## Scuba Diving Destinations in the Northeast Region
The Northeast region of the United States offers a diverse range of scuba diving experiences, from breathtaking coral reefs to historic shipwrecks and vibrant marine life. Whether you’re a novice diver or a seasoned pro, there’s a destination for every level of experience. Here are some of the top spots to dive in the Northeast:
### Maine
1. Portland Harbor: This urban diving destination offers a variety of wrecks, including the SS Mary Walker, a 311-foot steamship that sank in 1901. The wreck is teeming with marine life, including lobsters, crabs, and schools of fish.
2. Monhegan Island: Located 10 miles off the coast of Maine, Monhegan Island is a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island’s rocky coastline and numerous coves provide a habitat for a variety of marine life, including seals, puffins, and whales.
### Massachusetts
1. Stellwagen Bank: This underwater canyon is located about 12 miles off the coast of Massachusetts and is known for its abundance of marine life. Divers can expect to see whales, dolphins, seals, turtles, and a variety of fish species.
2. Boston Harbor: Boston Harbor is home to several historic shipwrecks, including the SS Iroquois, a 250-foot passenger ship that sank in 1910. The wreck is now home to a variety of marine life, including lobsters, crabs, and flounders.
### New Hampshire
1. Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve: This reserve encompasses over 100 square miles of coastal and estuarine waters, making it a great place to spot a variety of marine life. Divers can expect to see seals, dolphins, turtles, and a variety of fish species.
2. Isles of Shoals: This group of small islands is located about 6 miles off the coast of New Hampshire and is known for its dramatic cliffs and underwater caves. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including lobsters, crabs, and flounders.
### Rhode Island
1. Block Island: This island is located about 12 miles off the coast of Rhode Island and is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including seals, dolphins, turtles, and a variety of fish species.
2. Newport Harbor: Newport Harbor is home to several historic shipwrecks, including the USS Constellation, a 155-foot sloop-of-war that was built in 1854. The wreck is now home to a variety of marine life, including lobsters, crabs, and flounders.
### Connecticut
1. Long Island Sound: Long Island Sound is a large body of water that separates Connecticut from Long Island. The sound is home to a variety of marine life, including lobsters, crabs, flounders, and striped bass.
2. Hammonasset Beach State Park: This park is located on the Long Island Sound and offers a variety of diving opportunities. Divers can explore the park’s kelp beds, reefs, and wrecks.
### New Jersey
1. Cape May: Cape May is located at the southern tip of New Jersey and is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including seals, dolphins, turtles, and a variety of fish species.
2. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park: This park is located on the Jersey Shore and offers a variety of diving opportunities. Divers can explore the park’s reefs, wrecks, and kelp beds.