SCUBA DIVING INFORMATION ACADIA NATIONAL PARK Maine's rich northern waters harbor an abundance of marine life. As a diver, you are equipped to enjoy the beauty of Acadia's underwater world, and we hope this guide will assist you. Please keep the following information and safety hints in mind before diving. 1. Dive with a wet suit. Even in summer, the sea water temperature doesn't climb above 55°F (The inland lakes are significantly warmer.) 2. Remember to consider the 111/2 foot tides when selecting a diving location. The ledge which leads to the water so conveniently at high tide may be at the top of a ten foot cliff a low tide. 3. Beware of strong tidal currents and heavy surf. Avoid diving in rough seas. 4. Use a divers flag. Close to shore, there is lots of boat traffic. 5. In case of diving accidents, call the Coast Guard. Their phone number is 244-5121, and they monitor Channel 16 VHF and Channel 9 on CB. The closest decompression chamber is located at the Naval Shipyard in Groton, Connecticut. The Mount Desert Island Hospital is located in Bar Harbor, and the 'phone number is 288-5081. 6. You can obtain air at Hayne's Garage in Northeast Harbor. Their phone number is 276-3773. Also try Harbor Divers in Bass Harbor. Their phone number is 244-5751. They can provide detailed information about specific dive sites around the Island. 7. Please notify Park Rangers of location of dive, the number in your party, vehicle used and the place where it is parked. The Ranger Office number is 288-3360. 8. Plan a safe dive and remember to always dive with a buddy. Regulations pertaining to scuba diving include the following: 1. It is illegal to take lobsters; any lobster traps must be left alone. 2. Spear fishing is permitted in salt water but is prohibited in fresh water. 3. From April 15-November 1, scallops cannot be gathered within 3 miles of shore. From November 1-April 15, you may collect up to 1 gallon of scallop meat with- out a license. 4. From October 1-May 1, diving is permitted at Sand Beach and Echo Lake swimming beach areas. From May 1-October 1, diving is not permitted at the swimming beaches. 5. For more information on specific regulations concerning salt water diving, contact the Marine Resources Department at 667-3127. For more information on regulations concerning fresh water diving, contact the Maine Inland Fish & Wildlife Warden Service at 1-800-332-2033. Dive areas surrounding Mt. Desert Island include the following: Bar Island 2 Hours either side of low tide, this Island is accessible via a gravel bar that connects the Island to Bar Harbor. The Island offers 3 good dive sites. Be aware that the eastern half of the Island is private land. Sheep Porcupine The Island is accessible only by boat. Good dive sites are located all around the Island. Bald Porcupine The Island is accessible only by boat. Good dive sites are found on both sides of the breakwater and on the north side of the Island. Avoid diving on the southeast side of Bald Porcupine, due to very strong currents. Sand Beach Diving permitted from October 1-May 1 only. Monument Cove Park at Gorham Mountain Parking Area and follow a steep trail down to a boulder beach. This is a good place for diving but be very careful of heavy surf and strong undertow. Otter Cliffs This area is accessible for diving by boat only. The undertow is too strong to dive from shore. Otter Cove Being shallow (less than 30 feet) and protected, this area provides an excellent beginners diving site. Beware of heavy boat traffic. Little Hunter's Beach Dropping off fairly quickly into 50 feet of water, this is an excellent dive site with lots of marine life. Big Hunter's Beach Access to this site is via boat or by packing in. This excellent site features a sheer wall that drops off to a pebble beach. Avoid diving here if the surf is heavy. Sargent Drive Two pull-offs on Sargent Drive provide access to beautiful wall dives in Somes Sound. The sites are well protected and feature a lot of marine life. Beware of strong tidal currents. Sargent Drive Picnic Area Well protected and with depths of 30-35 feet, this is a good site for beginners. It's an old dump site, so you may find some interesting garbage on the bottom. Valley Cove Well protected and with sheer 180 foot vertical walls, this site is ideal for underwater photography. Seawall With depths ranging from 12-18 feet, this shallow area is good for snorkeling. Ship Harbor This is a good dive site, featuring the remains of an old schooner settled in the mud. Pretty Marsh This is a great diving area, but be careful of the strong current. Frazer Picnic Area (on Schoodic Peninsula) A large parking area with immediate access to the water makes this a good dive site for a large group of divers. The location is sheltered. All other locations on Schoodic Peninsula All along the park road, you will find many good diving sites. Be extremely careful on Schoodic, for the heavy surf and strong current make it easy to get hurt. The surf is particularly strong on the west side of the Peninsula. Inland Lakes Eagle Lake, Jordan Pond, Bubble Pond, the southern half of Long Pond, and Upper and Lower Hadlock Ponds are used as municipal water supplies and are therefore closed to swimming and diving. You may scuba dive at any of the other fresh water lakes and ponds in Acadia National Park.