Canoe Beach is a small pebble cove near East Point, tucked between Castle Rock and Forty Steps, better known among scuba divers than swimmers. Rocky outcrops and kelp beds just offshore make it one of the North Shore's go-to shore dives, while the adjacent lot stays resident-sticker only.
What to expect
Parking
Resident sticker Free for residents with sticker; no public parking
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
No posted gate hours; open access
Dogs
Prohibited May 1-September 30 (town-wide rule); leashed permitted October 1-April 30
Scuba Dive
Allowed year-round, popular local dive site
Managed by
Town of Nahant
(781) 581-0088 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Resident sticker
CostFree for residents with sticker; no public parkingStickerNahant resident sticker ($15 Mar-Jun / $20 Jul-Dec)
Canoe Beach lot (Northeastern/municipal)
Details unconfirmed
Access points along this beach
Canoe Beach main entrance
From the adjacent municipal parking area
Swallow Cave Rd
Natural sea cave and popular dive/scramble spot a short walk south; roughly 7 resident-sticker spots on Swallow Cave Rd, and Nahant Police request dive-site parkers check in with them first
Common questions
Is Canoe in Nahant open today?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-07-16). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Why is this beach popular with divers?
The cove has rocky outcrops, kelp forests, small caves, and a series of rock pinnacles ('the chimneys') that break the surface at low tide, with a gentle slope to 30-35 feet -- a well-known local shore dive.
Is there parking at Canoe, and what does it cost?
Resident sticker (Free for residents with sticker; no public parking). Canoe Beach lot (Northeastern/municipal)
What rules should I know at Canoe?
Rocky terrain and rock pinnacles ('the chimneys') offshore; no lifeguard.
Been here? Help keep it current.
Prices, hours, and facilities change. A quick note keeps the next visitor from guessing.