Sand tiger sharks are the most common inhabitants of Aeolus. The company also heads to a wide variety of dive sites off the Wilmington-area coast, including all of the popular wrecks and many stunning ledge dives. Hyde is a boat accessible salt water dive site, located in Wilmington, NC. Divers often experience them in large groups, and they are mostly found in and around the wreck. 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. The wrecks sit at depths from 60 foot recreational limits to depths beyond the reach of standard technical diving methods. 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. hogfish: Avg Viz: 51-60ft/16-18m. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons. The captured World War I German gunship, the USS Schurz, is a classic North Carolina wreck dive. In the confusion, the wreck of the W.E. YEARS IN BUSINESS (910) 392-4386. By submitting above, you agree to Scuba Diving's privacy policy. Best Places to Scuba Dive in North Carolina. 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. Most shipwrecks in North Carolina require deep diving to explore, but USS Indra is different. . This dive site has an average rating of 4.00 out of 5 from 6 scuba divers. 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. 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. 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. Dr. Thomas Powell In summer, the temperature can peak at 85F (30C), while it will bottom at just 72F/22C during wintertime. The Normannia is a pleasant wreck to dive and often described as pretty. She is 312 feet long and was once a passenger ship and freighter. Scuba Diving in San Diego: The Best Guide for Beginners in 2023, Scuba Diving in Southern California: The Best Guide in 2023, Scuba Diving in Catalina Island, California: The Unrivaled Guide in 2023, Scuba Diving in Northern California: The Best Guide in 2023, Scuba Diving in California: The Comprehensive Guide in 2023, Scuba Diving in Fort Myers, Florida: The 8 Best Dive Sites in 2023, Scuba Diving in South Florida: The Ultimate Guide in 2023, 9 Best Places to Go Scuba Diving in Miami, Florida. 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. Store Hours: Mid Season Hours:Mon Fri: 10:00am 6:00pmSat: 10:00am 5:00pmSun: 12am 4:00pm. 34. Here a visitor peers into a hatch on the forward deck of the sunken relic. These ledges are between 27 miles and 42 miles offshore. Today, the ship sits in two distinct pieces about a mile apart some 38 nautical miles due south of Morehead City. In retaliation, the Icarus launched depth charges and sunk the U-352 in 110 feet of water, 28 nautical miles south of Morehead City. Scuba Diving in Lanai Things You Should Know! USS Indra Cape Hatteras is also known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Here a diver investigates the boilers that remain. Default; Distance; Rating; Name (A - Z) Sponsored Links. Sunk on March 11, 1942, by a German U-boat attack, this 251-foot freighter sits in 90 feet of water on the east side of Cape Lookout Shoals. Members login here. Its estimated there are thousands of wrecks, dating as far back as the Spanish fleets of the 1500s. Aquatic Safaris has specialized in SCUBA diving charters, instruction, gear sales, repair, and travel in Wilmington, NC since 1988. This interior view of the wreck shows why it's a favorite of scuba diver visiting the North Carolina coast. and wreck dive charters available to schedule with our experienced . GreggS: Avg Viz: 41-50ft/12-15m. Notorious for low visibility conditions as well as large schools of sand tiger sharks, scuba divers can find this to be a top shelf experience when the Gulf Stream's blue water pushes in on rare days, exposing up to 100 sand tiger sharks in one spot. Although this section of the river is within the boundaries of the . For that reason, I have chosen to list five favorites that are only a small portion of what North Carolina waters have available. Scuba diving in North Carolina is not as chilly as in California because its average water temperature is around 82F/28C throughout the year. Sometimes, only the trained, experienced eye recognizes that a little hole or open door likely caused the vessels demise. Water Temp: 81-85F/27-29C. On some occasions, divers have even reported sand tiger shark numbers in the hundreds on this site. No spam, ever. roebot90: Avg Viz: 21-25ft/6-8m. Even though this mystery has been solved, most scuba divers still refer to the Hutton as the Papoose. I went scuba diving here on 7/17/2016. Water Temp: 71-75F/22-24C. The charter is with Aquatic Safari's out of Wilmington, NC. The USCG Cutter Spar is one of the many ships sent to the bottom as part of the North Carolina artificial reef project. The ship is now located at a depth of 110 feet below the surface, which gives novice people a little difficulty in diving. Both sit in about 115ft of water, roughly 38 miles offshore. I went scuba diving here on 7/3/2019. Condor proved to be one of the fastest British built blockade runners. Since the 1990s she has been visited by more divers probably then any other wreck off the Outer Banks. Dove in June and will be there again this weekend. Fully grown Sand Tiger Sharks are frequent visitors during warmer months of the year. With clear, warm Gulf Stream water being the standard conditions here, it appeals to those divers who dont mind the deeper depths. Nowadays, various tropical fish species and pelagics make their home here. Discovering the Wonders of Mexico's Cenotes for the First Time, Apeks Announces New DSX Technical Dive Computer, How Marine Animals Are Playing a Vital Role in Saving Our Planet. Scuba Diving in Hawaii: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners, Scuba Diving in Florida: The Best Guide for Beginners. On land, you can enjoy picking up shells along the coastal beaches. The Labrador current to theNorth, and the Gulfstream running from the south [], Ive been diving with these guys for a while now. 