Underwater Archaeology Branch. 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. Divers and history buffs can learn more about the history of more dive-worthy blockade runners that sank off New Hanover Countys coastline. With every 6-day unlimited tank package, enjoy 5 boat dives for the price of 3 - a. 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. Each one of these fascinating structures lay in blue waters with a feel and visual display much different from traditional tropical settings. Changeable water temperature, rippling currents, and poor visibility make it hard to explore U-352. She is 338 feet long and is a common dive location visited by the various North Carolina charters. Hi, I am Scott Maldonado, the founder of diveaeris.com. Join teens ages 13-17 on a summer adventure! See what to wear under a wetsuit by checking my article: What to Wear Scuba Diving. This wreck, which sits in an average of 140 feet, is as far offshore as dive boats will venture. cbrubach: Avg Viz: 36-40ft/11-12m. No spam, ever. 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. I went scuba diving here on 5/14/2016. Today, it is a hot spot for shark sightings, vast numbers of grouper and big pelagic life, such as African Pompano, giant amberjacks and barracudas. After earning his Ph. . GO VIPJoin the 100,000+ subscribers getting exclusive content, private Q & As, awesome interviews and more. 2 Discovery Diving Beaufort See on map. Both sit in about 115ft of water, roughly 38 miles offshore. The video below showcases how incredible scuba diving in Wilmington is. Sand tiger sharks are the most common inhabitants of Aeolus. Specialty charters focused on Spearfishing and Megalodon Tooth Hunting. 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. We are following state and county health guidelines. Sort:Default. In many cases, the shipwrecks are the end result of the most extreme of those natural forces, while in other instances, the . Analyzing geographic and age data can provide insights into consumer preferences and behaviors. 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. Join us on one of the fastest Dive Charter boats on the NC coast. Whatever you call the Indra, she is a legendary wreck site in her own right. The water surrounding this site is often warm and clear due to Gulf Stream currents and the structure still provides enough coverage to allow reprieve in the event that a current is present. 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. Water temp: 71-75F/22-24C. At a depth of 110 feet, Aeolus is broken into three major pieces due to the storms severe impacts. Cape Hatteras is also known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. NC shipwrecks in Google Maps | ScubaBoard Additionally, you will have excellent opportunities to face-to-face with tiger sharks here. This site will not function as intended with JavaScript disabled! 7041 Wrightsville Ave, STE A The Hyde is a purpose-sunk wreck that is a stunning part of the North Carolina Artificial Reef program. 12 Best Underwater Camera for Scuba Diving in 2023. Scuba Diving the Graveyard of the Atlantic and North Carolina Coast 1. Mrs. Greenhow is buried in Oakdale Cemetery in Wilmington. Our experienced instructors will guide you through classroom sessions and open water dives to help you become a more competent and confident diver. U-352. Located just ten miles from the shore, this diving spot is easy to access, especially by boats. Dive shops all along ourcoast and inland across ourstate offer varied dive certification classes, as well as snorkeling for those not yet certified. Dec 4, 2022. Hyde is a boat accessible salt water dive site, located in Wilmington, NC. Unlike great white sharks, this shark species is gentle and docile; thereby, it is safe to have a close look at them. Please arrive at the dive shop at 6:00 am on the day of your dive trip for check-in. Ill appreciate it if you can share this article with other divers to motivate me to write more. Your email address will not be published. The wreck was designated an NC Heritage Dive Site in 2018 and is one of the best-preserved Civil War blockade runners in the US. Many of these lists often include dive sites off the coast of North Carolina. Diving Excursions & Charters Diving Instruction Diving Equipment & Supplies (1) Website. . I went scuba diving here on 8/20/2017. ellishugh: Avg Viz: 21-25ft/6-8m. Chris and his crew will take you to exactly where you need to go to get the most out of your dive trip. Ready to dive these wrecks? Custom prints are now available for all photos. Average viz: 16-20ft/5-6m. As an Amazon Associate I (DiveAeris.com) earn from qualifying purchases. Whether youre a beginner or an experienced diver, we have the courses and expertise to take your skills to the next level. 7 Proteous No top ten list for North Carolina would be complete without including this gem of a wreck. Explore the breathtaking dive sites of Bonaire with this incredible travel deal! The Aeolus is another one of North Carolinas popular wrecks that was sunk as part of the artificial reef program and only a few hundred feet from the wreck of the Spar. Members login here. To help you avoid staying in expensive hotels without enough amenities, I have searched the Internet and written down the following table. Good times. The most rewarding dives on Condor, like virtually all blockade runners, is closely related to the fortune of finding good visibility at the site as documented in images and videos provided by the N.C. office of State Archaeology. The 180-foot buoy tender sits in 110 feet of water with a strong list to port. Today, wreck-loving scuba divers can reap the benefits on dozens of sites that are well preserved, accessible and packed with marine life, from thick schools of fish to scores of sand tiger sharks. Unique terrain in North Carolina is the main reason why more than 5000 shipwrecks rest here. U-352 is the most famous