September 15-17, 2023

Join Big Apple Divers for a fun dive weekend at the Jersey Shore! Advanced sign-up is required.

DIVING
In September, warm water comes north resulting in tropical fish visiting NJ and temperatures averaging 72-75F, which only requires a 5 mm wetsuit to be comfortable. In addition, divers often see crabs, sea robins, flounder, sea stars, and mussels as well as the occasional oyster toadfish, eel, and pipefish.

However, one of the biggest draws to the area is the resident seahorse population. (See the slideshow at the bottom of this page. Some divers have seen up to 10 seahorses on a single dive!)

These dives are tidal with 2 dives available each day around 8/9AM and 8/9PM. We'll be offering shore dive options for both beginners and more advanced divers. You'll then have the rest of the day to enjoy camping and the local area.

Belmar Back Bay at Maclearie Park: This is a beginner friendly dive with a max depth of 15-20 ft. However, even the more advanced folks will enjoy this dive and also find plenty of to photograph with all the interesting marine life during this time of year. Typically low visibility, but the local seahorse population makes for a fun "treasure hunt" type of dive.

Manasquan Railroad Bridge: Though only up to 20 ft deep, this is a more advanced dive due to the currents. Tropical fish are often found to congregate under the bridge.

Additionally, advanced dive pairs can choose to dive Shark River Inlet on their own. Though only up to 30 ft deep, this is a more advanced dive due to the currents, boat traffic, and fishing entanglements along with a more difficult entry across slippery rocks.

The local dive shop, Divers Two is less than 1 mile away so it's easy to pick up your tanks and/or any equipment from them. Note: A dive flag on a float (a $10 rental) is required for every diver.

Note: Big Apple Divers does not vet divers; we are not in a position to decide about the suitability of any dive for any diver. It is your responsibility to decide whether you have the training and experience for any particular dive.

CAMPING
We will be camping together at a beautiful 2,173 acre county park on the northern edge of the NJ Pine Barrens. Despite its odd name, Turkey Swamp Park contains neither turkeys nor swamp. However, it does include a beautiful lake.

We'll be in a separate group area set aside just for us. You can bring your own tent or use one of the 12'x14' platform tents already set up. Onsite, there's potable water, a group grill, a fire pit, water source, a picnic shelter, and a camping toilet. Showers, sinks, and flush toilets are a 5-minute walk from the campsite.

We'll be supplying firewood, charcoal, all cleaning supplies, neoprene-friendly bug spray, and hot coffee + nondairy creamer/sugar. You supply any other camping equipment you need along with food. Everyone will be cooking their own meals. 

Limited spots available so RSVP now.


OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES
There are a lot of fun activities to do in addition the diving. The NJ Shipwreck History Museum, InfoAge Science & History Center, beach and boardwalk, a lighthouse tour, drinks at a distillery, hiking in the 2,173-acre woods of the park, boating via paddle boat/canoe/kayak, and/or horseback riding.

For any questions, contact the host, Beth McCrea (president@bigappledivers.com).