IntermediateBoat entry

Cape May - Johnny Buoy

New Jersey, United States

AOW suggestedNew Jersey offshore reef/wreck diving13–19 m depthBoat entry3mm wetsuit typical

Cape May - Johnny Buoy at a glance

Cape May - Johnny Buoy is an intermediate boat dive site in New Jersey, United States with depths of 12.8–18.9 m (42–62 ft). Typically most favorable Jun · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Blue mussel, Scup (porgy), and Tautog (blackfish). Recent reports put the water around 24°C (76°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 17h ago

0.7 mwaves — under a meter expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 24°C · seasonal avg 23°C

Site hazards: New Jersey offshore reef/wreck diving

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Sun

Fri7:00–20:00

Sat7:00–20:00

Sun7:00–20:00

Mon7:00–20:00

Tue7:00–20:00

Wed7:00–20:00

Thu7:00–20:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 6:10 · Sunrise 6:36 · Sunset 19:13

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 2.6 km from site · graded 17h 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: Blue mussel, Scup (porgy), Tautog (blackfish)

Best time: May through October is the prime season; late summer brings the warmest water and best visibility. Winter diving requires drysuit and experience.

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.

Jan33%6°C1.4 m
Feb39%5°C1.4 m
Mar30%7°C1.6 m
Apr48%11°C1.4 m
May68%15°C1.2 m
Jun77%20°C1.1 m
Jul76%24°C1.0 m
Aug70%23°C1.2 m
Sep53%23°C1.5 m
Oct48%19°C1.5 m
Nov46%14°C1.2 m
Dec41%8°C1.4 m

June 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

No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.

Data updated June 2026

Site details

Artificial reef built from 46' Bouy Tender - "Johnny Bouy" NJDEP deployment record: Ship, material: 46' Bouy Tender - "Johnny Bouy", deployed 1993.

reef

New Jersey offshore reef/wreck diving — cold water (near-freezing at depth in winter, mid-70s F at surface in summer) with thermoclines; limited visibility (often 5-20 ft); currents and surge; heavy fishing pressure means monofilament line and hanging gear on structure (cutting tool essential); boat traffic (SMB and dive flag required); structures may have sharp edges and unstable sections.

How deep is Cape May - Johnny Buoy?

Cape May - Johnny Buoy ranges from 12.8 to 18.9 metres deep (42–62 feet). 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 Cape May - Johnny Buoy a shore dive or a boat dive?

Cape May - Johnny Buoy is a boat dive — access is by boat rather than from shore. 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 Cape May - Johnny Buoy?

Cape May - Johnny Buoy is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 12.8 to 18.9 metres (42–62 feet). Access is by boat. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive Cape May - Johnny Buoy?

May through October is the prime season; late summer brings the warmest water and best visibility. Winter diving requires drysuit and experience. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Cape May - Johnny Buoy?

Divers at Cape May - Johnny Buoy in United States commonly report sightings of Blue mussel, Scup (porgy), Tautog (blackfish), Cunner, and Rock crab. Blue mussel, Scup (porgy), Tautog (blackfish), Cunner, and Rock crab are recorded as common sightings. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

What hazards are recorded at Cape May - Johnny Buoy?

New Jersey offshore reef/wreck diving: cold water (near-freezing at depth in winter, mid-70s F at surface in summer) with thermoclines; limited visibility (often 5-20 ft); currents and surge; heavy fishing pressure means monofilament line and hanging gear on structure (cutting tool essential); boat traffic (SMB and dive flag required); structures may have sharp edges and unstable sections. Hazards and conditions change, so verify current local information before diving.

Reviews

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