Cape Ann & Stellwagen Bank · United States · Reef
Back Beach
A shallow training site known for its lobsters
Area photo: Paul Keleher from Mass, US · CC BY 2.0
Back Beach is a straightforward Cape Ann shore dive for divers of every level, and a favourite site for certification classes. The water is usually 3–9 m (10–30 ft) deep, reaching 9 m (30 ft) at high tide, over a varied bottom known for an abundance of lobsters.
Where it is and how deep
42.6619° N, 70.6227° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
Back Beach is a shore dive, and its shallow profile is why instructors use it for certification classes. A large sandy area in the middle of the site is used for training dives. The average depth is usually between 3 and 9 m (10–30 ft), and the site tops out at 9 m (30 ft) at high tide.
The bottom topography is varied rather than flat, and the site is known for an abundance of lobsters, so a slow swim looking into gaps in the rock pays off. With no deep section to manage, the dive ends with an easy swim back to shore. Pick a day with a south-west wind for the best conditions.
Marine life and season
The sources we used don't single out particular species here.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair |
Season follows Cape Ann & Stellwagen Bank: Cape Ann Diver II generally runs from 1 April to 31 October; winter and off-season diving depends on weather and demand.
Dive videos
Back Beach at Night - Rockport, MA · SCUBABERT on YouTube
Questions divers ask
How deep is Back Beach in Cape Ann?+
Back Beach is usually 3–9 m (10–30 ft) deep, with a maximum of 9 m (30 ft) at high tide.
Is Back Beach good for beginners?+
Yes. It suits divers of all levels and is a favourite site for certification classes.
Sources
- Back Beach, iDive New England — iDive New England
- Diving Cape Ann — Undersea Divers
- Back Beach — Scubago
More dive sites in Cape Ann & Stellwagen Bank
Reef
An advanced shore dive to 26 m (85 ft)
Reef
A rock outcrop with a resident seal colony
An anemone-covered wall on the left side of the cove
An upturned red and black trawler at 32 m (105 ft)
A wall to 20 m (65 ft) with a chance of torpedo rays
Reef
A quiet boulder ledge with lobsters away from the beach
Reef
A ramp entry onto a boulder reef starting at 6 m (20 ft)
Wreck
A 2009 fishing-boat wreck on its side at 30 m (100 ft)
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