IntermediateShore entry

Beach 8th Street (Far Rockaway)

New York, United StatesDirections

Open Water suggested2–12 m depthShore entry3mm wetsuit typical

Beach 8th Street (Far Rockaway) at a glance

Beach 8th Street (Far Rockaway) is an intermediate shore dive site in New York, United States with depths of 1.5–12 m (5–39 ft). Typically most favorable Jul · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Northern pipefish, Lined seahorse, and Horseshoe crab. Recent reports put the water around 24°C (76°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 1h ago

0.4 mwaves — under half a meter expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 24°C · seasonal avg 22°C

Site hazards: Strong current near the channel (dive only at high slack tide), boat traffic, low visibility (often 4-10 ft), entanglement on jetty structure.

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Sat

Fri14:00–20:00

Sat7:00–20:00

Sun7:00–20:00

Mon7:00–18:00

Tue7:00–20:00

Wed7:00–20:00

Thu7:00–19:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 6:04 · Sunrise 6:32 · Sunset 19:10

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 4.1 km from site · graded 1h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

Dived here today — did the forecast match?

What Divers Say

Known for: Horseshoe crab, Spider crab

Best time: High slack tide; late fall and early spring can offer 20+ ft visibility.

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

Jan42%6°C1.4 m
Feb49%5°C1.4 m
Mar38%6°C1.5 m
Apr47%9°C1.3 m
May70%13°C1.1 m
Jun74%18°C1.0 m
Jul82%22°C1.0 m
Aug72%22°C1.1 m
Sep59%22°C1.3 m
Oct54%18°C1.3 m
Nov51%13°C1.2 m
Dec41%9°C1.4 m

July hastypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

Fills & rentals nearby

Facts from OpenStreetMap, corrected by the community — listed by distance only. Details change; confirm with the shop.

Stingray Divers21.0 km
stingraydivers.com
Mo-Fr 12:00-19:00; Sa 12:00-18:00 hours from OpenStreetMap — call ahead
Report a fix

Shop facts come from OpenStreetMap and community corrections, shown nearest first. PickADive lists facts and contacts only — no listing is sponsored or ranked.

Data updated June 2026

Site details

A long-established shore dive at Far Rockaway near the East Rockaway Inlet in Queens, once home to the 'Almost Paradise' dive shop. Underwater jetties at 8th and 9th Streets give some shelter from current and host surprising biodiversity. Still frequented by local dive clubs and instructors for its easy access and training value.

shore

Strong current near the channel (dive only at high slack tide), boat traffic, low visibility (often 4-10 ft), entanglement on jetty structure.

How deep is Beach 8th Street (Far Rockaway)?

Beach 8th Street (Far Rockaway) ranges from 1.5 to 12 metres deep (5–39 feet) — a shallow dive. It is a saltwater site rated as intermediate difficulty. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.

Is Beach 8th Street (Far Rockaway) a shore dive or a boat dive?

Beach 8th Street (Far Rockaway) is a shore dive — you can enter from land. The entry is recorded as an easy walk-in. The site is recorded as tide-dependent (slack tide only), so check local tide tables when planning your entry. The entry area is recorded as moderately exposed to surge. No facilities are recorded at the site, and cell service is recorded as good. Entry details and parking notes, where known, are listed in the access section of this page.

Can beginners dive Beach 8th Street (Far Rockaway)?

Beach 8th Street (Far Rockaway) is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 1.5 to 12 metres (5–39 feet). Access is from shore, with the entry recorded as an easy walk-in. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive Beach 8th Street (Far Rockaway)?

High slack tide; late fall and early spring can offer 20+ ft visibility. Best late spring through fall; no formal closure. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Beach 8th Street (Far Rockaway)?

Divers at Beach 8th Street (Far Rockaway) in United States commonly report sightings of Northern pipefish, Lined seahorse, Horseshoe crab, Spider crab, and Striped bass. Horseshoe crab and Spider crab are recorded as common sightings, while Northern pipefish, Lined seahorse, and Striped bass are reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

What hazards are recorded at Beach 8th Street (Far Rockaway)?

Strong current near the channel (dive only at high slack tide), boat traffic, low visibility (often 4-10 ft), entanglement on jetty structure. Hazards and conditions change, so verify current local information before diving.

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