Cape Ann & Stellwagen Bank · United States · Reef
Cathedral Rocks
An advanced shore dive to 26 m (85 ft)
Area photo: Paul Keleher from Mass, US · CC BY 2.0
Cathedral Rocks is a Rockport shore dive rated for advanced divers only, reaching 26 m (85 ft) at high tide. The entry is over boulders that are steep and very slippery, there are no facilities, and divers have died here, so it is a site for experienced cold-water shore divers.
Where it is and how deep
No published position for this site — the map shows Cape Ann & Stellwagen Bank and its other sites; operators know the mooring.
The dive
Cathedral Rocks starts with the hardest part of the dive: getting in. The shoreline is steep boulders that are very slippery, there are no facilities, and divers have died here, so plan the entry and exit before kitting up and pick a day with a west wind. Parking is limited and non-metered.
The site is rated for advanced divers and reaches 26 m (85 ft) at high tide, deeper than most of the shore dives on Cape Ann. Conditions must be close to perfect and the tides need close attention. Plan depth and gas for that profile, and leave enough in reserve for the climb back out over the boulders, which is as hazardous as the entry.
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.
Know before you go
- Divers have died at this site; conditions must be close to perfect, and the tide needs close attention.
- The entry boulders are steep and very slippery; move slowly and get out of heavy gear only on secure footing.
Dive videos
SCUBA Diving New England - Cathedral Rocks, Gloucester, MA · burmesepythons on YouTube
Questions divers ask
How deep is Cathedral Rocks in Rockport?+
Cathedral Rocks reaches 26 m (85 ft) at high tide and is rated for advanced divers.
Sources
- Cathedral Rocks, Rockport, iDive New England — iDive New England
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