By: Bob Michelson
Not every diver can travel to and dive the Galapagos Islands. However, just north of Boston, MA lies a little known diving paradise that comes close.
The Isles of Shoals are a group of small islands located about 6 miles off the coasts of New Hampshire and Maine. The island chain was named by English explorer Captain John Smith when he happened upon them in 1614.
There are 9 main islands surrounded by several smaller islands. Five are located in Maine, and four in New Hampshire. Coordinates for the chain are 42 degrees 58’53”N, 70 degrees 36’41”W. Major islands include Appledore, Star and Smuttynose.
All diving in this location is accomplished by boat. There are several charter operators who frequent this area departing from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.
I really enjoy diving this area for several reasons. You are right in the middle of The Gulf of Maine with all of the incredible marine bio-diversity she offers divers. On a single dive you can see colorful tiny Nudibranchs, all the way up the food chain to sharks and seals. You can pick your level of diving (depth, current, etc.) in typically very good visibility. You can dive in 2 states all in the same day without dragging your gear through the sand, or fighting the surf.
From spring time through the summer months, one of the most sought after experiences is diving with the many harbor seals who spend these months feeding and sunning themselves on the rock ledges on this island chain. It is illegal to approach, or disturb resting seals on rocks (this behavior is called “hauled out”), but you can dive in waters where seals frequent as long as you do not approach them. If you stay still and allow them to approach you, it is not considered harassment under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Several years ago, my dive buddy and I were lying still in about 20 feet of water off of Duck Island in Maine when a baby seal no larger than about 2 feet long swam right into my video camera housing. He stopped, checked himself out in the reflection of the Ikelite dome port, then took off into the clear green colored water. It is 90 seconds of some of the coolest underwater video I have ever shot in my 33 year career as an underwater TV producer.
Another favorite dive of mine will take you to Mingo Rock in Maine. This features and underwater pinnacle reaching up from depths of about 90 feet and hosts many classic species of Gulf of Maine critters such as Northern Red Anemone and Sea Peaches. This should be reserved for the more experienced diver due to the depths involved and potential tidal and wind driven currents around Mingo Rock. Large schools of juvenile Cod and Pollack have been observed feeding in the rich waters around all of these islands.
You just never know what you are going to see next around the corner diving off any of this archipelago known as the Isles of Shoals. ■
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