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. 5 Caribsea One of my personal favorites, the wreck of the Caribsea is one of those hit and miss dive sites. Learning to dive is relatively easy and well worth the time and effort. Or did you miss some essential details in the article? Always a good crew for SCUBA or spear, Chris and Brett have the best numbers around. Sunk in 1988, she is 215 ft hopper dredge resting at ~85 feet. SHIP HISTORY: It had been suspected for a while that the "lobster wreck" was a dredge. Thanks to my buddy Scott for showing me the ropes and Aquatic Safaris for the ride ou. Ill appreciate it if you can share this article with other divers to motivate me to write more. For seasoned divers, they just need a drysuit to prevent heat loss during long dives. $('.av-instagram-follow').css('color', '#FFF'); Wreck Diving in Wilmington, NC. The video below showcases how incredible scuba diving in Wilmington is. 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 Molokai: Best Dive Sites With Divers Guide! Mostly a low-lying debris field, with the exception of the prominent stern and propeller, she was popular dive for artifact hunters during the 80s and 90s. As an Amazon Associate I (DiveAeris.com) earn from qualifying purchases. 7041 Wrightsville Ave, STE A
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. 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. It boasts rich sea life from tropical fish to pelagics such as stingrays, grouper, African pompano, giant amberjacks, and barracudas. Hi, I am Scott Maldonado, the founder of diveaeris.com. Water temp: 71-75F/22-24C. First Wreck Dive!! . Ready to dive these wrecks? Explore the breathtaking dive sites of Bonaire with this incredible travel deal! Water Temp: 71-75F/22-24C. The maximum depth is 61-70ft/19-21m. Since the 1990s she has been visited by more divers probably then any other wreck off the Outer Banks. She weathered the storm intact, though a tough little ship. Check-out their website at www.aquaticsafaris.com. Members login here. The natural forces that work on North Carolina's barrier islands are also working on our shipwrecks. The maximum depth is 81-90ft/25-27m. }); Around the world, divers and dive professionals will tell you that different areas have some of the best diving available. Many divers seek to dive all three of these U-boats and over time many have achieved this accomplishment. We also offer a range of diving trips and excursions to help you put your new skills to use and explore the beautiful underwater world of Scuba Diving Wilmington, NC. Analyzing geographic and age data can provide insights into consumer preferences and behaviors. Gordon P. Watts, Jr., has spent half-a-century working and teaching maritime history and underwater archaeology. The Hyde is home to a huge variety of marine life and every dive brings the chance to see something new. Whether youre a beginner or an experienced diver, we have the courses and expertise to take your skills to the next level. 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. I have also included a few frequently asked questions for your reference. We are constantly striving to improve our dive shop and our services. Mrs. Greenhow is buried in Oakdale Cemetery in Wilmington. The dive included angelfish, jellyfish, barracuda, and a friendly remora.Music: "All . scubadiving.com is part of PADI Media, a division of PADI Worldwide. Hutton. Location N33 51.280'/W76 57.860'. Since wreck-diving is for experienced divers, visitors are encouraged to contact local dive shops and outfitters. This site requires that javascript is enabled. Specialty charters focused on Spearfishing and Megalodon Tooth Hunting. We also offer a range of diving trips and excursions to help you put your new skills to use and explore the beautiful underwater world of Scuba Diving Wilmington, NC.. Are you ready to take your scuba diving skills to the next level? cbrubach: Avg Viz: 36-40ft/11-12m. Aeolus 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. The trip consists of 4 days of epic diving from Morehead City, and 2 more days of diving, including one day of . Any diver who ventures out to the Aeolus will always remember an incredible dive that can rival almost any shark dive out there today. When divers ask North Carolina natives what the best dive sites are off their coast, very rarely is the same answer provided. Rescue Diver; PADI First Response; PADI Oxygen Provider; Discover the Environment. 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. In the confusion, the wreck of the W.E. The coastal waters surrounding Wilmington and its island beaches afford a bevy of shipwrecks that interpret the regions maritime heritage. At Scuba Wilmington, we are committed to providing the highest quality instruction and equipment for our students. Water Temp: 71-75F/22-24C. Average viz: 36-40ft/11-12m. ellishugh: Avg Viz: 21-25ft/6-8m. Scuba Diving may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Water temp: 81-85F/27-29C. Aboard Condor was Confederate patriot and accomplished spy Rose O'Neal Greenhow who was drowned on October 1, 1864 attempting to reach shore at Fort Fisher when the ship's boat she was in capsized. