Things to do / Travel Guide
There are many opportunities to dive in the New Hampshire and Vermont region including at Lake Champlain, Lake Winnipesaukee, and off the New Hampshire coast.
Diving in the New Hampshire Lakes Area
There are diving opportunities at Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire's largest lake, where you might see unique diving ducks, such as the Audubon duck, which dive sharply underwater to find fish. Around the lake, as well as in the nearby town of Laconia, there are diving operators that can rent out equipment.
Diving in the New Hampshire Seacoast Area
There is also some diving off the coast of New Hampshire, despite its short shoreline. In Portsmouth there are a variety of diving operators that offer simple diving trips as well instructional diving courses and equipment rentals for those who wish to go diving off the coast in the Atlantic Ocean.
Diving in this area is best during the summer months. Instructional “how to” courses are offered at various dive operators in Portsmouth, (the premier facility being Portsmouth Scuba), by experienced PADI certified diving professionals. In addition to the common sights you'll see underwater, while diving you might come across a Kaolin clay tobacco pipe. These pipes are known to be historically-significant artifacts, as their design gives clues as to what period of time they originated in. These pipes were first developed in the 17th century and were in use until the 19th century. Portsmouth Scuba houses one of the largest collections of such artifacts in all of New England.
Diving in Northern Vermont
Divers in Lake Champlain have found interesting historical artifacts dating back to the 1700s. Lake Champlain is probably the best place in the United States to take a gander at the well-preserved wooden shipwreck collections that have remained intact in the cold, dark waters. Also, like Loch Ness in Scotland, some people claim to have seen some sort of prehistoric sea creature rearing its ugly head from beneath the waters of Lake Champlain. As of yet, however, no sea creature has ever been discovered. Who knows? You might be the first to snap his picture!
Diving season begins in early June and runs until the end of August, but be advised that Lake Champlain is still very cold then (40-50 degrees). Local authorities recommend that only certified divers with similar experience should dive in the area, but for those who attempt it, it presents a real challenge against the elements! You must register in advance with Burlington Community Boat House, before each time you dive.
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