Difficulty
Unrated
Viz (last reported 3107h ago)
Max Depth
Unknown
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Fort Foster
Fort Foster was an active military site from 1873 to 1948. The grounds are easily accessible during season, but are quite a hike when the gates are closed. You can get more information here: Fort Foster gate house (207)439-2182 or Kittery Recreation Department (207)439-3800. Fees are $10.00 per car, $5.00 per person for pedestrians. Fort Foster is open 7 days a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and on weekends in May and September. The hours of operation are from 10:00am-8:00pm or dusk. Pedestrians can come to the park as early as 8:00am, free of charge. Rocky Beach is the area for scuba diving, while Pier beach offers restrooms and picnic tables.
At the Southeastern most point of Maine, you'll find Kittery. From Route 1, head East on 103 for 3.4 miles. Carefully follow the signs for 103, as Walker St. becomes Wentworth St. which becomes Whipple Rd. which becomes Pepperrell Rd. You'll pass Fort McClary along the way. At 3.4 miles, bear right onto Chauncey Creek Rd. In about a half a mile, turn right onto Pocohontas Rd., and bear right (you'll see the sign to Fort Foster). In 1.4 miles, you'll be at the park.
Access
shore
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(6)
Brody DeLorenzo
Aug 13, 2024, 7:45 PM
snorkel
Zentacle
Sep 21, 2021, 1:04 AM
scuba
In season, the parking is more reasonable. This is the parking area for Pier Beach.
This is Pier beach in the park, typical of its 2 other beaches, with Rocky beach being the best for scuba.
In the background is Whale Back Light and Wood Island.
Neil Daley
Dec 26, 2008, 12:00 AM
scuba
Nice state park with a dedicated dive beach. The diving is great at high tide. Swim around the rocks to the left side - tops can be seen even at high tide. There is a fee of $10 to enter park. Restrooms on site, pack in, pack out.
Originally posted on shorediving.com
Michael Stricklen
Jun 30, 2007, 12:00 AM
scuba
When Nubble is jam packed with classes, this place is your refuge - If you've got a 10-spot in your pocket! That's right, it's $10 to get in but you'll be rewarded with a very nice shore dive. Parking is around 100' from the entry point. The rocks are just the right size, not so small as to be dangerous to your ankles, but not so large as to call for New England Scuba Climbing (See Cathedral Rocks). Not terribly deep (25' at most), but really nice eelgrass and rocks. The bottom is covered with sealife. The barrier island offshore makes for a nice breakwater, and hence surge and surf aren't going to be a worry for you. If you haven't been diving in New England, this would be a great first dive.
Originally posted on shorediving.com
Marke Englert
Aug 23, 2006, 12:00 AM
scuba
I'm looking at my log book and found that I dove this site on 7-29-2000 with a group of about 10 divers from Bottom Time Scuba from Rutland Vermont. We had a great time above and below. We had a clam bake on one of the old howitzer shooting batteries from WWII. Down below we enjoyed 10-15 feet of viz while spotting some lobster and crabs. Our timing of the tide wasn't the greatest as we had to kick hard to fight the surge. We had a great time exploring in just 6-18 feet of depth close to shore. My entrance point was right behind or near one of those cement pads, or shooting battery areas, that would be to the left as you look at the water or as you drive in. I think there was a right turn off to the left. If anyone knows a better entry, please leave it in a review.
Originally posted on shorediving.com
Barb in NH
Apr 20, 2005, 12:00 AM
scuba
Great shore dive. Parking is easy! The family can go off and enjoy the rest of the park while you dive. Outside shower and bathroom always clean. Really easy shallow dive. Great variety of marine life.
Originally posted on shorediving.com
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