wreck in the North Carolina underwater world, drawing thousands of scuba divers who flock here to explore every year. Aquatic Safaris has specialized in SCUBA diving charters, instruction, gear sales, repair, and travel in Wilmington, NC since 1988. Do you have any questions associated with scuba diving in North Carolina? Nowadays, Wilmington also maintains a few intact shipwrecks below its water surface, which are reminiscent of significant events in the past. 4 USS Schurz The captured World War I German gunship, the USS Schurz, is a classic North Carolina wreck dive. In 2017 Condor was designated as North Carolina's first Heritage Dive Site. 5 Caribsea One of my personal favorites, the wreck of the Caribsea is one of those hit and miss dive sites. Though she is old and maintains a large debris field, she still has the appearance of a ship, and items that would be found aboard a luxury liner are still being recovered from this site. This dive site has an average rating of 4.18 out of 5 from 38 scuba divers. Entry-level divers will need to wear a 5mm wetsuit to keep warm during the winter months. Water temp: 81-85F/27-29C. 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. Nags Head is the most prominent diving destination on the Outer Banks, where you can find fascinating experiences. Previous divers have reported that hundreds of individuals are spotted on this site. First time diving the Markham shipwreck off the coast of Wilmington, NC with Aquatic Safaris. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? This area has lots of narrow inlets, small islands, and coastal rivers, while its barrier islands make it hard to access the mainland. Like other dive spots here, Wilmington offers you thrilling encounters with sand tiger sharks. Top 10 Wreck Dives of North Carolina | Scuba Diving 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. The USCG Cutter Spar is one of the many wrecks sent to the bottom as part of the North Carolina artificial reef project. If you want the fish he knows where they are. By now, you should have a full understanding of where to scuba dive in North Carolina. The marine life is thick on this wreck and an opportunity to dive it should not be missed. Without a doubt, one of the biggest draws to the Outer Banks is the opportunity to dive on this historic World War II German U-boat. Click here to order. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons. She is 400 feet long, sits in 110 feet of water, and is broken into three major pieces from the hurricanes that often hit the North Carolina coast. If you have any doubts, kindly put them in the comment section below. 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. Lets dive into the history of the Condor, North Carolinas first Heritage Dive site: The steamer Condor is one of several blockade runners sunk off Fort Fisher, just south of Kure Beach, that have been located and investigated by underwater archaeologists. Although vessels running the blockade became progressively more powerful and fast, the Union blockade at Cape Fear tightened throughout the war. But remember not to directly touch on them because sharks may misunderstand that you are provoking them. Sunk in 1988, she is 215 ft hopper dredge resting at ~85 feet. The marine life in Nags Head is abundant thanks to the large number of shipwrecks on the bottom. Water Temp: 66-70F/19-21C. 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. Water Temp: 61-65F/16-18C. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Even though this mystery has been solved, most scuba divers still refer to the Hutton as the Papoose. Get a first look at the first-ever Apeks dive computer. Dr. Thomas Powell Hutton was misidentified by the United States Navy and thought to be the wreck of the Papoose. Check-out their website at www.aquaticsafaris.com. Water Temp: 71-75F/22-24C. One even went through my legs! If you have no idea where to dive in North Carolina, U-352 is the most sought-after wreck diving destination. Get PADI Open Water SCUBA certified or obtain your AOW certification and explore the beautifulworld below the Atlantic! For entry-level divers, USS Indra can satisfy their desires thanks to its shallow depths and unique position. With clear, warm Gulf Stream water being the standard conditions here, it appeals to those divers who dont mind the deeper depths. Worth every penny. When not discoveringthe underseaworld, campers learn about sea turtles and explore North Carolinas coastal environment through exciting, hands-on, marine science activities, including a visit to The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Looking to dive the Cassimir (11/11) and the Normannia (11/22) and needing a buddy. With many diving sessions under my belt, I have transformed from just an experienced diver to a professional instructor. Hutton was misidentified by the United States Navy and thought to be the wreck of the Papoose. This dive site has an average rating of 4.18 out of 5 from 38 scuba divers. A PADI Worldwide Company. Best 30 Wreck Diving in Wilmington, NC with Reviews - YP.com - Yellow Pages In addition, offshore Cape Hatteras, cold waters from the north collide with the warm currents from Gulf Stream, leading to more storms and few good harbors to anchor. Abundant lobsters are also much larger off North Carolina than those typically found in the Caribbean. Scuba Diving the Graveyard of the Atlantic and North Carolina Coast, 2023 Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. Sri Lankan conservationists group mobilizes and educates volunteers to address marine environment concerns in his home country. Brass portholes, crew personal effects and weapons were some of the many items removed. Required fields are marked *. $('.av-instagram-follow').css('background-color', '#2d5c88'); Markham - NC Shipwreck Dive - YouTube Looking Back On Innovating Decompression Protocols to Expedite Water Exits, 5 Best Wreck Dives in North Carolinas Famous Graveyard of the Atlantic, http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/02/02047.htm. Here are the best shipwrecks, including the U-352 and Papoose, for scuba . Dive into the earth to experience an exhilarating adventure. Read more here. Its introduced thousands of people to the underwater world through their PADI Open Water diver course, where the adventure of exploring the Graveyard of the Atlantic begins. We had a great dive this past summer with some huge Sand Tiger sharks on the Hyde wreck out of Wilmington, North Carolina. Lying approximately 20 nautical miles south of Cape Hatteras, this 390-foot wreck functions as an artificial reef today. In summer, the temperature can peak at 85F (30C), while it will bottom at just 72F/22C during wintertime. 