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This dive site has an average rating of 4.00 out of 5 from 6 scuba divers. Do you have any questions associated with scuba diving in North Carolina? Good times. 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. Scientists believe the sand tiger sharks gather here during the summer months to mate. 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. Water Temp: 81-85F/27-29C. Water temp: 71-75F/22-24C. During the 2012 dive season, the Aeolus became home to approximately a dozen sand tiger sharks that took up residence inside the wreck. North Carolinas dive spots are suitable for divers of all levels; however, each location has its own attraction. Brass portholes, crew personal effects and weapons were some of the many items removed. 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. The Hyde. 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. Water temp: 76-80F/24-27C. Sitting with a 45-degree list to starboard and her conning tower intact, the U-352 fascinates divers and strikes at their imagination when they get a glimpse of a this amazing piece of WWII history. I went scuba diving here on 10/2/2016. Scientists believe they aggregate here during the summer months to mate. In truth, the U-352 is the wreck that first draws many divers to the North Carolina coast. 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. 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. Some popular activities during a dive trip include spearfishing, lobstering, seeing sand tiger sharks, and so on. With two lift bags, he and dive buddy Steve Lewis . Proteus Underwater visibility is often 50 feet most of the time, but it can span up to 100 feet on good days. The area truly earned the nickname Graveyard of the Atlantic, and it even boasts a museum of the same namein Hatteras. For centuries, the often-treacherous waters off the Outer Banks of North Carolina have claimed hundreds of seagoing vessels. Dive into the earth to experience an exhilarating adventure. The 180-foot buoy tender sits in 110 feet of water with a strong list to port. In 2017 Condor was designated as North Carolina's first Heritage Dive Site. Thirteen men perished in the attack while 33 survivors were picked up by the Icarus and retuned to Charleston where they spent the rest of the war as prisoners. Scuba Diving in Pensacola, Florida: All You Need to Know! 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. In truth, the U-352 is the wreck that first draws many divers to the North Carolina coast. Water temp: 76-80F/24-27C. (function($){ The Hyde is a purpose-sunk wreck that is a stunning part of the North Carolina Artificial Reef program. 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. Scuba Diving in Kauai All You Need to Know! Each diving destination below has received positive feedback from previous divers, as well as is safe to dive. Most scuba diving activities in Crystal Coast are exploring shipwrecks as well as artificial reefs. Both wrecks are normally bathed in blue water, with plenty of [], It's well known that North Carolina hosts world class spearfishing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? Water Temp: 61-65F/16-18C. Thank you for visiting our web page! 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. All other trips are 2 tank trips with the option to add a 3rd tank for $50, weather and conditions dependent. Temperature changes, currents, and visibility also make these dives a bit more difficult. Overcoming the ravages of time, USS Indra still remains intact to this day. Wilmington, NC (910)392-4386 diver . Divers returned day after day to swim right amongst the sharks in what became known as Club Aeolus, North Carolinas coolest shark lounge. Wilmington, NC USA # of dives 200 - 499 Jun 22, 2009 #8 Awesome! 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. R. R. Stone Tug AR382 is a boat accessible salt water dive site, located in Wilmington, NC. Cele and Lynn Seldon are currently #midfiftiesgypsies, but they miss the sunsets and walks on the beach in Oak Island, where they basked in the North Carolina sunshine for 15 years. Water Temp: 71-75F/22-24C. One even went through my legs! Water Temp: 81-85F/27-29C. Wrightsville Beach Diving is a premier SCUBA and freediving charter operation. Drift Diver; Dry Suit Diver; U-Boat 352 Diver; Wreck Diver; Lionfish Removal Specialist; USS Schurz Diver; Deep Diver; Search and Recovery Diver; Recreational Standard Dress Diver; Master Scuba Diver Rating; Be a Safer Diver. In addition to these core courses, we also offer a range of PADI Specialty Diver Courses. I will love to contribute to your development as a diver. Worth every penny. 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. 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. 4 USS Schurz The captured World War I German gunship, the USS Schurz, is a classic North Carolina wreck dive. All rights reserved. Are you ready to take your scuba diving skills to the next level? Hutton. Underwater photographers also love this place because excellent visibility helps create fantastic footage. Bathed by the clear, warm waters of the Gulf Stream, the coast of North Carolina offers some of the best scuba and wreck diving in the United States. All divers should follow safe scuba-diving practices, never dive or swim alone, and always check weather/surf conditions in advance. The shipwrecks off of North Carolina are a unique and non-renewable resource that are in a constant state of change. 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. Every trip Ive been on thus far has always left me with a huge smile and some treasure to bring home these guys really know whats up and its not possible to have a bad time! In addition, excellent light conditions and crystal-clear water facilitate underwater photography. 1 EstellLee Place, Suite 201, Wilmington, NC 28401
