Hen And Chickens
Protected Area
Gould Island Rook
Why dive here
With 35+ marine species recorded in the area - including nurse sharks - Hen And Chickens offers some of New England's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 4-19°C, warmest July, August, September.
Alright, let's talk about Hen and Chickens. Calling it a dive site is a bit of a stretch, and honestly, we’d suggest leaving your scuba gear on the boat for this one. This spot, sitting in a staggering 0.6 metres of water, is more of a snorkel and history lesson combo. What you’re looking at here are the remains of a really old fishing schooner, probably from the 1800s, that found its end right up against the shore. It’s a tangled mess of timbers, planks, and ribs, all scattered and reconfigured by decades of storms and tides. We’ve spent afternoons just drifting over it, watching the light play on the seaweed-draped wood. You won't be finning through coral gardens, but the way the ocean has claimed this wreck is pretty compelling. Crabs scuttle in the shadows, and tiny fish dart between the barnacle-encrusted timbers. It’s a powerful reminder of New England’s maritime past, best experienced on a calm day when the water is clear enough to make out the shapes below. Our favourite time to visit is just after high tide, when the water covers the highest points, giving it a bit more depth to explore without scraping your knees.
Typical Hen And Chickens Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 15°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Nearest Dive Centres to Hen And Chickens
Dive shops near Hen And Chickens
Bob’s Sea & Ski
The Dive Shop
Giant Stride Dive Shop
Reviews for Hen And Chickens
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Hen And Chickens
Hen And Chickens Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Hen And Chickens, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (42.6, -70.6) (0km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
15°C
59°F · Range: 12.8–18.1°C
Air Temperature
10°C
50°F
Wind Speed
3.78 m/s
7.3 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1017 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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