Water Temp: 66-70F/19-21C. I went scuba diving here on 7/20/2016. If you have no idea where to dive in North Carolina, U-352 is the most sought-after wreck diving destination. Barracuda, shown here, are frequenly seen by scuba divers venturing into the wheelhouse of this popular North Carolina shipwreck. Depending on the conditions, possible dive sites (with shipwrecks, ledges and more) include the U-352 U-boat, the Caribsea, the Spar . The Hyde is one of the most popular wrecks in our area. Therefore, I will be engaging my years of experience by discussing anything related to diving on this website. Location N33 51.280'/W76 57.860'. This dive site has an average rating of 4.00 out of 5 from 6 scuba divers. Aquatic Safaris out of Wilmington. The Aeolus is a wreck that was sunk off the North Carolina coast for the sake of developing an artificial reef system. Get 5 two-tank boat dives, but pay for only 3, with every 6-day unlimited tank package. Members login here. During the 2012 dive season, the Aeolus became home to approximately a dozen sand tiger sharks that took up residence inside the wreck. During the early stages of WWII, German U-boats wreaked havoc along the Eastern seaboard sinking numerous Allied merchant ships. 1. With the Papoose resting nearly 36 nautical miles from shore, its popularity is increased due to the clear waters of the Gulf Stream; 100 foot of visibility is not unheard of on the Papoose aka W.E. Whatever you call the Indra, she is a legendary wreck site in her own right. 8 Atlas Another victim of a German U-boat attack, the 430-foot Atlas tanker was sunk on April 9, 1942, only a few miles from the wreck of the Caribsea in 115 feet of water. The U-352 is one of the most famous wrecks off the North Carolina coast and she sits in 110 feet of water. Scuba Diving in Florida Keys: The Best Guide for Beginners, Scuba Diving in Venice, Florida The Completed Guide in 2023, Scuba Diving in Sarasota: The Unrivaled Guide in 2023, Scuba Diving in Destin: The Completed Guide in 2023. For entry-level divers, USS Indra can satisfy their desires thanks to its shallow depths and unique position. From historic shipwrecks to beautiful reefs and . Because she is partially intact, sitting upright and within close proximity to Morehead City, she attracts both novice and advanced divers, alike. The Civil War blockade runner Condor is one of 21 shipwrecks within the Cape Fear Civil War Shipwreck District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since wreck-diving is for experienced divers, visitors are encouraged to contact local dive shops and outfitters. The following detailed reviews will provide you with valuable information about what to expect to see underwater, safety tips to consider, and who should dive there. Water Temp: 76-80F/24-27C. ", Last Updated December 30, 2022 By Scott Maldonado. The marine life is thick on this wreck and an opportunity to dive it should not be missed. Photographing a German U-boat by NOAAs National Ocean Service Flickr: Photographing a German U-boat. The Proteus was once a luxury passenger liner that sank in a collision in 1918. Water temp: 71-75F/22-24C. Sitting with a 45-degree list to starboard and her conning tower intact, the U-352 fascinates scuba divers and strikes at their imagination when they get a glimpse of a this amazing piece of history. 1. The wreck of the Papoose has a convoluted history since in actuality it is the wreck W.E. Worth every penny. Visual Inspection Stickers Who Do You Trust? ellishugh: Avg Viz: 21-25ft/6-8m. R. R. Stone Tug AR382 is a boat accessible salt water dive site, located in Wilmington, NC. Lets get started! We had a great dive this past summer with some huge Sand Tiger sharks on the Hyde wreck out of Wilmington, North Carolina. She weathered the storm intact, though a tough little ship. Aquatic Safaris operates two USCG certified custom dive boats, a Sea Hawk Dive Master 36 (new in May 2014) and a Island Hopper Pro 48. With clear, warm Gulf Stream water being the standard conditions here, it appeals to those divers who dont mind the deeper depths. NC shipwrecks in Google Maps. The most notable inhabitants to spot here are sand tiger sharks. Dec 4, 2022. Sitting upside down in 120 feet of water, the 435-foot tanker attracts a plethora of marine life that includes the sand tiger sharks that are seen here with regularity. May 12,2006. www.wilmingtondiving.com Scuba Diving in Molokai: Best Dive Sites With Divers Guide! Sunk in 1988, she is 215 ft hopper dredge resting at ~85 feet. Sitting upside down in 120 feet of water, the 435-foot tanker is a favorite to many divers who come to see the plethora of marine life that includes the sand tiger sharks that are seen here with regularity. Even though this mystery has been solved, most scuba divers still