Stellwagen Bank,

Massachusetts

At the mouth of Massachusetts Bay , between Cape Ann and Cape Cod , is the kidney-shaped plateau "Stellwagen Bank,” which lies at the bay's eastern edge. Stellwagen Bank is the centerpiece of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, which encompasses 842 square miles (2,189 sq km). From the sanctuary's Scituate, Massachusetts-based headquarters, the distance is about 11 miles (18 km).

Sites within the sanctuary include the fishing vessel Josephine Marie, which lies on the southern end of Stellwagen Bank in 100 feet (30 m) of water. The 80-foot long steel-hulled stern trawler sank in 1992 and now lies upside down.

Depths to: More than 300 feet (90 m) but the sanctuary helps visitors find areas well within recreational diving limits.

Water temperature: Since the seafloor water temperature rarely rises above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), dry suits are recommended.

Marine life: Includes sculpins, skates, flounders, goosefish, and cod, plus schools of dogfish, herring, pollock, and sand lance.

Fees: None

On-site amenities: None

More info: http://stellwagen.noaa.gov/visit/diving/diving.html

Open: Year-round

Getting there: Dive boats regularly visit Stellwagen Bank from nearby cities such as Provincetown on Cape Cod and Gloucester , Massachusetts .