stellwagen Bank in NOAA's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary with cobble and scattered boulders that provide hard substrate for encrusting marine invertebrates.  The area is named after the large finger sponges found growing on the seafloor.  Sponge Forest lies within the Traffic Separation Zone of the Port of Boston's Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS).  Dive vessels must be on the lookout for large cargo vessels transiting the area and must not impede the passage of these vessels.  Vessel operators should follow all regulations pertaining to the safe operation of vessels in a TSS.



Sponge Forest

An unidentified trawler shipwreck rests on Stellwagen Bank in 105-110 feet of water in NOAA's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary off Massachusetts.  The trawler is broken into four pieces; its pilothouse, hull, stern, and net reel.  Smaller hull fragments surround the site.  As the shipwreck sits on a mostly featureless sand bottom, it attracts schools of cod and pollock that hide within its structure.  The identity of this trawler has not been determined and the sanctuary is seeking help from anyone who might know its name.  The trawler lies within the Outbound Lane of the Port of Boston's Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS).  Vessel operators should follow all regulations pertaining to the safe operation of vessels in a TSS.

The sanctuary offers SCUBA divers a chance to explore an offshore environment at the mouth of Massachusetts Bay.  Exposed waters create challenging dive conditions, but offer rewarding experiences.  Surprisingly, fifteen percent of the sanctuary, or 126 square miles, is shallower than 130 feet at low tide.  Much of this area lies atop Stellwagen Bank, but also includes southern Jeffreys Ledge and the top of Sanctuary Hill. Diving offshore is unlike diving at a similar depth inshore. In addition to the deep water, you will likely experience strong currents at the surface and the bottom, especially if the wind and tide are moving in the same direction. Plan your dive around slack tide for the best underwater and surface conditions.

NOAA's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary off Massachusetts

Unidentified Trawler Shipwreck is also known as Unidentified Fishing Vessel.

Unidentified Trawler Shipwreck

The Josephine Marie was a steel-hulled stern trawler that now lies in 100 feet of water on top of Stellwagen Bank in NOAA's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. 

The red-hulled Josephine Marie lies upside down with its bow facing roughly northwest. Divers are free to visit the site, but should be aware of hazards such as strong currents and fishing gear.



Josephine Marie Shipwreck is also known as Fishing Vessel Josephine Marie.

Josephine Marie Shipwreck





Brant Rock is also known as Brant Rock.

Brant Rock

Saturday Night Ledge is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Massachusetts, Cape Ann which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Saturday Night Ledge

Burnham Rocks is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Massachusetts, Cape Ann which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Burnham Rocks

Deep wreck dive. This is a crane that fell off a barge.  It is sitting on its back, intact, in 150' of water.  Covered with marine life.  Very impressive, but small wreck.

Can only be accessed by boat. Southeast of Rockport.

The Crane

On the northern edge of NOAA's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, rocky ridges on the southern edge of Jeffreys Ledge rise to within 115 feet of the surface. The shallowest portion of the ledge is comprised of piled cobble and boulders.  Anemones, stalked tunicates, and coralline algae reside on the rocks making for a colorful landscape when illuminated with a dive light.  The ledge's piled boulders create a complex structure with many crevices for marine fishes like cusk and wolffish.

For more information visit: http://stellwagen.noaa.gov/visit/diving/diving.html

Jeffreys Ledge is a large glacially-created feature, stretching 33 miles from offshore of Rockport, MA to Cape Elizabeth, ME.  Dive charters departing from Gloucester run special trips upon request.



Jeffreys Ledge

This site is excellent as a second dive especially because it is shallow and the visibility is usually excellent for the NE(20 - 30ft). Enter Brace Cove, Brace rock will be to your left (south). Motor in and look to anchor yourself about 100 feet beyond Brace Rock on the south western end. I would usually dropped anchor in about 13 ft. of water just as I could start making out the rocky bottom. The bottom is a mix of large smooth flat rock with lots of rocks with sparse vegetation mixed in and sea life of all descriptions. I have never been disappointed with this dive especially on sunny days. I have dived the other side of the cove also which is less spectacular.

I am only familiar with this dive site by boat and dove primarily the south west side. Most of the time this was in the lee of Brace Rock some 100 feet away.I would anchor my inflatable in about 13 feet of water. 

Brace Cove

Stern of the Chester Poling sits upright in about 28m / 90ft. Broken in half, it makes for an awesome dive around the perimeter and over the deck. Can also be penetrated, but sediment settling in the boat could be stirred and obscure visibility.

Boat access by Cape Anne Divers boat charter.

Sponge Forest - Big Boulders

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Sponge Forest - Big Boulders