refer to the Hutton as the Papoose. We offer a wide selection of SCUBA Diving classes and certifications, and wreck dive charters available to schedule with our experienced crew. The 390-foot luxury steam liner, Proteous sunk on August 19, 1918, in a collision with the SS Cushing approximately 20 nautical miles south of Cape Hatteras. }); Like other dive spots here, Wilmington offers you thrilling encounters with sand tiger sharks. You should rent a car to travel to different dive sites on Crystal Coast. This area includes the sandy beaches of Emerald Isle, along with gorgeous Atlantic Beach, world-famous for wreck diving and fishing for a long time. Like the Caribsea, the visibility on the Atlas can sometimes be less than 20 feet, but when the blue water rolls in this wreck site is a showstopper. These programs have been designed for teens with a serious desire to earn, or expand on, a scuba certification while exploring marine science. I went scuba diving here on 8/20/2017. Wrightsville Beach Diving is a premier SCUBA and freediving charter operation. 2. First Wreck Dive!! The only way to understand why it is different is to test the waters and give it a try. The Labrador current to theNorth, and the Gulfstream running from the south [], Ive been diving with these guys for a while now. Colorful sea fans, abundant marine life, dense schools of baitfish and the occasional shark keep divers returning year after year to this treasure trove of a dive site. cbrubach: Avg Viz: 36-40ft/11-12m. The wreck of the USS Indra has many humorous aliases, such as the Indra Maru after the famed Japanese wrecks of Truk Lagoon, or the Indra Doria after the Mount Everest of wreck dives, the_ Andrea Doria._ This 330-foot landing craft was sunk in 60 feet of water only 10 miles from Beaufort Inlet as part of the North Carolina artificial reef program. Thats the main reason why most wreck diving classes are operated here. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Are you ready to take your scuba diving skills to the next level? and wreck dive charters available to schedule with our experienced . Here a visitor peers into a hatch on the forward deck of the sunken relic. alko: Avg Viz: 36-40ft/11-12m. Water Temp: 71-75F/22-24C. Discovery Divings regular in-season weekend scuba diving charters are as popular as ever with veteran and new divers, as are half-day one-dive trips, weekday diving packages and specialty trips along the Crystal Coast. Bryan Tate, of Wilmington, NC, found a windlass/winch from the "lobster wreck". Thats because this area witnessed the highest density of shipwrecks in the US. Wrecks: Hyde, Markham, Cassimir, Normannia, Lobster Wreck (Porta Allegra), City of Houston, John D. Gill; Olympus out of Morehead City. Join us on one of the fastest Dive Charter boats on the NC coast. And because it rests nearly 36 nautical miles from shore in the clear waters of the Gulf Stream, 100 foot of visibility is not unheard of. Notorious for low visibility conditions as well as large schools of sand tiger sharks, this dive can be a top shelf experience when the blue water pushes in on rare days, exposing up to 100 sand tiger sharks in one spot. For that reason, I have chosen to list five favorites that are only a small portion of what North Carolina waters have available. Copyright 2023 - SDI | TDI | ERDI | PFI. The shipwrecks off of North Carolina are a unique and non-renewable resource that are in a constant state of change. Coptrainer: Avg Viz: 11-15ft/3-5m. The coastal waters surrounding Wilmington and its island beaches afford a bevy of shipwrecks that interpret the regions maritime heritage. Brass portholes, crew personal effects and weapons were some of the many items removed. Explore the breathtaking dive sites of Bonaire with this incredible travel deal! Coptrainer: Avg Viz: 41-50ft/12-15m. 34. Abundant lobsters are also much larger off North Carolina than those typically found in the Caribbean. The video below showcases how incredible scuba diving in Wilmington is. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. While diving on the wrecks is open tothe public, no disturbance of a shipwreck or recovery of anything is legal without a permit from the state. I went scuba diving here on 10/2/2016. Both wrecks are normally bathed in blue water, with plenty of [], It's well known that North Carolina hosts world class spearfishing. When divers ask North Carolina natives what the best dive sites are off their coast, very rarely is the same answer provided. ScubaFLee: Avg Viz: 11-15ft/3-5m. The experienced team, including boat captains and crew members, makes sure everyone is safe and comfortable during trips. Accommodation plays a vital role in deciding whether you feel comfortable during a trip. In addition, excellent light conditions and crystal-clear water facilitate underwater photography. Average viz: 41-50ft/12-15m. Two big sand tigers swimming inside the wreck. Today, the ship sits in two distinct pieces about a mile apart some 38 nautical miles due south of Morehead City. Besides, you will have unforgettable experiences in your life when you see sand tiger sharks circling around the wrecks. Underwater Archaeology Branch. 