New Jersey is home to some fantastic dive sites, offering a mix of shipwrecks, artificial reefs, and marine life. Here are some of the best dive sites in New Jersey for divers:
1. The USS Algol (Wreck)
- Location: Off Cape May
- Depth: 110-130 feet
- Overview: The USS Algol was a WWII cargo ship that sank in 1951. It is one of the most famous wrecks in New Jersey. The wreck is a popular dive site due to its accessibility and the marine life it attracts, including spiny lobster, black sea bass, and a variety of fish.
2. The M/V Turecamo (Wreck)
- Location: Off Point Pleasant Beach
- Depth: 85-110 feet
- Overview: This former tugboat sank in the late 1980s and has become a popular dive site. The wreck offers plenty of structure for divers to explore and attracts large schools of fish, including striped bass, blackfish, and sea bass.
3. The Stolt Dagali (Wreck)
- Location: Near Barnegat Light
- Depth: 95-110 feet
- Overview: The Stolt Dagali is a large chemical tanker that sank in 1970. It is one of the most iconic wreck dives in New Jersey. The site is home to numerous fish species and provides a great opportunity for divers to explore a massive wreck with plenty of accessible areas.
4. The Jim M. (Wreck)
- Location: Off Asbury Park
- Depth: 90 feet
- Overview: The Jim M. is a steel-hulled freighter that sank in the 1980s. It's a popular wreck dive due to its large structure and rich marine life. Divers often encounter schools of fish and can explore various parts of the wreck.
5. The Sea Girt Reef
- Location: Off Sea Girt, NJ
- Depth: 60-75 feet
- Overview: This is one of the most popular artificial reefs in New Jersey, created by the deployment of old ships, barges, and other materials. It’s a great spot for divers of all levels and features abundant marine life, including sea bass, flounder, and blackfish.
6. The Delaware Bay Wrecks
- Location: Delaware Bay
- Depth: 40-100 feet
- Overview: Delaware Bay is home to many wrecks, including ships from the Civil War era. Many of these wrecks are shallow and accessible, making them ideal for divers with varying experience levels. Marine life here includes lobsters, crabs, and numerous fish species.
7. The Axel Carlson Reef
- Location: Off Long Branch
- Depth: 75-85 feet
- Overview: This is another popular artificial reef, named after a notable New Jersey fisherman. The site is well-visited due to its healthy marine ecosystem, which includes a variety of fish species and structures to explore.
8. The Papoose (Wreck)
- Location: Off Cape May
- Depth: 100-115 feet
- Overview: The Papoose is a WWII vessel that sank in 1989. It's considered one of the best wrecks for divers, offering deep wreck diving with opportunities to see large schools of fish and marine life. The ship is well preserved and is a popular site for experienced divers.
9. The Tin Can Reef
- Location: Off Manasquan
- Depth: 45-55 feet
- Overview: This site is named for its abundance of small wrecks, often referred to as “tin cans.” The wrecks create a perfect artificial reef, teeming with marine life. It's a great spot for divers interested in wrecks but at a shallower depth.
10. The Atlantic City Reef
- Location: Off Atlantic City
- Depth: 60-90 feet
- Overview: The Atlantic City Reef is an artificial reef known for its diverse marine life, which includes a variety of fish species and invertebrates. The site is popular for its easy access and thriving ecosystem.
General Tips for NJ Diving:
- Season: The best diving season in New Jersey is typically from late spring to early fall (May to October). Water temperatures can range from 40°F in winter to 70°F in summer.
- Visibility: Visibility can vary greatly depending on weather conditions and location, with averages ranging from 10 to 30 feet.
- Wreck Diving: Many of New Jersey's best dive sites are shipwrecks, so a wreck diving certification may be required.
These dive sites in New Jersey offer a range of experiences for divers from beginner to advanced, with plenty of opportunities to explore the state's rich maritime history and vibrant marine life.