Castle Rock

Massachusetts
USA East
Home

Yikes!!! When we came across this site, it looked like it would be suicide to enter the water! But this was just after a storm, and it was actually a lot fun watching the huge waves crashing upon the shore. Great place for storm watching! On a calm day, we are told the entry is very easy off a small sandy beach. With depths of 30 feet, you'll find a good variety of sea life within the kelp beds and rocks.

Directions: Coming from Boston, take 1A North, and turn right on 129 in Swampscott. In 4 miles, turn right onto Beach Street, which then becomes Ocean Ave. If coming from Salem, take 114 South for 3.4 miles. Turn right on Ocean Ave. Head across the Marblehead Neck. At the fork with Harbor Ave., stay on Ocean Ave. The site is 1.25 miles from that fork.

Diver Reviews: (Please share your own experiences by clicking here!)

07/25/2008 Scott McQuade (Avg: 3.18 Review) - My buddy and I are new divers (about 12 dives). We had been diving in Nahant but wanted to try another close location. Shore entry is limited to about 20 feet of rocky beach…beyond that are huge rocks to the left and right. We thought the current was pretty strong… Make sure you are diving with a compass because it is easy to end up a ways away from were you entered…and that part of the beach is the only way out!!! Lobsters were everywhere…not even hiding. The rocks underwater are awesome! We will dive there again.

07/27/2006 Bob Foudriat (Avg: 3.15 Review) - This is a good diving site. You don't expect to find this site among the beautiful homes in the area. There are seats to sit in to dress. Getting down to the water was challenging but the entry was easy. Overall a great diving location.

07/25/2006 Bob Foudriat (Avg: 3.65 Review) - Good site for beginner divers. I brought my son who is just that. It's a great site with easy access. We parked on the street brought our stuff down in a container.

ShoreDiving Resources:

Additional Resources:

Dive Site Links: (If you have a relevant link for Castle Rock, please write us here.)
No external links have been submitted.

Site Photos

Maps
(what is GPS?) Photo
(click photo for a larger version) Comments

Parking
Map Sat
GPS: MS1801
N42°29.9711'
W070°50.1094'

Road side parking is just to left of this magnificent 'Castle'.

Trail Head
Map Sat
GPS: MS1802
N42°29.9882'
W070°50.0786'

It's just a short walk from this entrance to the shore.

Overview

This is the park, with the dive area to the left.

Overview

Your non-divers can sit here and watch you get bashed up onto the rocks by the surf, unless, of course, you decide to dive on a calm day.

entry
Map Sat
GPS: MS1805
N42°29.9697'
W070°50.0573'

The beach is barely visible between breakers. Enjoy!

Last Verification: November, 2003

Diver Averages for Castle Rock (1=worst, 5=best)

Average Site Condition
Ease of Shore Entry:	3.33
Bottom Conditions:	3.33
Reef Conditions:	3.67
Animal Life:	3.33
Plant Life:	3.33
Facilities:	2.67
Solitude:	2.67
Roads:	4.00
*Site Average:	3.33

Average Enjoyment Level
Snorkel:	2.67
Beginner Scuba:	4.33
Intermediate Scuba:	4.00
Advanced Scuba:	3.00
Night diving Scuba:	3.00

Number of reviews for this site: 3

750-6-2-18

Castle Rock

Massachusetts USA East Home

Dive Site Links: (If you have a relevant link for Castle Rock, please write us here.) No external links have been submitted.

Site Photos

Massachusetts
USA East
Home

Dive Site Links: (If you have a relevant link for Castle Rock, please write us here.)
No external links have been submitted.