1 EstellLee Place, Suite 201, Wilmington, NC 28401 In addition, Proteus is also a tourist hotspot for shark diving because sand tiger sharks are common sightings here. Water Temp: 81-85F/27-29C. 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. These wrecks now function as artificial coral reefs, providing a healthy habitat for a wide range of sea creatures. Accommodation plays a vital role in deciding whether you feel comfortable during a trip. Moreover, because this dive spot is close to the shore, you can easily access it without a boat. During the 2012 dive season, the Aeolus became home to approximately a dozen sand tiger sharks that took up residence inside the wreck. Replies: 0. Both choices are available, and you are free to choose which one is more comfortable. Water Temp: 81-85F/27-29C. 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. Rescue Diver; PADI First Response; PADI Oxygen Provider; Discover the Environment. Located at about 120 feet under the sea, it is apparent that only advanced divers should join the dive. The Hyde is one of the most popular wrecks in our area. Diving the North Carolina U-boats is a historical experience as well as an exciting experience. Thread starter packman; Start date May 5, 2009; . Wreck of the Porta Allegra aka "Lobster Wreck" Scuba Diving Wilmington NC - Scuba Diving Wilmington NC Barracuda, shown here, are frequenly seen by scuba divers venturing into the wheelhouse of this popular North Carolina shipwreck. Aquatic Safaris SCUBA Center 7041 Wrightsville Ave, STE A Wilmington, NC (910)392-4386 diver@aquaticsafaris.com. The Hyde is home to a huge variety of marine life and every dive brings the chance to see something new. The video you see is of the Playa and Hyde . 4. Please visit our Charter Info page & boat pictures before exiting our site! For that reason, I have chosen to list five favorites that are only a small portion of what North Carolina waters have available. Because she is partially intact, sitting upright and within close proximity to Morehead City, she attracts both novice and advanced divers, alike. 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. In August, 2000, there was a confirmation of that suspicion plus a probable identification. Condor Heritage Dive Site | NC Archaeology - NCDCR Scuba Diving in Molokai: Best Dive Sites With Divers Guide! The USS Indra is one of the wrecks more commonly visited by divers off the North Carolina coast and is perfect for any type of diver to get a first taste of what North Carolina coastal diving is all about. The 2023 North Carolina Wreck Trek is our tenth trip to see the sharks and wrecks of the outer banks of North Carolina. If you have ever had the pleasure of diving the North Carolina coast and its famous Graveyard of the Atlantic, you know that there are hundreds of wrecks that range from wooden-hulled sailing vessels to modern artificial wreck structures. $(window).load(function() { the 9 best affordable dive computers here. ", Last Updated December 30, 2022 By Scott Maldonado. Visual Inspection Stickers Who Do You Trust? Water Temp: 56-60F/13-16C. 1. Since the 1990s she has been visited by more divers probably then any other wreck off the Outer Banks. First Wreck Dive!! In addition to the large number of shipwrecks gathering here, North Carolina boasts abundant marine life, from massive pelagics to small fish species. Wilmington, NC Wreck Diving | DiveBuddy.com Wilmington, NC (910)392-4386 diver . We use cookies to improve our site and your experience. Visibility wasnt as good as my last dive on the Hyde, but still a great dive. It has become very popular with scuba divers because its fully intact, easily navigable and a favorite hangout for sand tiger sharks, schools of Atlantic spadefish, the occasional giant southern stingray and greater amberjacks, shown here cruising the bow. Copyright 2023 - SDI | TDI | ERDI | PFI. Diving with Sand Tiger Sharks on the Hyde Wreck off the North - YouTube Consequently, the United States focused a considerable amount of Navy resources on enforcing the Union blockade off the inlets that provided access to the Cape Fear River. Sometimes, only the trained, experienced eye recognizes that a little hole or open door likely caused the vessels demise. ellishugh: Avg Viz: 21-25ft/6-8m. Scuba Diving in Lanai Things You Should Know! 5 Best Wreck Dives in North Carolina's Famous "Graveyard of the 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. ellishugh: Avg Viz: 61-70ft/19-21m. Charter Schedules Not all the wrecks of North Carolina met their end due to tragic events. All MEG Tooth hunting and Long-range Spearfishing trips are 3 tank trips. Wrecks: Hyde, Markham, Cassimir, Normannia, Lobster Wreck (Porta Allegra), City of Houston, John D. Gill; Olympus out of Morehead City. Thanks to that, USS Indra is a fantastic location for divers of all levels, especially beginners. Co-owners and founders Matt and Pam Landrum are dive instructors (they offer a variety of classes), spearfishing specialists, kayakers and cyclists and they bring their passion for the Outer Banks and all of these pursuits and more to this full-service dive center.