Sanctuary Hill in NOAA's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary rises from 325 feet to 115 feet and is topped with solid granite and piled boulders.  Like Jeffreys Ledge, the hill's hard substrate is home to a variety of invertebrates and fishes that live on and in the piled boulders.  Since Sanctuary Hill is 18 nautical miles offshore, the bedrock outcropping experiences very strong currents.  Reportedly, blue and porbeagle sharks visit areas with steeply sloping topography like Sanctuary Hill.

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary's northeast corner.

Sanctuary Hill

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

Old Garden Beach is in a small and very scenic residential area of Rockport.  It used by divers of all skill levels due to its ease of entry. This is a small, secluded beach with a sandy shore near Rockport Harbor. By swimming 100 yards or so straight out from the beach you can reach depths of 50', and the bottom topography includes huge boulders. Following the shoreline to the right, depths are considerably shallower – around 15-25 feet max – and the bottom is rocky. Both areas are home to many lobsters. This site has a very easy entry – there is a ramp from the street to the beach. There is a lot that is residents only during the summer, but parking is available on Old Garden Street during weekdays. On weekends, you can drop your gear off at the top of the ramp, and then park the car on adjacent streets (Atlantic Ave. is unrestricted). They will tow cars that are parked illegally. There is a "No Night Diving" sign posted – this contradicts MA state law and is unenforceable. At high tide the water level is right at the base of the ramp, and low tide reveals a stretch of sand. There are no restrooms or other amenities here. This site generally has very good visibility. Exposure is Northeast.

At the end of SR 128 in Cape Ann, turn Left on SR 127A (Cross Street).   In one half mile, turn left (following SR 127A) onto Thatcher Road.  After 4.3 miles, turn right onto Calebs Lane, and travel almost to the end (.25 miles), turning left on Old Garden Rd.  The Beach will be on your right.

Old Garden Beach

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

One of the more popular dives in Cape Ann, Cathedral Rocks is known for its abundance of lobsters and for its deep dives.  If you consider yourself an advanced diver, you'll feel at home here.

At the intersection of SR 127 and SR127A in Rockport (NE Cape Ann), continue North for 1.2 miles, turn right onto Cathedral Ave, and continue further for another .1 mile.

Cathedral Rocks



Head northeast on MA-128 N
At Grant Circle, take the 2nd exit onto MA-128		
At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on MA-128		
Turn left at Eastern Ave/MA-127		
Turn right at Barn Ln		
Turn left at MA-127A/Thatcher Rd		
Turn right at Tregony Bow		
Turn right at South St		
Turn left at Old Penzance Rd
Park along the pebbles (free).

Pebble Beach

Halibut Cove is a fairly easy dive (if the conditions are right), but can be physical demanding to get the entry.  You'll have almost a mile hike from the parking area, so you will definitely need a three or four wheeled equipment cart.  Only do this dive if you are good shape.  Remember that the effects of nitrogen are magnified by physical exertion.

At the intersection of SR 127 and SR127A in Rockport (NE Cape Ann), continue North for 1.8 miles, turn right onto Gott Ave.  Parking will be on your right in about 200 yards.

Halibut Point

Front Beach is best as a swimming beach for the kids.  The area is mostly sandy and shallow, with a few patches of rocks.  It is, however, an excellent starting point for those willing to make the swim around the point to the left and end up in the next cove over, Back Beach.

At the intersection of SR 127 and SR127A in Rockport (NE Cape Ann), turn South on SR 127A (Beach Street) to head into Rockport.   In .3 miles, Front Beach will be on your left.  You will pass Back Beach along the way.

Front Beach

Back Beach is a very easy site and should be interesting for all skill levels.  Because of the easy of entry and proximity to parking, many come here watch the squid perform their antics during a night dive.

At the intersection of SR 127 and SR127A in Rockport (NE Cape Ann), turn South on SR 127A (Beach Street) to head into Rockport.   In .2 miles, Back Beach will be on your left.

Back Beach

Folly Cove is one of the finer dives on this part of the peninsula due to the accessibility of a spectacular wall just outside the cove.  Any life indigenous to the New England area can be found here.

At the intersection of SR 127 and SR127A in Rockport (NE Cape Ann), continue North for 2.3 miles, turn right onto Gott Ave.  Parking will be on your right in about 200 yards.

Folly Cove

Salt Island is an easy dive, however, the hike out is not!  For the best diving you'll need to walk out to the far side of Salt Island during low tide, so make sure you are in shape!

At the end of SR 128 in Cape Ann, turn Left on SR 127A (Cross Street).   In one half mile, continue straight onto Nautilus Road for another quarter mile.  Alternatively, in one half mile, turn left on Thatcher Road and turn right in .7 miles into the Good Harbor Beach Lot.  The latter is closer to Salt Island.

Sanctuary Hill

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Sanctuary Hill