Long Island Sound Dive Sites

As compiled by members of The Scuba Sports Club

Location: Long Island Sound, off Rowayton, CT (NOAA Chart No. 12368)

Type of Dive: Boat dive

General Description: The lighthouse is on a semi-circular, rubble-mound island that has been heavily colonized by marine life. Fish and lobsters may generally be found. In addition, maintenance debris (e.g. cables, grates) from the lighthouse can be seen around the island. Sediments around the lighthouse consist of sand and sand/mud. Typical depths are from 10 to 20 feet.

Tip on Diving the Site: Anchor on the lee side of the tidal current. Anchoring close to the lighthouse will minimize any potential problem with tidal currents.

From Rick D'Amico

Location: Long Island Sound, off Larchmont, NY (NOAA Chart No. 12363)

Type of Dive: Boat dive; shoreline area is private property.

General Description: This is a rubble-mound jetty, perpendicular to the shore. It is heavily colonized by marine life. Sandy sediments surround the seaward portion of the site; sandy/silty sediments are found along the landward portion.

Tip on Diving the Site: During the tidal run it is best to stay away from the seaward tip of the jetty, where swift currents could pose a problem.

From Rick D'Amico

Location: Long Island Sound, off Rye, NY (NOAA Chart No. 12363)

Type of Dive: Usually a boat dive; special permission is required from the Rye Town Park Commission to dive the site from shore.

General Description: This is a rubble-mound breakwater that has been heavily colonized by marine life. Despite heavy fishing pressure, it is still a relatively good site for lobsters. Also, large blackfish may be seen around the site during much of the diving season. This is a very shallow site; it is necessary to move away from the breakwater to exceed 15 feet in depth. Silty/sandy sediments surround the site.

Tip on Diving the Site: For best visibility, dive the side of the breakwater facing shore during high tide.

From Rick D'Amico

Location: Long Island Sound, near mouth of Huntington Bay (NOAA Chart No. 12363; LORAN 43951.4/26798.6)

Type of Dive: Boat dive

General Description: Sunk in 1962, the Gwendolyn Steers sits upright in approximately 55 feet of water. It is a tug boat with an easily accessed wheel house, which rises between 25 to 30 feet off the bottom. It is a popular wreck site, and because of its relatively easy access very few, if any, artifacts remain.

From Rick D'Amico

Location: Long Island Sound, off Port Jefferson Harbor (NOAA Chart No. 12363; LORAN 26652.1/43962.8)

General Description: A 205-foot paddlewheel steamer, the Lexington was the worst nautical disaster in the history of Long Island Sound. When it sank during the winter of 1840 approximately 150 people died. The wreck is in several pieces as a result of efforts to salvage the ship. The main portion of the ship, which includes the paddlewheel, lies in approximately 90 to 95 feet of water. Prior to sinking the ship burned to the water line, and plenty of charred wood will be seen. The silty bottom around the wreck is very easily stirred up, which can make visibility very poor. A powerful dive light is a must for this dive.

Tip on Diving the Site: The site is immediately in the path of the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson Ferry, so it is a good idea to have someone on board to radio the ferry when it comes into sight, so that it can give a wide berth.

From Rick D'Amico

Location: Long Island Sound, northeast of Execution Rocks Lighthouse (NOAA Chart No. 12366)

General Description: Not much of the ship is still intact, as mostly rubble remains from this steamer that sank during the winter of 1920. The surrounding substrate is mostly rocky and sandy, since strong tidal currents prevent silt from settling in the area. Lobsters and a number of finfish can be found at this site. At times there is a lot of boat traffic in the area.

Tip on Diving the Site: Strong tidal currents make diving this site at slack tide the best option.

From Rick D'Amico