Warning: Be Careful when Scuba Diving in Maine

If you enjoy diving and you plan on visiting Maine, don't forget your scuba gear. While Maine is more well known for the activities on top of the water, you can find some great diving spots. However, when diving on the coast of Maine, there are many things you must watch out for and you should be an experienced diver.

One of the most important things to watch for is the possibility of finding an unexploded ordinance in the area you are diving. As the Maine coast was often used as a military target range, you may find them. It is important to not touch them as you may be in danger of them exploding. Areas where they are still suspected of being on the ocean floor include Seal Island, Boon Island Ledge, and the Isles of Shoals at the New Hampshire border.

Even the experienced diver may have trouble navigating the rocky shores of Maine. You'll find many areas where you must carry all of your equipment of slippery rocks and you may find yourself carrying it a long distance when the tide is out. When the divers finally get into the water, they must then be weary of the strong currents, tidal action, and rough waves.

When diving on the coast of Maine, you will also want to be aware of all of the boating activity in the area. The Maine coast is lined with commercial fishing boats and you should always place your diving flag where you will be exploring.

Regardless of how tempting it may be, you must also realize that when diving in Maine, you do not grab any lobsters to take back with you. Diving for lobsters can result in a large fine as Maine has a conventional trap only law.

If you are interested in diving in Maine, the following are three areas that are considered to be some of the best in Maine:

Beauchamp Point in Camden: easy access to the water and a great place for beginners
Kettle Cove in Casco: easy access to the water, great place to learn how to dive, limited visibility
Cape Neddick in York: great place to dive, no diving on Sundays

While Maine is not exactly well-known for its diving opportunities, you will find the life underwater to be interesting. You will find seals, lobsters, and other sea life to be fascinating and the experience will be one that you will never forget.