New England, United States
    Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

    HMS Swift

    Best months: Jul–Sep

    Protected Area

    Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

    Why dive here

    With 35+ marine species recorded in the area - including nurse sharks - HMS Swift offers some of New England's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 4-19°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeJul–Sep
    WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit
    Marine lifeNurse Sharks · 35+ species recorded
    Water4-19°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive

    The HMS Swift, lost in 1777, is more than just another New England wreck; it’s a portal back to the American Revolution. We love it because you’re not just exploring a sunken ship, you’re touching history. Dropping down, you hit the bow first, often seeing massive schools of Atlantic chub mackerel swirling around the mast steps. The stern section is our favourite, with its timber frames creating spooky corridors where grey snapper lurk. Keep an eye out for banded drum tucked into crevices, their stripes a sharp contrast against the dark wood. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, sometimes twenty metres, sometimes five, but it always adds to the mystique. When it’s clear, sunlight slices through the water, illuminating the hull's ghostly outline. We’ve even seen blue-spotted cornetfish flitting between the ribs. This is a dive for those who appreciate maritime history as much as marine life, offering a blend of quiet exploration and unexpected encounters. Go on a slack tide, otherwise the current can make navigating the timbers a real workout.

    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.

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HMS Swift

    HMS Swift Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for HMS Swift, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (42.6, -70.6) (0km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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