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Scuba Diving · New Jersey

Scuba Diving in New Jersey

Dive 20 dive shops and charters across New Jersey. Maps, hours, contact info, photos, and verified operator profiles, all in one place.

Jersey Shore, Pine Barrens, and the Delaware Water Gap.

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Highest rated

Scuba Diving in New Jersey by Google rating

Ranked by Google rating, then by number of reviews, across the 16 of 20 dive shops and charters in New Jersey with 10 or more Google reviews.

NameCityRating
Scuba Guru - Diving Certification and ClassesBranchburg5.0541 Google reviews
South Jersey ScubaMarlton5.0128 Google reviews
Pro DivePoint Pleasant Beach5.042 Google reviews
Public Safety Diving, LLCLong Branch5.036 Google reviews
Divers Two IncAvon-By-The-Sea4.9107 Google reviews
Scuba ConnectionSaddle Brook4.992 Google reviews
Lakeland DiversEast Hanover4.914 Google reviews
Blue Water DiversRochelle Park4.8136 Google reviews

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20 dive shops and charters in New Jersey

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Dive shops in New Jersey

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About New Jersey

New Jersey’s Atlantic waters are a renowned destination for advanced scuba divers, primarily due to an extensive collection of historical shipwrecks. The coastline, stretching from Sandy Hook to Cape May, is often called the 'Graveyard of the Atlantic's Northeast.' These waters hold thousands of vessels, ranging from colonial-era wooden ships to World War II U-boats and modern fishing boats. Dive shops along the coast, particularly in towns like Point Pleasant Beach, Brielle, and Cape May, specialize in chartering trips to these deep, often challenging sites.

The state's artificial reef program significantly enhances the diving landscape. Over a dozen designated reef sites are scattered along the coast, created from a variety of materials including old ships, barges, tanks, and concrete structures. These reefs attract a rich diversity of marine life, transforming them into vibrant underwater ecosystems. Divers exploring these sites can encounter black sea bass, tautog, lobsters, and occasionally larger pelagic species, adding ecological interest to the historical allure of the wrecks.

Access to New Jersey's premier dive sites is almost exclusively via boat charters. While no liveaboard operations are based in New Jersey, numerous day-trip dive boats depart daily during the dive season. These charters cater to experienced divers seeking the thrill of wreck exploration in conditions that often include strong currents and variable visibility. Divers should expect to bring or rent appropriate cold-water gear, as even summer water temperatures can be brisk at depth.

Quick facts

Dive shops and charters listed
20
Best season
April through November

Trip guide

Know before you go in New Jersey

Federal permits, lotteries and timed-entry reservations in New Jersey, from Recreation.gov.

Confirm current requirements with the agency that sets them before your trip. Rules and fees change every season.

  • Boating Safety Certificate

    Anyone operating a power vessel, including a dive boat, in New Jersey waters must possess a New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate. This applies to residents and non-residents alike. The course covers essential navigation rules, safety procedures, and environmental regulations.

  • Spearfishing Regulations

    Spearfishing is permitted in New Jersey waters, but divers must adhere to state fishing regulations regarding species, size limits, and seasons. A valid New Jersey saltwater fishing license is required for all individuals aged 16 and older who engage in spearfishing.

  • Wreck and Artifact Preservation

    New Jersey has laws protecting historical shipwrecks and artifacts. It is illegal to remove artifacts from state-owned submerged lands without a permit. Divers should observe wrecks as they are found and report any significant historical discoveries to the appropriate state agencies.

01What kind of diving is most popular in New Jersey?
Wreck diving is the most popular form of scuba diving in New Jersey. The state's Atlantic coastline is home to thousands of shipwrecks, ranging from historical vessels to modern artificial reef deployments. These sites attract divers interested in history, marine life, and challenging conditions.
02What are the typical water conditions for diving in New Jersey?
New Jersey waters are temperate, meaning they are generally cold. Summer bottom temperatures can be in the 50s or 60s Fahrenheit, requiring substantial exposure protection. Visibility is variable, often ranging from 10 to 40 feet, and can be affected by weather and currents. Currents can also be strong at many sites.
03What certifications are needed to dive in New Jersey?
Most dive operators require at least an Advanced Open Water certification for offshore wreck diving. Wreck Diver and Enriched Air Nitrox certifications are highly recommended, as they provide essential skills and extended bottom time for exploring the deeper and more complex sites found here.
04Are there opportunities for shore diving in New Jersey?
Shore diving opportunities in New Jersey are very limited. The vast majority of notable dive sites, including all major wrecks and artificial reefs, are located offshore and require boat access. Strong currents, boat traffic, and limited entry points make shore diving impractical for most divers.
05Are there liveaboard diving options from New Jersey?
There are no liveaboard diving operations based in New Jersey. Divers utilize day-trip charters that depart from various coastal towns. These charters typically run full-day trips to offshore wrecks and reefs, returning to port in the evening.
06When is the best time of year to dive in New Jersey?
The best time for ocean diving in New Jersey is during the summer and early fall months. From June through October, water temperatures are at their warmest, and charter boats run most frequently. Fall often brings improved visibility as plankton blooms subside, offering excellent conditions for wreck exploration.

When to go

Season by season in New Jersey

Spring (April-May)

Water temperatures begin to rise, and dive charters start running more regularly as weather windows improve. Visibility can be variable, but some of the best conditions occur before summer plankton blooms. Divers should plan for cold water and wear drysuits or thick wetsuits.

Summer (June-August)

This is peak dive season, with the warmest water temperatures and most frequent boat departures. Visibility can be reduced by plankton blooms but is generally manageable. Dive shops are fully operational, offering a wide range of trips to popular wreck sites and artificial reefs.

Fall (September-November)

Water temperatures gradually cool, but visibility often improves significantly as plankton begins to clear. The fall offers excellent diving with fewer crowds than summer. Many dive charters continue to operate into late fall, weather permitting.

Winter (December-March)

Ocean diving is very limited during winter due to cold temperatures, rough seas, and infrequent charter services. Some specialized drysuit training or local quarry diving may occur, but most ocean-focused dive operations are closed for the season.

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