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Norman's Woe

Location: Gloucester, MA
Exposure: southeast
Depth: 40-50'
Entry: rocky

Description

Norman's Woe is a shore dive spot which offers the rare feature of a good giant stride entry point. The rock jutting out into the ocean just right of center in the picture above is suitable for a giant stride entry under most conditions. Bottom composition consists of large 5-15' granite boulders dropping of quickly to a depth of 40-50' interspersed with a few spots of hard bottom. Entry and exit are rocky and challenging, and the shore is a good 1/4 mile hike from the parking lot. In spite of this, Norman's Woe has a great variety of marine life, and is a favorite spot for lobstering.

Notes: This is an advanced dive spot, and one best left to those in good physical condition. The pre- and post-dive hike can be quite tiring, especially on hot days. Wear good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water.

Directions from Boston

• Take 93 north or route one north to 128 north (Gloucester/Rockport).
• Take exit 15, turn right off the exit ramp.
• After about 1/2 mile, take a left onto Lincoln Street.
• After another 1/2 mile, take a left onto Rt. 127.
• 2.3 miles down 127, take the right fork at the sign for Magnolia. About 1/2 mile down this road, in the village of Magnolia, you will come to a five-way intersection with a flag-pole in the middle. Go straight through this intersection.
• Continue on this road for another 0.7 of a mile. At the bottom of a hill, on the right, you will see a small parking area by a chain-link fence with a gate. Park here.
• The walk to the dive site is almost 1/4 mile through the gate, over the hill, and down to the shore.

Click on another site to view.

accesses since July 28, 2000 with per day.