AdvancedShore entry

Magnolia Rocks (Kettle Cove)

Massachusetts, United StatesDirections

AOW suggestedOne of Cape Ann's most dangerous entries/exits5–15 m depthShore entry5mm wetsuit typical

Magnolia Rocks (Kettle Cove) at a glance

Magnolia Rocks (Kettle Cove) is an advanced shore dive site in Massachusetts, United States with depths of 4.6–15.2 m (15–50 ft). Typically most favorable Jul · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see American lobster, Sea raven, and Northern sea star. Recent reports put the water around 19°C (66°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 13h ago

0.3 mwaves — under half a meter expected

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

Site hazards: One of Cape Ann's most dangerous entries/exits

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Fri

Fri7:00–19:00

Sat7:00–19:00

Sun12:00–19:00

Mon7:00–19:00

Tue7:00–19:00

Wed10:00–19:00

Thu7:00–13:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:50 · Sunrise 6:18 · Sunset 19:00 · all windows sit within daylight

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 5.7 km from site · graded 13h 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: American lobster, Northern sea star, Cunner

Best time: Flat-calm summer days with northerly or offshore winds; avoid entirely with any southerly wind or existing swell.

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.

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

Fills & rentals nearby

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

Undersea Divers18.7 km
+1 978 927 9551
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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

Magnolia Rocks (at Kettle Cove in Gloucester's Magnolia village) is a long granite ledge sloping into the sea, fronting a sand bottom strewn with medium and large boulders that run several hundred yards offshore. The boulder field shelters abundant lobsters and fish life, but the bare ledge entry is fully exposed to southerly swell and is considered one of the most hazardous entries/exits on Cape Ann — strictly a calm-day site for experienced divers.

reefshore

One of Cape Ann's most dangerous entries/exits — bare sloping ledge fully exposed to southerly wind and swell, with seas that can build within the span of a single dive; slippery rock; cold water; surge over the boulder field; no easy alternate exit. Dive only on flat-calm days.

How deep is Magnolia Rocks (Kettle Cove)?

Magnolia Rocks (Kettle Cove) ranges from 4.6 to 15.2 metres deep (15–50 feet). It is a saltwater site rated as advanced difficulty. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.

Is Magnolia Rocks (Kettle Cove) a shore dive or a boat dive?

Magnolia Rocks (Kettle Cove) is a shore dive — you can enter from land. The entry is recorded as a rocky scramble. The entry area is recorded as 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 Magnolia Rocks (Kettle Cove)?

Magnolia Rocks (Kettle Cove) is rated as advanced difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 4.6 to 15.2 metres (15–50 feet). Access is from shore, with the entry recorded as a rocky scramble. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive Magnolia Rocks (Kettle Cove)?

Flat-calm summer days with northerly or offshore winds; avoid entirely with any southerly wind or existing swell. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Magnolia Rocks (Kettle Cove)?

Divers at Magnolia Rocks (Kettle Cove) in United States commonly report sightings of American lobster, Sea raven, Northern sea star, Frilled anemone (Metridium), and Striped bass. American lobster and Northern sea star are recorded as common sightings, while Striped bass is seasonal, while Sea raven and Frilled anemone (Metridium) 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 Magnolia Rocks (Kettle Cove)?

One of Cape Ann's most dangerous entries/exits — bare sloping ledge fully exposed to southerly wind and swell, with seas that can build within the span of a single dive; slippery rock; cold water; surge over the boulder field; no easy alternate exit. Dive only on flat-calm days. Hazards and conditions change, so verify current local information before diving.

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