2 Discovery Diving Beaufort See on map. Read more about me. Divers returned day after day to swim right amongst the sharks in what became known as Club Aeolus, North Carolinas coolest shark lounge. Aquatic Safaris has specialized in SCUBA diving charters, instruction, gear sales, repair, and travel in Wilmington, NC since 1988. From the Outer Bankson the northern stretch of the North Carolina coast to Wilmingtonand beyond down the coast, heres an overview of scuba diving opportunities. She weathered the storm intact, though a tough little ship. Diving the various available wrecks is the only way to decide for yourself what site is really the best. Having been diving around the world, I believe the North Carolina coast and her Graveyard of the Atlantic is truly a wonderful diving experience that is different from most places people venture. Unlike great white sharks, this shark species is gentle and docile; thereby, it is safe to have a close look at them. Subscribe to our Mailing List, Aquatic Safaris SCUBA Center Nevertheless, they should equip themselves with a dive computer to monitor dive time and track remaining breathable air. The maximum depth on the Megalodon Ledges is between 90 and 105ft, [], Formerlya U.S. Coastguard Frying Pan Light Station, the toweris a lighthouse situated at the end of the Frying Pan Shoals, 45 miles south of Wrightsville Beach N.C. ellishugh: Avg Viz: 36-40ft/11-12m. YEARS IN BUSINESS (910) 392-4386. Water Temp: 66-70F/19-21C. In addition, Proteus is also a tourist hotspot for shark diving because sand tiger sharks are common sightings here. $('.av-instagram-follow').css('color', '#FFF'); Dive into the world beneath the sea with MarineQuest scuba diving programs! On land, you can enjoy picking up shells along the coastal beaches. Civil War Blockade Runner offers Divers and Snorkelers a Firsthand View of Maritime History Kure Beach, NC – Condor ran aground on her maiden voyage to Wilmington more than 150 years ago. They offered a variety of programs so whether you are already certified, or looking to start, MarineQuests scuba diving programs are for your children. Also, each location is linked to its website so that you can check whether there are available rooms or not. With a variety of shipwrecks to explore just during a single dive, North Carolina gives you endless experiences you cannot forget in your lifetime. Water Temp: 76-80F/24-27C. This dive site has an average rating of 4.00 out of 5 from 6 scuba divers. Get PADI Open Water SCUBA certified or obtain your AOW certification and explore the beautifulworld below the Atlantic! Previous divers have reported that hundreds of individuals are spotted on this site. Water temp: 76-80F/24-27C. North Carolina has two main airports, which are located in Durham and Raleigh, and it takes you about 90 minutes to reach the coast, no matter where you depart from. Water Temp: 56-60F/13-16C. Learning to dive is relatively easy and well worth the time and effort. North Carolinas dive spots are suitable for divers of all levels; however, each location has its own attraction. Not all the wrecks of North Carolina met their end due to tragic events. See what to wear under a wetsuit by checking my article: What to Wear Scuba Diving. Water Temp: 81-85F/27-29C. In truth, the U-352 is the wreck that first draws many divers to the North Carolina coast. However, any reckless scuba divers who can reach here will receive historical experiences that they cannot have anywhere else around the world. Aqua Cat is the Ultimate Luxury Liveaboard 8 Day/7 Night All Inclusive to the Exuma Cays, Bahamas Voted #1 Liveaboard in the World, Best Crew, Best Accommodations, Best, Under the jungle floor along the Yucatan Peninsula, thousands of limestone sinkholes and flooded cave systems--called Cenotes--await adventurous divers who don't mind. Home Destinations North Carolina The 8 Best Places to Scuba Dive in North Carolina, "I hope you love the products I recommend! Although this section of the river is within the boundaries of the . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); DiveAeris.