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Scuba Diving · New York

Scuba Diving in New York

Dive 19 dive shops and charters across New York. Maps, hours, contact info, photos, and verified operator profiles, all in one place.

Adirondacks, Catskills, the Finger Lakes, and the Long Island shore.

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About New York

New York offers a diverse range of scuba diving experiences across its vast waterways. From the legendary shipwrecks of the Great Lakes to the artificial reefs and historical wrecks of the Atlantic Ocean, divers can explore both freshwater and saltwater environments. Inland, the Finger Lakes and various quarries provide clearer, calmer conditions often used for training and recreational dives. Dive shops across the state cater to these varied interests, providing equipment, instruction, and guided trips to local sites.

The Great Lakes region, particularly Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, is renowned for its cold, well-preserved shipwrecks. These historical sites range from schooners to steamships, offering unique underwater museums for experienced wreck divers. Towns like Oswego, Rochester, and Buffalo serve as key departure points for charters accessing these deeper, often challenging sites. Visibility can be excellent, though water temperatures remain cool, necessitating appropriate exposure protection.

Along New York's Atlantic coastline, from Long Island Sound to the waters south of Montauk, divers explore a different array of wrecks and artificial reefs. World War II era vessels, tugboats, and purpose-sunk structures create vibrant habitats for marine life. Dive operations based in coastal towns such as Freeport, Montauk, and Shinnecock provide access to these sites. These dives often feature stronger currents and warmer summer temperatures compared to the Great Lakes.

Beyond the coasts and Great Lakes, New York's inland waters offer distinct diving opportunities. The crystal-clear waters of quarries or lakes like Lake George provide excellent training grounds and recreational diving. These sites are typically less current-affected and offer better visibility, making them suitable for newer divers and skill refinement. Local dive shops often organize trips and offer certifications at these accessible locations.

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Quick facts

Dive shops and charters listed
19
Best season
May through October

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19 dive shops and charters

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Water Bodies and Seasonality

Scuba diving in New York primarily occurs in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, the Atlantic Ocean, and various inland lakes and quarries. The main diving season runs from May through October, with peak activity in summer. Some inland sites may offer year-round access for ice diving.

Water Temperature and Visibility

Great Lakes temperatures range from 40–60°F, with visibility often 20–50 feet. Atlantic waters average 50–70°F in summer, with visibility from 10–30 feet, sometimes less. Exposure protection like drysuits or thick 7mm wetsuits with hoods and gloves are essential.

Certification Levels

Many of New York's signature shipwreck dives, especially in the Great Lakes and deeper Atlantic sites, require Advanced Open Water certification or higher. Wreck Diver specialty certification is highly recommended for exploring penetration wrecks.

Access and Dive Sites

Most significant wreck diving in New York is boat-accessed through chartered dive operations. Shore diving opportunities are more limited, found primarily in quarries or specific inland lake areas. Popular wreck sites include the St. Peter in Lake Ontario and the Oregon in the Atlantic.

Wreck Etiquette and Regulations

Divers exploring shipwrecks should adhere to "take only pictures, leave only bubbles" principles. Disturbing or removing artifacts from historic wrecks is prohibited. Always confirm specific rules with your dive charter or local authorities.

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

  • Boating Safety Certificate

    Anyone operating a motorized vessel, including a dive boat, in New York waters must possess a New York State Boating Safety Certificate. This applies to all operators regardless of age as of January 1, 2025.

    NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

  • Wreck Site Preservation

    Removing artifacts from shipwrecks in New York waters is generally illegal. Historic wrecks are protected under state and federal laws. Divers should observe and photograph without disturbing the site.

  • Fishing and Spearfishing Regulations

    Divers engaging in spearfishing must possess a valid New York State fishing license and adhere to all size, season, and creel limits for targeted species. Spearfishing is prohibited in certain areas; verify with the DEC.

  1. 01

    1. Research Dive Operators

    Identify dive shops and charter operators in your desired New York diving region. Look for those specializing in the type of diving you wish to do, whether it is Great Lakes wrecks or Atlantic reefs.

  2. 02

    2. Verify Certification Requirements

    Confirm the minimum certification level required for the specific dive sites you plan to visit. Many advanced wreck dives necessitate Advanced Open Water or Wreck Diver certifications.

  3. 03

    3. Book Charters in Advance

    New York dive charters, especially for popular wreck sites, can book up quickly during peak season. Make reservations well ahead of your planned trip dates to secure your spot.

  4. 04

    4. Prepare for Cold Water

    Regardless of the season, New York's waters are generally cool to cold. Ensure you have appropriate exposure protection, such as a drysuit or a thick wetsuit with hood and gloves, and suitable thermal undergarments.

  5. 05

    5. Check Local Conditions

    Before your trip, contact your dive operator to inquire about recent water temperatures, visibility reports, and any specific site conditions. This helps with equipment planning and managing expectations.

01What kind of diving is most popular in New York?
New York is renowned for its diverse wreck diving, particularly in the Great Lakes (Lake Ontario and Lake Erie) and along the Atlantic coast. These sites offer historical exploration on well-preserved vessels. Inland lakes and quarries also provide opportunities for recreational and training dives.
02When is the best time of year to scuba dive in New York?
The prime diving season in New York typically runs from June through September. During these months, water temperatures are at their warmest, and most dive charters are fully operational. Excellent visibility can often be found in the spring and fall as well.
03What certifications do I need to dive in New York?
While Open Water certification is a prerequisite, many of New York's more advanced wreck sites require an Advanced Open Water certification. For deeper or more challenging wrecks, a Wreck Diver specialty certification is highly recommended to ensure safety and enjoyment.
04Is drysuit diving common in New York?
Yes, drysuit diving is very common and often recommended for diving in New York, especially for Great Lakes wrecks and during the cooler shoulder seasons. Even in summer, water temperatures can be quite cool at depth, making a drysuit a comfortable choice for extended dives.
05Are there any marine parks or sanctuaries for divers in New York?
While New York does not have designated marine parks specifically for divers, many historical shipwrecks are protected under state and federal law. Divers are encouraged to observe responsible diving practices, leaving all artifacts undisturbed and respecting the integrity of these underwater historical sites.
06Can I shore dive in New York, or is it mostly boat diving?
The majority of significant dive sites in New York, especially the renowned shipwrecks in the Great Lakes and Atlantic Ocean, are accessible only by boat charter. Shore diving opportunities are more limited, typically found in specific inland lakes, quarries, or some protected coastal areas.

When to go

Season by season in New York

Spring (April-May)

As ice melts and water temperatures slowly rise, visibility often improves significantly in many lakes. Dive shops begin their charter seasons, primarily targeting shallower wrecks and training sites as conditions become more favorable.

Summer (June-August)

This is peak diving season across all regions of New York, with the warmest water temperatures and most active charter schedules. All dive sites, from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic, are generally accessible during these months.

Fall (September-November)

Water temperatures start to drop, but often excellent visibility persists, especially in the Great Lakes and inland waters. Crowds thin out, offering a quieter diving experience before the winter season closes many operations.

Winter (December-March)

Diving is limited to specialized ice diving in certain inland lakes or very specific, hardy operations. Most dive shops focus on equipment sales, service, and classroom training during these colder months.

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