New York is an ecologically diverse state. In the salty Atlantic you will come across many fish and plenty of interesting crustaceans. Even Sharks can be seen, especially near the great wrecks of 'Wreck Valley'.
Of the hundreds of shipwrecks to explore, the USS San Diego, USN Algol and the Lizzie D are brimming with history, and of course the iconic Andrea Doria, pinnacle of technical divers the world over, lies in these waters. But easily accessible shore dives at Ponnaquogue Bridge, Beach 8th Street, & Oak Beach are Long Island scuba staples as well.
There is more to New York scuba diving than salt water. The Great Lakes and other smaller freshwater lakes to explore, pike, salmon, and trout will be your dive buddies during your freshwater dives and winter Ice Dive adventures.
Diving in New York can be enjoyed all year. April -November offers cool and pleasant weather which proves to be ideal for all kinds of outdoor and water activities. From June through September beach weather prevails and sand and surf are primed for water sports.
Ice dives in the winter months can take place in any of the many freshwater lakes around the state. Shore dives begin in May and usually run through November on sites from the Great Lakes to Long Island Sound. The dive boats in the Great Lakes, 1000 Islands and Atlantic visit wrecks from the 1700's
For diving in and around New York City and Long Island, fly into Newark, LaGuardia or JFK or travel on Interstate 95 or 80 into the Big Apple. While public transportation is incredible within the major cities, NYC, there is less access in suburban and rural areas. Renting a vehicle is highly advised in upstate New York and on Long Island.
To reach the Great Lakes and Upstate regions of New York, use Buffalo, Syracuse and Albany Airports, which are great options. Since New York shares a border in the north with Canada the Niagara Falls area holds the Great Lakes of Erie and Ontario on its doorstep and the 1000 Islands area and Gulf of St. Lawrence is accessible from the Northern Tier area.
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