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. This is a short 6 min video of John and I doing some wreck diving in wilmington NC. Whether interested in sight-seeing, underwater photography, maritime or military history, a technical diver or just beginning, from Cape Hatteras to Cape Fear, the abundant marine life and . Charter Schedules They are extremely professional while setting you up for a successful and fun trip. You may find this exceptional diving destination after an hour of driving to the north of North Carolina. All material contained in this domain is Copyright 1988 - 2023 Aquatic Safaris SCUBA Center, Inc. First Aid & CPR: Emergency First Response, Sea Turtle Camps Marine Biology and Scuba. Toll-Free: 1-877-406-2356, 2023 Wilmington and Beaches CVB All Rights Reserved. Any diver who ventures out to the Aeolus will always remember an incredible dive that can rival almost any shark dive out there today. These ledges are between 27 miles and 42 miles offshore. The R.R. This dive site has an average rating of 4.18 out of 5 from 38 scuba divers. Store Hours: Mid Season Hours:Mon Fri: 10:00am 6:00pmSat: 10:00am 5:00pmSun: 12am 4:00pm. The marine life in Nags Head is abundant thanks to the large number of shipwrecks on the bottom. For centuries, the often-treacherous waters off the Outer Banks of North Carolina have claimed hundreds of seagoing vessels. Required fields are marked *. Scuba diving in North Carolina is not as chilly as in California because its average water temperature is around 82F/28C throughout the year. The Hyde. Lets check out a few frequently asked questions related to this topic and enlarge your knowledge. How Dangerous Is Scuba Diving: Top 7 Risks You Should Know! The scrappy USCG Cutter Icarus was on her game that day when the U-352 opened fired with torpedoes and missed. For half-a-century I have been professionally engaged in researching, locating, and investigating North Carolina's shipwrecks, many of which lie beneath the waters surrounding Wilmington and its island beaches. View Member Topics. Below is a list of the most reliable dive operators in North Carolina so that you can book a tour or join in a scuba diving lesson. This makes the vessel a true wreck sitting in roughly 120 feet of water. It is a feature-rich, ADV style, wrap-around jacket that incorporates the innovative i3 inflation / deflation system. Click our Dive Local section for more info on dive sites, or visit these dive shops in the area to make it happen: discoverydiving.com and olympusdiving.com. 5. Another long-time and equally beloved Crystal Coast dive operator, Olympus Dive Center also runs a wide range of charter trips out to the areas numerous wrecks. Replies: 0. The wrecks sit at depths from 60 foot recreational limits to depths beyond the reach of standard technical diving methods. The video below showcases how incredible scuba diving in Wilmington is. North Carolina is lucky to have three scuba-accessible World War II era U-boats beneath her waters. Normannia Our experienced instructors will guide you through classroom sessions and open water dives to help you develop the knowledge and skills needed for each specialty. Thanks to that, USS Indra is a fantastic location for divers of all levels, especially beginners. I have also included a few frequently asked questions for your reference. $('.av-instagram-follow').css('font-weight', '600'); This 400-foot wreck sits in 110 feet of water and was split in two during a powerful hurricane that swept through the region in the 1990s. Amazingly, the Spar was moved 200 feet from her original location and rolled over on her port side when Hurricane Irene struck the coast in August 2011. Water Temp: 71-75F/22-24C. Scuba Diving in Oahu: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners. Condor proved to be one of the fastest British built blockade runners. The ship is now located at a depth of 110 feet below the surface, which . Apeks has announced a new technical dive computer that is fully compatible with trimix, sidemount and CCR diving. Scuba Diving in Kauai All You Need to Know! The USS Indra was once a landing craft repair ship that was sunk as an artificial reef. Would you like to extend the session or logout? Water temp: 81-85F/27-29C. The 180-foot buoy tender sits in 110 feet of water with a strong list to port. For the 10th year, Aquatic Safaris is proud to provide diving instruction and charters to UNCW MarineQuest camps. I went scuba diving here on 7/10/2016. Whether youre a beginner or an experienced diver, we have the courses and expertise to take your skills to the next level. On May 9, 1942, the U-352 was cruising close to the North Carolina coast in search of enemy targets when she picked a fight with the wrong ship. ellishugh: Avg Viz: 26-30ft/8-9m. Divers often experience them in large groups, and they are mostly found in and around the wreck. Fully grown Sand Tiger Sharks are frequent visitors during . Depending on the conditions, possible dive sites (with shipwrecks, ledges and more) include the U-352 U-boat, the Caribsea, the Spar, the Aeolus, the Papoose and the Naeco. Various charter groups offer trips to dive her on a regular basis and crowds from all over the planet come to partake in this experience. You will see they are swimming in large groups around the wreck. . If you want the fish he knows where they are. Since the 1990s she has been visited by more divers probably then any other wreck off the Outer Banks. 