Carrying Cove at New River Beach on the Fundy Shore is a popular check-out dive site due to its lack of currents and gentle tides.
This is a good novice diving site as there is plenty of life to be seen in the no more than ~30 fsw.
The site has an Westerly exposure. It is accessible year round, however there will be a parking fee to access it during the summer months.
The site is not tide dependent, though entering on the incoming tide (and near high tide) is better.. easier walk in, and usually better visibility. The site can be quite good for macro photography, and is often a "nursery" for juvenile ocean pout, sculpin, and lobsters. Look close for the marine life!
DIRECTIONS
The site is located near Point Lepreau. Follow Carrying Cove Road and signs for the walking trail. Enter the parking area, and go to the far left where you will be overlooking a small cove.
SITE
A small cove with a sandy/rocky beach. Plan dives either to the left or right of the cove, there is more marine life near the rocky sides.
ENTRY
Access the water from the beach. Entry will be much easier at or near High tide.
VISIBILITY
Ranges from 10-15'
WATER TEMP
32F (Feb-Mar) to 55F (Aug-Sep)
HAZARDS
Currents are not a major factor at this site. Storm conditions with a strong westerly wind may create some storm surge and lower visibility. Another safety point, if you need to head for the surface for some reason, please make sure you swim in close to the rocky edges of the cove as boats may pass through this dive site. Safety gear including a SMB, whistle and light are strongly recommended.
BOTTOM
Rocky, sandy, silty
FEATURES
The rocky ledges are home to a wide variety of marine life including crabs, lobster, sea raven, sculpin, star fish. Life is not as concentrated as some other sites, finding critters can take patience.
REFERENCES
https://tourismnewbrunswick.ca/listing/new-river-beach-provincial-park