Diving in Delaware

Explore diving in Delaware

Although small in size, diving in Delaware offers a mix of Atlantic Ocean wreck diving and inland freshwater sites. Along the coast near Rehoboth Beach and Lewes, divers explore artificial reefs and historic shipwrecks that attract abundant marine life.

Some local divers say that there are over five thousand wrecks off the coast of New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware.

A popular wreck amongst local divers is the USS Bradford: DD-968. This artificial reef was sunk 26 miles off shore. The ship is 563ft long, the top deck is at 70ft of depth, and the bottom rests on the substrate at 140ft of depth. The wreck is the perfect habitat for marine life thrive on.

On the flip side there are vessels that went down by natural causes that still have tons of artifacts to find. The American-Hawaiian Steamship Company vessel was a steam-powered freighter built in 1914. She was carrying 10,000 tons of raw sugar when she collided with the Elizabeth Palmer January 26, 1915. She now rests at 100ft of depth and serves as a great wreck dive for visitors.

When to dive in Delaware

The best time for scuba diving in Delaware is from May to October, when water temperatures range from 15–24°C and sea conditions are most favourable. Summer offers the warmest water and best access to offshore wrecks, while spring and autumn provide fewer crowds and good visibility. Winter diving is possible for experienced divers with drysuits. Seasonal planning is key for safe and enjoyable diving in Delaware.

Book your diving in Delaware

More Information

Accessing Delaware dive sites is convenient via Philadelphia International Airport or Baltimore/Washington International Airport, both within a two-hour drive. Coastal dive charters depart from Lewes and nearby marinas, offering boat access to offshore wrecks and reef sites. Inland dive locations are easily reached by car. Local dive centres provide guided dives, equipment rental, and certification courses. With compact travel distances, diving in Delaware is easy to combine with regional East Coast dive trips.

Time Zone

UTC-05:00

Phone

Currency

USD

Voltage

120 V

Plug

A, B

1st Stage

INT / Yoke / K

International airports

Wilmington Intl. (ILM)

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