12 Best Underwater Camera for Scuba Diving in 2023. Enormous sand tiger sharks at a whopping 10 feet in length can be seen patrolling the wreck by the dozen. Specialty charters focused on Spearfishing and Megalodon Tooth Hunting. Sand tiger sharks were roaming all over the place, and vis was great. 9 USS Indra The wreck of the USS Indra has many humorous aliases, such as the Indra Maru after the famed Japanese wrecks of Truk Lagoon, or the Indra Doria after the Mount Everest of wreck dives, the_ Andrea Doria._ This 330-foot landing craft was sunk in 60 feet of water only 10 miles from Beaufort Inlet as part of the North Carolina artificial reef program. Today, it is illegal to take artifacts from the shipwreck, and most scuba divers are content to see the beautiful reef system with colorful sea fans, abundant marine life, dense schools of baitfish and the occasional shark. Aeolus is a ship that has been sunken intentionally to support the North Carolina artificial reef programs. Diving Excursions & Charters Diving Instruction Diving Equipment & Supplies (1) Website. Conversely, the U-701 and the U-85 are more difficult to visit. The average visibility is 36-40ft/11-12m. Hutton. Average viz: 36-40ft/11-12m. Come and be a part Sea Turtle Camps Marine Biology and Scuba camp. Hutton was misidentified by the United States Navy and thought to be the wreck of the Papoose. Ready to dive these wrecks? The rough terrain, combined with treacherous waters, makes it hard to scuba dive here; thus, only seasoned people are welcome. 5 Caribsea One of my personal favorites, the wreck of the Caribsea is one of those hit and miss dive sites. The natural forces that work on North Carolina's barrier islands are also working on our shipwrecks. 10 Naeco On March 23, 1942, the 411-foot Naeco went down in a fiery mess at the hands of yet another German U-boat attack in World War II. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons. Gordon P. Watts, Jr., has spent half-a-century working and teaching maritime history and underwater archaeology. Olympus is a full-service center, providing a wide range of dive boats, charters, instruction, gear rental and sales, air fills and more including great advice on diving the Graveyard of the Atlantic, thanks to thousands of dives by their experienced crew. (function($){ Mooring buoys were constructed to facilitate anchoring at the wreck site and waterproof slates were produced by underwater archaeologists John W. Billy Ray Morris and Gregory Stratton to assist divers in identifying features of the wreck. Hyde is a boat accessible salt water dive site, located in Wilmington, NC. In addition to these core courses, we also offer a range of PADI Specialty Diver Courses. 7041 Wrightsville Ave. The Normannia is a perfect blend of east coast experiences combing wildlife from southern waters with that of the central east coast. I went scuba diving here on 7/17/2016. These courses are designed to teach you specific skills and techniques related to different types of diving, such as underwater photography, fish identification, and search and recovery. 5. The peak season to scuba dive in North Carolina is between May and October, while diving conditions here will be perfect from June to August. With every 6-day unlimited tank package, enjoy 5 boat dives for the price of 3 - a. Besides, anyone who loves exploring historic sunken ships cannot skip visiting. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Our experienced instructors will guide you through classroom sessions and open water dives to help you become a more competent and confident diver. Scuba Diving Hawaiis Big Island: The Complete Divers Guide, Free parking, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, breakfast, 470 Skyline Lodge Rd, Highlands, NC 28741, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28277, Free parking, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, spa, 220 Greystone Ln, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747. Sunk in 1988, she is 215 ft hopper dredge resting at ~85 feet. Read more here. $(window).load(function() { Most shipwrecks in North Carolina lie at a depth of 135 feet under the sea; thus, only advanced divers can be allowed to dive here. D. from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, Watts joined the N.C. Division of Archives and History in 1972 as the state's first underwater archaeologist.
