Ponquogue Bridge

Location: Shinnecock Bay, Hampton Bays, Long Island, New York

Type of Dive: Shore dive 

General Description: Ponquogue Bridge has become the first marine park in the Town of Southampton. There is a boat ramp, and an area exclusively for divers has been marked by buoys. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, a permit for parking is required. Parking permits can be obtained in person or through the mail from the Town of Southampton Parks & Recreation Department, 116 Hampton Road, Southampton,  NY 11968. Call (631) 283-6011 for information. Or this page should include a link to the current information.

The site has two bridge structures, an old bridge from which the center span has been removed and the new bridge which is currently used for automobile traffic. Diving is generally done around the pilings of the old bridge, which currently serves as a fishing pier and parking lot. It is prohibited to dive in the channel, as use of a dive flag would constitute an impediment to navigation. Bottom sediments around the pilings are rocks and sand. A variety of forms of marine life are present, including young-of-the-year tropical fish during the summer and fall. Diving this site during slack tide is a must as tidal currents are very strong.

Tip on Diving the Site: If the water suddenly becomes turbid, immediately begin your exit from the dive. The turbidity preceeds the swift tidal currents by a matter of minutes.

From Rick D'Amico