Rockaway Artificial Reef

Rockaway Artificial Reef

1.6 nautical miles south of Rockaway Beach, 1.00 sq miles
Depth: 32 - 40 ft

Rockaway Artificial Reef

Not Shown:

  • 60 steel buoys
  • 2,000 tire units
side-scan sonar image of Rockaway Reef, click to enlarge

rock reef
A hopper barge full of rock

All manner of concrete, steel, and stone rubble from dredging, demolition projects, and other construction is used as artificial reef materials. This material is generally available at very low cost or free from construction companies who are more than happy to get rid of it. Transportation costs determine where this material is used by the Reef Program.


Many holes cut in sides.
It must cost a fortune to rent this giant derrick.
Type:
artificial reef, barges
Depth:
32 - 40 ft
Name Description Sunk GPS
Dump Scow
DS-109
100 ft steel Tuesday
Oct 9, 2018
40°32.614'
-73°50.098'

Dive boat operations in the Northeast are significantly different from those you may be used to in the tropics. For this discussion, "Northeast" may be taken to mean any place north of Florida, or south at least to North Carolina.

The typical going rate for boat diving in New Jersey is about $65 for a one-tank excursion, $90-100 for a two-tank excursion. With recent fuel prices, you can expect a small surcharge as well. Longer, deeper, or special trips may cost more. A non-refundable deposit or credit card number is generally required to make the reservation. Once onboard, the crew will do all they can to make your trip a good one, so don't forget that it is customary to leave a tip for them as well - at least $5-$10, more if one of them did something special, like retrieve what you dropped overboard, or save your life. Tips go to the chief mate, not the captain.