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Map of Folly Cove
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IntermediateShore entry

Folly Cove

Massachusetts, United States
Open Water suggested3–24 m depthShore entry7mm or semi-dry + hood typical

Folly Cove at a glance

Folly Cove is a intermediate shore dive site in Massachusetts, United States with depths of 3–24.4 m (10–80 ft). Typically most favorable Jul · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Frilled anemone (Metridium), American lobster, and Striped bass. Recent reports put the water around 17°C (62°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 5h ago
0.5 mwaves — under a meter expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 17°C · seasonal avg 19°C

Site hazards: Slippery rocky beach at lower tides; cold water and thermoclines; northerly exposure can funnel swell into the cove; lobster pot lines and occasional small-boat traffic at the cove mouth; depth to 70-80 ft at the left point.

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Sun
Sun6:00–21:00
Mon6:00–21:00
Tue6:00–16:00
Wed6:00–7:00
Thu—
Fri6:00–21:00
Sat6:00–21:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 4:55 · Sunrise 5:28 · Sunset 20:09

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 9.1 km from site · graded 5h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

Loading tide predictions

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.

What Divers Say

Known for: Frilled anemone (Metridium), American lobster, Winter flounder
Best time: May-October on south or west winds; avoid after northerly blows. Around high tide is easiest for entry/exit. Excellent and popular night dive. Arrive early on summer weekends.

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.

  1. Jan34%6°C1.5 m
  2. Feb36%5°C1.4 m
  3. Mar35%5°C1.6 m
  4. Apr59%7°C1.2 m
  5. May70%11°C1.1 m
  6. Jun82%16°C0.8 m
  7. Jul90%19°C0.7 m
  8. Aug85%19°C0.8 m
  9. Sep77%19°C1.1 m
  10. Oct58%15°C1.3 m
  11. Nov43%12°C1.2 m
  12. Dec38%8°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

  • Frilled anemone (Metridium)Commonly seen
  • American lobsterCommonly seen
  • Striped bassSeasonal
  • Winter flounderCommonly seen
  • Little skateCommonly seen
  • Rock crabCommonly seen
  • CunnerCommonly seen
  • PollockCommonly seen
  • NudibranchsOccasionally seen
  • Longfin squidSeasonal
  • Ocean poutRarely seen

Fills & rentals nearby

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

Site details

Folly Cove, straddling the Gloucester/Rockport line on Cape Ann's north shore, is widely regarded as the area's premier shore dive. A cobble beach between two long rocky points leads to a sheer west wall — the 'great wall' — carpeted with frilled anemones and dropping toward 70-80 ft at the left point, while the cove's sandy center holds skates and flounder. It is dived day and night year-round; the only real frictions are slippery low-tide rocks and resident-only parking at the landing.

reefshorewall

Slippery rocky beach at lower tides; cold water and thermoclines; northerly exposure can funnel swell into the cove; lobster pot lines and occasional small-boat traffic at the cove mouth; depth to 70-80 ft at the left point.

Reviews

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