Diving in New Hampshire

Explore diving in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is one of the smaller states in the U.S, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of great diving sites to choose from.

Duck Island, The Isles of Shoals and The Lady of The Lake are some of New Hampshire’s most popular spots amongst local divers. Duck Island is famous for its regular seal encounters. These curios harbour and grey seals are usually juveniles and love being playful with the divers. When they get bored with the divers, they tend to go play with the nearby lobsters, ropes and seaweed.

Beyond the seals, the Isle of Shoals is gorgeous and a must see location for any diver visiting New England. The sea floor is covered in beautiful green and red kelp beds. Rock formations, boulders and overhangs create wonderful structures for eels, dogfish, crabs and squid.

When to dive in New Hampshire

The best time for scuba diving in New Hampshire is from May to September, when water temperatures are warmer and lakes and quarries are easily accessible. Water temperatures generally range from 15–22°C depending on depth and location. Summer offers optimal conditions, while spring and autumn can provide excellent visibility. Winter diving is possible with drysuits in select quarries, though cold-water training is essential for safe diving in New Hampshire.

Where to dive in New Hampshire

Show areas in New Hampshire

Portsmouth

Book your diving in New Hampshire

More Information

Accessing New Hampshire dive sites begins with flights to Manchester-Boston Regional Airport or Boston Logan International Airport, followed by a drive to inland lakes and quarries. Popular sites are reachable within 1–2 hours from major airports. Local dive shops provide guided dives, equipment rental, training, and certification courses. With good road access and a supportive inland dive community, diving in New Hampshire is convenient and well-suited for both local and visiting freshwater divers.

Time Zone

UTC-05:00

Phone

Currency

USD

Voltage

120 V

Pressure

Pounds/square inch (psi)

Plug

A, B

Languages

English

1st Stage

INT / Yoke / K

Domestic airports

General Edward Lawrence Logan Intl (BOS)

International airports

Manchester Regional Airport (MHT)

Hyperbaric chamber

Boston

Thanks, from PADI.

This page wouldn't be possible without contributions from the following PADI members: Portsmouth Scuba, Portsmouth Scuba - Home of Diver's Den. Disclaimer

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