Cliff Diving
Top cliff diving spots in Boston
Boston, set to be the next site of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, is surrounded by hidden cliff diving gems.
In the world of extreme sports, cliff diving puts a heavy emphasis on the extreme. Plunging feet first into water from heights ranging from 15 to 80 feet in the air is not for the weak or timid. But that thrilling reward, especially when it takes you to some of the best cliff diving locations in the world, is unmatched.
You don’t need to fly all the way to Portugal or Japan to experience a breathtaking cliff diving spot, though. Boston, set to be the next site of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, is surrounded by hidden cliff diving gems. Read ahead for a guide to the top cliff diving spots around Boston.
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Red Bull Cliff Diving Boston's best moments
Check out the best of the action from Boston as the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series gets underway.
What makes the Boston area great for cliff diving?
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Cliff diving may not show up as a top activity in your typical Boston travel guide. But if you talk to the locals, you’ll find cliff diving has been a tradition for young Boston residents for decades. It usually involves a day trip just outside the city, but Massachusetts is full of stunning quarries waiting to be explored. There’s no better way to culminate a serene hike than with an electrifying plummet into the water, taking in the gorgeous natural scenery on your way down.
If you’re planning a Boston cliff diving adventure, just be sure to check local regulations and water conditions before taking the leap. It’s always important to prioritize safety first, whether you’re venturing to a beloved old favorite or a brand new cliff diving location.
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Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston
Red Bull Cliff Diving Boston 2023 at the Institute of Contemporary Art
© Christian Pondella / Red Bull Content Pool
If you’re planning a visit to Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art, you’re probably going to spend the afternoon basking in works of visual artistic genius. But when the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series rolls around in June, the ICA will be transformed into a hub for a different form of art. For the third year in a row, the museum’s Boston Harbor waterfront will host some of the world’s best cliff divers as they show off their athletic artistic prowess.
The Cliff Diving World Series is the place to be if you want to see some of the most complex dives ever completed. Men will be competing from an 89-foot platform, while women competitors will dive from 69 feet above the harbor. While the event takes place in the warmer months, the water temperature only reaches about 63 degrees at most. There’s no cap on the diving degree of difficulty, so participants are welcome to push their limits.
Molly Carlson at the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2023 in Boston
© Dean Treml / Red Bull Content Pool
This is one spot that you won’t be able to enjoy unless you’re a participant. However, the event is free and open to the public. If you want some inspiration for your own cliff diving endeavors, don’t miss the Cliff Diving World Series when it lands in Boston on June 8.
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Gloucester Quarry, Gloucester
If you head about an hour northeast of Boston, the Gloucester Quarry has several diving depths to choose from. Cliff heights range from 15 to 35 feet and the quarry itself is lined with trees for a secluded cliff diving oasis. It’s the perfect combination of natural tranquility and a giant adrenaline surge. Double check the water depth before diving and be respectful of nearby neighbors.
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Steel Derrick Quarry, Rockport
Just a short drive from Gloucester, the Steel Derrick Quarry in Rockport is another popular spot for New England cliff divers. Jumping at this spot has been a pastime for Massachusetts youth for generations. You can find some shorter bluffs to jump from, but the cliffs at Steel Derrick are generally pretty steep. Cliffs can tower as high as 70 or 80 feet and conditions can get slippery, so be mindful when jumping.
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Becket Quarry, Becket
This spot is a bit of a trek from the Boston metro area, but it’s well worth the over two-hour drive if you love to cliff dive. The hike to the granite quarry makes for a lovely day in the woods all on its own. Once you reach the quarry, though, nothing beats making a splash while taking in an epic view as you descend into the water. The quarry cliffs reach 75 feet, and the inky water makes it difficult to see hazards, so this is a spot best left for advanced divers.
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Halibut Point State Park, Rockport
Another Rockport favorite, cliff diving at the Halibut Point State Park Quarry early in the morning is one of the most exhilarating ways to start your day. Surrounded by 440 million-year-old granite, the water depth is around 60 feet at its lowest point. The hike to the quarry is sprinkled with wildflowers and local wildlife, so you don’t have to wait to reach the cliffs for spectacular views.
Boston cliff diving is worth the trip
You may have to travel a bit outside the Boston metro area, but if you need a cliff diving fix in Massachusetts, you’ve got options. Stay mindful of local regulations and watch for hazards so you leave your cliff diving adventure with a big smile and a hefty post-adrenaline rush. You’ll get some great views along the way — and a thrill like no other.