When most people think of scuba diving, they picture tropical reefs and sun-soaked beaches. But for the more adventurous divers, Maine offers a completely different kind of thrill: cold-water diving with dramatic underwater landscapes, rich marine life, and a unique sense of mystery. If you're ready to swap coral for kelp forests and warm currents for bracing Atlantic waters, here are the top scuba diving destinations in Maine you won’t want to miss.
1. Mount Desert Rock – Offshore Adventure
Located about 25 miles south of Mount Desert Island, Mount Desert Rock is a dive site for the truly adventurous. This remote, wave-battered island is surrounded by nutrient-rich waters that attract seals, whales, and an abundance of fish. The visibility here can be excellent on the right day, and you’ll find steep rocky walls, kelp forests, and a variety of invertebrate life clinging to the rocks.
Best for: Advanced divers and marine life lovers
Tip: Conditions can change quickly—go with a guide or local dive charter familiar with the area.
2. Fort Foster, Kittery – Accessible Shore Dive
Fort Foster in Kittery offers one of the more accessible dive sites in southern Maine. The
entry is an easy beach or rocky shore approach, and the underwater scenery includes eelgrass beds, sandy bottoms, and scattered boulders. You’ll find lobsters, crabs, and the occasional flounder or striped bass swimming through the area.
Best for: Beginners to intermediate divers
Tip: Dive during slack tide to avoid strong currents in this area.
3. Monhegan Island – Wrecks and Reefs
Monhegan Island isn’t just known for its artistic charm and remote beauty—it’s also a diving treasure. With shipwrecks, steep drop-offs, and clear (for Maine) visibility, it’s a great destination for divers looking to explore something a bit different. Expect colder temps and lots of marine life, including sea stars, anemones, and schools of fish.
Best for: Experienced divers looking for variety
Tip: Make a weekend of it—there’s plenty to see above and below the surface.
4. Nubble Light (Cape Neddick) – Iconic and Interesting
Diving near one of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses is an experience in itself. Nubble Light offers a rocky underwater terrain, with crevices and walls that house lobsters, sea urchins, and northern shrimp. The currents can be tricky, so it’s important to plan carefully, but the dive is worth it.
Best for: Intermediate to experienced divers
Tip: Check with local dive shops for advice on timing and conditions.
5. Portland Harbor – Urban Exploration
For a different kind of dive, Portland Harbor offers history beneath the surface. There are
several small wrecks and debris fields that hint at the city’s past, along with crabs, flounder, and the occasional curious seal. Visibility isn’t always great, but the novelty of diving near a working harbor makes up for it.
Best for: Adventurous urban divers
Tip: Get permission or coordinate with local authorities before diving near active docks.
Gear Up for Cold Water
Diving in Maine is definitely not a swimsuit-and-sunscreen affair. You’ll need a thick wetsuit or, ideally, a drysuit, along with gloves and a hood. Water temps can range from the low 40s to the high 50s depending on the season, so plan accordingly.
Another key consideration? Visibility. Maine's coastal waters, while full of life, can often be darker and cloudier than tropical destinations. That’s where SeaVision MaxVision lenses come in. Their specialized filters are designed to enhance contrast and bring out colors that would otherwise be lost in green or murky conditions—perfect for cold water environments like Maine. Whether you're exploring a kelp forest or checking out a wreck, SeaVision filters can dramatically improve what you see—and how much you enjoy the dive.
Final Thoughts
Scuba diving in Maine is raw, rugged, and absolutely unforgettable. If you're a diver who loves exploration and doesn’t mind a little cold, the state’s rocky coastlines and kelp-covered reefs are calling. Just remember to plan ahead, respect the conditions, and embrace the thrill of diving a lesser-known corner of the underwater world.
