The state of New Jersey is located in the United States along the north-east coast and is bordered by New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware. The state is known for its dense population and large city, while at the same time being well known for their beaches. New Jersey is typically broken up into five regions which include North-eastern New Jersey, which is in close proximity to New York city. The Shore, which is also known as Jersey Shore, which is comprised of the eastern and south-eastern shoreline, along the Atlantic. Northwest New Jersey, which is known for its mountains and woods. The Pine Barrens which as the name suggests is an area rich in pine and oak forests is the region in the southern interior of New Jersey. Finally, there is the south-west region.
New Jersey is often seen as a state of geographic diversity. There are the mountainous regions in the north-west, the predominantly city life in the north-east, the expanse of forests in the south, while along the eastern coastal areas are pristine beaches. The difference in climate is also quite interesting with winter months often bringing large amounts of snow, while in the summer months it's not unusual to see temperatures remain in the high 80s.
When it comes to scuba diving, the best opportunities can be found off the coast where one can experience a number of fascinating dive sites. The diving in New Jersey is definitely different from the diving down south along the Florida, South Carolina and Georgia coasts, as well as being very different from diving in the Gulf of Mexico. New Jersey lies at a latitude where the sea surfaces temperatures are quite a bit cooler than many Americans are used to, especially those along the Gulf Coast. In the winter months sea temperatures around New Jersey are typically in the mid 30s, while in summer they are a more comfortable 70-75'F.
The main feature for scuba divers is the vast number of wrecks which lie off the New Jersey coast. There are over 30 different wrecks to dive off the New Jersey coast, all with a history to them, not only that but they are in waters where marine life is abundant. Many of the ships here still contain artifacts from the late 19th or early 20th century. Many of these wrecks also lie in waters of just 20 to 30 meters too, making many accessible to the less advanced scuba divers. The Bone Wreck, 120 Wreck, Antioch Wreck, Bluff's Wreck, China Wreck, The S.S Mohawk and The Almirante Wreck are just a few of the wrecks you can dive.
In regards to marine life, with sea temperatures in the 70s at the warmest part of the year, you shouldn't be expecting an array of tropical fish, but that's not to say that the marine life in New Jersey is dull. As far as the number of species in the waters, the eastern and north eastern coasts of the United States offer plenty.
A list of just some of the species you are likely to encounter off the New Jersey coast is as follows: Black Seabass, Striped Bass, Wrasses, Cunner, Blackfish, Atlantic Cod, Bluntnose Stingray, Little Skate, Dogfish, Planehead Filefish, Sunfish, Gray Triggerfish, Monkfish, Conger Eels and Sea Raven, and this is to mention just a few!
New Jersey is definitely a place worth packing your gear for. The variety of city life, beach life and the easy possibility for a tranquil camp escape, all bundled into one state makes it a perfect family destination, and one of the often over-looked diving locations in the United States.
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