Rafes Chasm
Divers at this location can expect to encounter an abundance of marine life. The area is known for attracting Striped Bass, Halibut, and Cunner schools. As you explore the underwater landscape, you'll find the rocks lined with vibrant mussels, while curious lobsters roam the depths. Don't forget to keep an eye out for sculpin and northern puffers, adding an element of excitement to your dive.
With a visibility of 4 meters and a maximum depth of 11 meters, this dive site is suitable for divers of all levels, including beginners. Located in the United States, specifically within close proximity to Strawberry Cove in Magnolia, Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts, this underwater gem is waiting to be explored.
Diving Conditions Score for Rafes Chasm
Decent conditions, proceed with caution.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Rafes Chasm
Depth
11m
Visibility
4m
Experience Level
Weather Conditions for Rafes Chasm
Wave Height
0.2m
Wind Speed
10.7 m/s
Water Temp
15.8°C
Visibility
16.6km
Cloud Cover
3%
Wave Period
9s
Air Temperature
22°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Dive Score Chart for Rafes Chasm
Best time to dive: 13:00 with score 8.776219047619048/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.2m, Wind 1.1 m/s.Best night dive time: 4:00 with score 7.913170349907918/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Optimal diving conditions at Rafes Chasm are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Score: 8.8/10
Waves: 0.2m (8.75s), Wind: 1.1 m/s
Score: 7.9/10
Waves: 0.2m, Wind: 6.1 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Rafes ChasmAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Rafes Chasm
The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.
Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Seasonal DiveScore Chart
This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Best Season for Rafes Chasm
Winter
Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.
Best Months for Rafes Chasm
Ideal Conditions for Rafes Chasm
Water Temp
23.4°C / 74.1°F
July
Visibility
13.1m / 43.0ft
December
Wave Height
1.4m / 4.6ft
January
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Rafes Chasm
Rafes Chasm shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with July being the warmest month (23.4°C) and January the coldest (-6.7°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 1.4m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in January with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during January to March, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.
Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 22, 2026