IntermediateShore entry

Ship Cove (Fort Williams Park / Portland Head Light)

Maine, United StatesDirections

Open Water suggested2–15 m depthShore entry7mm or semi-dry + hood typical

Ship Cove (Fort Williams Park / Portland Head Light) at a glance

Ship Cove (Fort Williams Park / Portland Head Light) is an intermediate shore dive site in Maine, United States with depths of 1.5–15.2 m (5–50 ft). Typically most favorable Aug · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Moon snail, American lobster, and Winter flounder. Recent reports put the water around 17°C (62°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 14h ago

0.4 mwaves — under half a meter expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 17°C · seasonal avg 18°C

Site hazards: Loose cobblestones at entry, pronounced tidal current near the shipping channel, large vessel noise/traffic beyond the cove mouth, lobster gear

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Sun

Fri2:00–19:00

Sat19:00–0:00

Sun15:00–19:00

Mon7:00–20:00

Tue0:00–19:00

Wed8:00–19:00

Thu—

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:47 · Sunrise 6:16 · Sunset 18:58

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 0.4 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: Moon snail, American lobster, Winter flounder

Best time: High tide, any season, calm or offshore winds

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.

Jan37%6°C1.5 m
Feb29%5°C1.4 m
Mar38%5°C1.6 m
Apr53%6°C1.3 m
May74%10°C1.2 m
Jun81%15°C0.9 m
Jul80%17°C0.9 m
Aug82%18°C1.0 m
Sep73%18°C1.2 m
Oct56%14°C1.3 m
Nov40%11°C1.3 m
Dec38%8°C1.6 m

August 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

The dive cove at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, beneath Portland Head Light. The left side offers deep, rugged fluted ledges down to about 50 feet at high tide, including a narrow diver-wide ravine cut; the right side is flatter rock with small 'caves' full of anemones, and military shell casings still turn up. A cobblestone slope guards the central sandy entry, and the park strictly closes at sunset (no night dives).

shorewall

Loose cobblestones at entry, pronounced tidal current near the shipping channel, large vessel noise/traffic beyond the cove mouth, lobster gear

How deep is Ship Cove (Fort Williams Park / Portland Head Light)?

Ship Cove (Fort Williams Park / Portland Head Light) ranges from 1.5 to 15.2 metres deep (5–50 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 Ship Cove (Fort Williams Park / Portland Head Light) a shore dive or a boat dive?

Ship Cove (Fort Williams Park / Portland Head Light) is a shore dive — you can enter from land. The entry is recorded as a rocky scramble. The entry area is recorded as moderately exposed to surge. Basic facilities are recorded at or near 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 Ship Cove (Fort Williams Park / Portland Head Light)?

Ship Cove (Fort Williams Park / Portland Head Light) is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 1.5 to 15.2 metres (5–50 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 Ship Cove (Fort Williams Park / Portland Head Light)?

The best time to dive Ship Cove (Fort Williams Park / Portland Head Light) is typically High tide, any season, calm or offshore winds. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Ship Cove (Fort Williams Park / Portland Head Light)?

Divers at Ship Cove (Fort Williams Park / Portland Head Light) in United States commonly report sightings of Moon snail, American lobster, Winter flounder, Sand dollar, and Horseshoe crab. Moon snail, American lobster, Winter flounder, and Sand dollar are recorded as common sightings, while Horseshoe crab is reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

Reviews

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