Shark River

Shark River, the best spot for shore diving in the northern half of New Jersey, offers at least four separate sites to dive: on either side of the inlet in order to explore rock jetties, slightly upstream at A Street in Belmar, and upriver in the Back Bay area at L Street in Belmar. The Malta wreck is also nearby (a few blocks south on the beach) but is barely worth diving. There are a number of restrictions (clearly posted on both sides of the inlet) that one must follow in order to dive this site: there is no diving between 08:00 and 17:30 from 1 May to 1 October; diving is only allowed within 25 feet of jetties; diving inland is not permitted past A Street, south side or 1st Avenue, north side; a flag is required when diving. These restrictions also equally to the Malta wreck and Belmar beach jetties, but not to the Back Bay area. Because this is a tidal river, it is also necessary that one dive at slack water. It is best to do some research on local diving conditions if you've never died a local river or inlet before. Please be warned that it is unwise to leave anything onshore (or even in the back of your vehicle) as it may well be stolen while you're out diving.