IntermediateBoat entry

Hempstead Reef

New York, United States

Open Water suggested15–22 m depthBoat entry3mm wetsuit typical

Hempstead Reef at a glance

Hempstead Reef is an 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 Summer flounder (fluke), Tautog (blackfish), and American lobster. Recent reports put the water around 24°C (75°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 14h ago

0.7 mwaves — under a meter expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 24°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: Sat

Fri7:00–20:00

Sat7:00–20:00

Sun7:00–20:00

Mon7:00–20:00

Tue7:00–20:00

Wed7:00–20:00

Thu7:00–19:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 6:03 · Sunrise 6:31 · Sunset 19:10

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 2.6 km from site · graded 14h 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: 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.

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

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

Data updated June 2026

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.

How deep is Hempstead Reef?

Hempstead Reef ranges from 15.2 to 21.9 metres deep (50–72 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 Hempstead Reef a shore dive or a boat dive?

Hempstead Reef 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 Hempstead Reef?

Hempstead Reef is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 15.2 to 21.9 metres (50–72 feet). Access is by boat. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive Hempstead Reef?

July through September, when Long Island waters are warmest with the season's best visibility; drysuits are required November through May. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Hempstead Reef?

Divers at Hempstead Reef in United States commonly report sightings of Summer flounder (fluke), Tautog (blackfish), American lobster, Black sea bass, and Scup (porgy). Tautog (blackfish), Black sea bass, and Scup (porgy) are recorded as common sightings, while Summer flounder (fluke) is seasonal, while American lobster is 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 Hempstead Reef?

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