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Map of Hempstead Reef
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IntermediateBoat entry

Hempstead Reef

New York, United States
Open Water suggested15–22 m depthBoat entry5mm wetsuit typical

Boat dive — see Entry & access.

Hempstead Reef at a glance

Hempstead Reef is a intermediate boat dive site in New York, United States with depths of 15.2–21.9 m (50–72 ft). Typically most favorable Jul · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Tautog (blackfish), Black sea bass, and Scup (porgy). Recent reports put the water around 22°C (71°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 2h ago
0.9 mwaves — under a meter expected

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

Site hazards: Open-Atlantic site exposed to weather and seas; the reef is a popular saltwater fishing destination, so expect angler boat traffic and fishing line snagged on structures; cold water much of the year (drysuits required roughly November through May); structures are widely scattered, so straying off the anchor line over open sand is easy.

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Sun
Sun6:00–21:00
Mon6:00–21:00
Tue6:00–21:00
Wed6:00–21:00
Thu6:00–21:00
Fri6:00–21:00
Sat6:00–21:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:14 · Sunrise 5:46 · Sunset 20:15

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 2.6 km from site · graded 2h 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: Tautog (blackfish), Black sea bass, Scup (porgy)
Best time: July through September, when Long Island waters are warmest with the season's best visibility; drysuits are required November through May.

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. Jan42%6°C1.4 m
  2. Feb49%5°C1.4 m
  3. Mar38%6°C1.5 m
  4. Apr47%9°C1.3 m
  5. May70%13°C1.1 m
  6. Jun74%18°C1.0 m
  7. Jul82%22°C1.0 m
  8. Aug72%22°C1.1 m
  9. Sep59%22°C1.3 m
  10. Oct54%18°C1.3 m
  11. Nov51%13°C1.2 m
  12. 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

  • Tautog (blackfish)Commonly seen
  • Black sea bassCommonly seen
  • Scup (porgy)Commonly seen
  • Summer flounder (fluke)Seasonal
  • American lobsterOccasionally seen

Fills & rentals nearby

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

Site details

Artificial reef built from 14 vessels, 2 barges, 3 steel power plant turbines, 16 steel center beam railcars, surplus armored vehicles, 1 drydock, Tappan Zee bridge materials, City Island bridge materials, steel bridge trusses, and concrete rubble

reefwreck

Open-Atlantic site exposed to weather and seas; the reef is a popular saltwater fishing destination, so expect angler boat traffic and fishing line snagged on structures; cold water much of the year (drysuits required roughly November through May); structures are widely scattered, so straying off the anchor line over open sand is easy.

Reviews

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