Cape Ann & Stellwagen Bank · United States · Wall · Reef
Folly Cove
An anemone-covered wall on the left side of the cove
Photo: USEPA Environmental-Protection-Agency · Public domain
Folly Cove is a rocky shore dive on the Gloucester–Rockport line of Cape Ann, known for the range of its marine life and bottom topography. The cove runs from 3 m (10 ft) near shore to 18 m (60 ft) at high tide, and to 24 m (80 ft) out at the left point, where a wall of anemones holds lobsters, crabs and striped bass.
Where it is and how deep
42.6856° N, 70.6419° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
Folly Cove has no beach to speak of, so the dive starts with a careful scramble over big rocks and small boulders into the water. Once in, the bottom drops from about 3 m (10 ft) close to shore, and the cove is 18 m (60 ft) deep at high tide. The best diving is usually along the left wall.
The left wall is known for its sea anemones, and lobsters, crabs and striped bass hide among its cracks and crevices. Following the wall out to the left point leads to 24 m (80 ft), the deepest part of the site. Turn back along the wall to the cove and plan the exit with care, because the same slippery boulders that made the entry awkward are waiting at the end.
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
- Big rocks and small boulders at the waterline are slippery and prone to slide; take entry and exit slowly and keep hands free.
- North-east winds make the cove a poor choice; dive it in a south wind.
Photos from Folly Cove
USEPA Environmental-Protection-Agency · Public domain
John Phelan · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dive videos
Scuba Diving Folly Cove · Lajaun Case on YouTube
Northern Pufferfish (Folly Cove - Gloucester, Massachusetts) · Michael MacDonald on YouTube
Questions divers ask
How deep is Folly Cove?+
Folly Cove runs from about 3 m (10 ft) near shore to 18 m (60 ft) at high tide, and reaches 24 m (80 ft) out at the left point.
Where is the parking for diving Folly Cove?+
Parking at Folly Cove is for residents only, and the entry is over slippery rocks and boulders rather than a sandy beach.
Sources
- Folly Cove, iDive New England — iDive New England
- Folly Cove — MIT Scuba Club
- Diving Cape Ann — Undersea Divers
- Folly Cove — Scubago
Photo credits
- Dozens of sand dollars scattered over a green-lit sandy seabed by USEPA Environmental-Protection-Agency, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- A mottled brown shorthorn sculpin resting on gravelly sand beside a clump of hydroids by USEPA Environmental-Protection-Agency, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- A rocky granite shore curving round a calm bay under a stormy sky with sun breaking through by John Phelan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Wolf eels in the rock on the north and south walls