HMS Swift
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.
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.
Reviews for HMS Swift
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)
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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