The State of Maine includes 3,500 miles of indescribably beautiful coastline, comprised of bays, coves and similar indentations.  Over 60 lighthouses dot the craggy shore including the Portland Head Light, which was commissioned by George Washington.  Wreck diving (many accessible from shore) is available at many locations.  Check your tide tables and enjoy!<br><br>We would like to thank the kind assistance of Mike Bridges for helping us prepare this section for Maine. He and his wife provided guided shore diving tours in Maine for many years, but have since moved to the warmer climate of Panama City, Florida where he continues to shore dive and teach classes

Maine

Hancock County

Divers will travel far and wide to find the best diving. But those who live in the United States have plenty of great diving on their doorstep as well, with plentiful access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. From warm-water reefs to temperate seas, here are some of the top places to scuba dive in the United States.

United States





Sand Beach is also known as Newport Cove.

Bar Harbor

Sand Beach





Little Hunters Beach is also known as Musical Beach.

Little Hunters Beach

145 foot long schooner somewhat intact. Burned and sank early 1900's. Lots of urchins, anemones.

Easy to find in Seal Harbor. North west side of harbor, watch the depthfinder to locate wreck. The vis can be bad at times. Advanced site!  Can be accessed by charter boat from local Rockland dive centers.

F.C. Pendleton

Air fills, rental gear, instruction available at dive shop(Johnson's sporting Goods) in Rockland, about 15 minutes away.

The parking spot is at the 90 degree left turn of the road. Park on the right side. follow the trail down to the water. Be careful of the slippery rocks at low tide!

Beauchamp Point

Sunk in 1914 during a storm, the Irvinton was a 140' long tug. Bow is intact. Currents can be strong, dive at slack tide.

Can be accessed by private boat or charter(Maine Scuba Services) from Rockland. Wreck lays beside Northeast Pond ledge. Wreck is partialy buried in the sand.

Wreck of the Irvington is also known as Irvington.

Wreck of the Irvington

The City of Portland hit the ledge and sank in 1884. The wreckage is scattered in the sandy bottom. Very cool dive. 

Easily accessed by local DC charter boat from Rockland or private vessel.

City Of Portland

This picturesque area is the site of two wrecks: the Annie McGuire and the Lachinvar.  It is also great park for non-divers to hang out and explore, as well.  As you'll read below, getting to the water's edge can be a challenge, so we'd only recommend advanced divers in good physical shape attempt this dive.

Take a look at the previous site, Two Lights, to get your bearings.  At the intersection of 77 and East Point Road, head North for 1.5 miles, then make a right onto Shore Road.  In 2.5 miles you can take a right into Fort Williams Park.  Drive past Ships Cove, until you end up in the parking lot next to the light house.

Portland Headlight

During proper weather conditions, this is a pleasant area to dive and explore.  All the sea life you would expect should be here.  Beginners will enjoy the easy entry and relative shallows, while the advanced divers of your group will desire to explore beyond outer rocks.

From Kennybunk Port, you can take Rt. 9 North for about 9.3 miles.  Turn right onto Bridge Road, and then in another mile, left on Mile Stretch Rd, bear right on Orcutt Blvd, and go to the end.   You can also take Rt. 208 East (Pool Road) out of Biddford for about 5.5 miles, bearing left onto Bridge Road, then left onto Mile Stretch Rd., bear right on Orcutt Blvd, and go to the end.

Biddeford Pool

For you novices, this is considered an easy dive, with plenty to see.  At the time of this writing, however, this site appeared to be inaccessible.  We'd like to get a few reviews on the area, so if you've been here, write away!

From Kennybunk Port, you can take Rt. 9 North for about 8 miles.  Bear right onto Fortune's Rocks Road.  In a half a mile you will be at Fortunes Rocks.   You can also take Rt. 208 East (Pool Road) out of Biddford for about 7 miles.

Fortune's Rocks

For an easy sandy entry, try Wells Beach.  This intermediate  dive offers a view of the typical critters found in this area: lobster, crab, and flounder.  A dive flag is required in this area since boats are plentiful.

At about 4 miles North of Ogunquit on Route 1, turn right onto Mile Rd.  Go about 1 mile to the end, where you will find parking.  Park next to the benches, since that is the closest to the stairs to the beach.

Wells Beach

Nubble Light is a very picturesque location that offers easy access to some fine diving.  Established in 1879, Nubble Light is off limits to visitors, but you can still get a good view of it from the park.

Located next to York Village, in Cape Neddick.  From Route 1A in Cape Neddick (S. Main Street), follow Nubble Rd for about 1 mile.  Turn left into Sohler Park.

Sand Beach

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Sand Beach