You may not know — but you should — that the Garden State is home to thousands of exciting wreck dives. In addition, New Jersey and New York play host to some of the most successful artificial reef programs in the nation. With between 4000 and 7000 shipwrecks, beach dives, and artificial reef dives, New Jersey is one of SCUBA diving’s best kept secrets. Here are a few dive sites that shouldn’t be missed should you find yourself adventuring to the east coast.
The Pinta
One of three sister ships named after Columbus’ famous fleet, this Dutch freighter sank off the coast of New Jersey in 1963. The ship is still in one piece and a makes a phenomenal training site for beginning wreck divers. The length of the ship can be traversed multiple times on one tank and is now home to an overgrowth of marine life.
Allenhurst Jetty
Although Allenhurst Jetty is not a wreck dive, it is still one of the most popular dive sites in the state. This L shaped jetty was built in the early 1900s to protect swimmers from shark attacks. The easiest entry is to hike down to the tip of the jetty and swim out into the deeper water. The area toward the tip of the jetty is a large rock field, where blackfish, lobsters and mussels have made a home. Be cautious, however, as this area is prone to strong current and sea swells.
Shark River Inlet
Shark River
Despite its menacing name, Shark River is one of the best shore dive sites in New Jersey, and shark sitings are few and far between. On a clear day with good visibility, the variety of marine life may make a diver think that they have been transported to the Caribbean. Its mussel beds, starfish, blackfish, and lobsters make for an enjoyable and interesting dive.
R.P. Resor
This tanker was sunk in February in 1942 and resulted in a tremendous loss of life. Today, the R.P. Resor is one of the most dramatic wreck dives in the state. The stern, which remains largely intact, is almost 130 feet below the surface. Its metalwork is now home to an array of sea creatures.
City of Athens
This ocean liner was sunk in 1918 after a collision with the French Navy ship La Gloire. Now, beneath 110 feet of water, the broken ship is preserved in excellent condition, mostly due to the frigid water temperatures it resides in. Despite its age, the City of Athens is still rich with artifacts, including ammunition and fine china. This twisted wreck, alternately known as “Ammo Wreck,” is also perfect for sighting lobsters and other crustaceans.
Planning to get my certification soon(:
I live here, but haven’t ever gone under…
been diving for years
Jersey diving rocks!
started 2 summers ago!
Yes ser. From jersey but diving for Disney for 4 yrs
Live in PA, dove Jersey a few times out of Mannasquan. 7mm was fine in Jul and Aug. You see alot of huge white anemones on the wrecks, black sea bass, l
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WOOOO NJ Divers!! Scuba Steve
NJ Divers rock!
Jersey diving is fantastic. There can be some very clear water and some of the best wreck diving available. I was certified and trained in NE diving and definitely recommend giving it a try!
3 Cert. Divers
oh yeah, Jersey’s always been a big dive
Yup. There are plenty of shipwrecks, jellyfish, lobster, and other fine critters in these waters. It’s also cold – so come with a dry suit.
I was certified last year here in nc since I am a Marine I am planning on diving in nj when I return in may.
Ive dove wearing a jersey before
Shark’s inlet.
Enough said.
Last place? No, it is the first place! I dive at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ every other week. Have been a volunteer for over twenty years.
For the OK signal, do you guys fist pump instead?
certified here in the ocean, back in 1992, think it was the USS CONEY ISLAND, also love Dutch springs in Pa
Yep, Jersey diving all the way. Was certified here and 99% of my diving is here.
Love diving in NJ!!!!!
great bug hunting…..to bad they won’t let you dive off the state parks
I go back to texas tower days…now theres nothing left….looking for bottles doesn’t do it for me
I love NJ diving. Lobster hunting, spearfishing are my favorite.