Dive-site story
Located on the southern tip of New Castle Island in New Hampshire, Fort Stark is a favored shore dive along the state's brief Atlantic coastline. Divers enter over rocky cobblestone and seaweed-draped granite to explore shallow boulder fields, kelp beds, and sand flats opening into the Atlantic. Because it sits near the mouth of the Piscataqua River, timing your dive around high slack tide is essential to maximize water clarity and avoid outgoing tidal currents.
Extensive boulder beds and rocky ledges sheltering diverse cold-water invertebrates
Expansive kelp forests that provide cover for juvenile fish and benthic species
Historical coastal fortifications overlooking the shore entry point
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Late summer and early autumn bring the warmest water temperatures and more consistent visibility.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American lobsterHomarus americanus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Jonah crabCancer borealis | Common | ||||||||||||
| CunnerTautogolabrus adspersus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Winter flounderPseudopleuronectes americanus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Northern red anemoneUrticina felina | Common | ||||||||||||
| Striped bassMorone saxatilis | Seasonal |
Marine forecast
