

Best for advanced divers, 8-30m, shore entry, strong current.
Halibut Point in Cape Ann is an advanced shore dive featuring a combination of natural reef, artificial structures, and a pronounced drop-off. The site ranges from 8 to 30 metres in depth, with an average of 18 metres. Divers must navigate strong currents and surge, making slack tide essential for a manageable dive. Entry is via the shore, where divers must contend with surf and swell. Due to cold water temperatures ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius and challenging conditions, a drysuit is recommended. Visibility typically fluctuates between 5 and 10 metres. This site is strictly for advanced divers who are comfortable with significant depth changes and variable marine conditions.
42.69242, -70.62772
Plan your dive around slack tide, as the current at Halibut Point can make even moderate depths unworkable outside that window. Watch for sea urchins on the entry rocks and suit up fully before approaching the water's edge, the surf break can come in quickly.
Parking is at the Halibut Point State Park lot on Gott Ave. Entry 1 is about 0.4 miles from the parking lot via a gravel road and path. Entry 2 involves a longer, more circuitous route past the quarry.
Recorded at this site
Depth
8-30m
Visibility
5-10m
Skill Level
Advanced
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
5-15°C
Current
Strong
Best Time
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
No, this site is intended for advanced divers only due to strong currents, significant depth changes, and challenging shore entry conditions.
The site ranges from 8 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 18 metres.
Halibut Point is a shore dive, though divers should be prepared for surf and swell during entry.
Divers should be aware of cold water, strong currents, surge, surf, and low visibility. Sea urchins are present on the bottom, and caution is required during entry.
Parking and toilets are available for divers at the location.
Diving at Halibut Point in Rockport, MA requires the following certifications: Open Water, Advanced. Always dive within your training limits.
The best months to visit Halibut Point in Rockport, MA are June, July, August, and September. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Halibut Point in Rockport, MA can have strong currents. Advanced experience with drift diving and current navigation is recommended.
Visibility at Halibut Point in Rockport, MA typically ranges from 5 metres to 10 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.