The Proteus is also a hot spot to encounter sand tiger sharks and various other types of marine life such as large sting rays. With every 6-day unlimited tank package, enjoy 5 boat dives for the price of 3 - a. Visual Inspection Stickers Who Do You Trust? With a variety of shipwrecks to explore just during a single dive, North Carolina gives you endless experiences you cannot forget in your lifetime. Cant wait for my next trip with them!, My favorite dive charter! 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. Whatever you call the Indra, she is a legendary wreck site in her own right. Why Are There So Many Sunken Ships in North Carolina? Rosin Wreck 40 miles south of Wilmington NC in 115ft of water. Water temp: 66-70F/19-21C. Class Information
Once a cable repair ship, the Aeolus is now a wreck famous for its abundance of sand tiger sharks. Thread starter packman; Start date May 5, 2009; . Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Changeable water temperature, rippling currents, and poor visibility make it hard to explore U-352. Do not forget to bring an underwater camera to take pictures of sharks during the summer months. It is a feature-rich, ADV style, wrap-around jacket that incorporates the innovative i3 inflation / deflation system. Owner/Instructor Trainer Air Hogs Scuba, Garner, NC, Your email address will not be published. designed for blockade-running and were readily identified by three distinctive raked funnels forward of the paddle wheels. Water temp: 71-75F/22-24C. Wreck Diving; 2 3. Thats the main reason why most wreck diving classes are operated here. Your email address will not be published. Water Temp: 66-70F/19-21C. These wrecks now function as artificial coral reefs, providing a healthy habitat for a wide range of sea creatures. Thats because this area witnessed the highest density of shipwrecks in the US. You will see they are swimming in large groups around the wreck. Similarly, she is close to shore and easily accessible throughout the dive season. Click here to order. Watch Video: Scuba Diving in Wilmington, NC. Water Temp: 76-80F/24-27C. Water Temp: 71-75F/22-24C. Bryan Tate, of Wilmington, NC, found a windlass/winch from the "lobster wreck". Looking to dive the Cassimir (11/11) and the Normannia (11/22) and needing a buddy. Many of the normal North Carolina fish are found on the wreck of the Normannia, but again, Gulf Stream waters have had an effect and caused many fish species often found in southern tropical waters to take up residence on the wreck. To help you avoid staying in expensive hotels without enough amenities, I have searched the Internet and written down the following table. The marine life is thick on this wreck and an opportunity to dive it should not be missed. 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. We had a great dive this past summer with some huge Sand Tiger sharks on the Hyde wreck out of Wilmington, North Carolina. 1 U-352 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. Enormous sand tiger sharks at a whopping 10 feet in length can be seen patrolling the wreck by the dozen. 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. The North Carolina coast is one laden with a rich maritime history beneath the waves. I went scuba diving on the Hyde on 10/2/16 with the Safaris I crew. The 255-foot ship, sunk in 1918, was a a popular dive for those seeking to reclaim artifacts and take home a small piece of history, including brass portholes, crew personal effects and weapons. Our most popular trip, Full Day Dive Trips are offered every day from mid-May through October, on most weekends in March, April, and November, and sporadically throughout the winter. Water Temp: 71-75F/22-24C. Aquatic Safaris out of Wilmington. Sand tiger sharks swim slowly. All divers should follow safe scuba-diving practices, never dive or swim alone, and always check weather/surf conditions in advance. Required fields are marked *. 2. Sunk in 1988, she is 215 ft hopper dredge resting at ~85 feet. 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. Water Temp: 66-70F/19-21C. Aeolus is a ship that has been sunken intentionally to support the North Carolina artificial reef programs. Many of these lists often include dive sites off the coast of North Carolina. North Carolina is lucky to have three scuba-accessible World War II era U-boats beneath her waters. The added feature of the regular appearance of clear warm Gulf Stream water makes it an impressive dive. Located just ten miles from the shore, this diving spot is easy to access, especially by boats. However, during her maiden voyage, Condor ran aground on Caroline Shoals attempting to avoid the recent wreck of the blockade runner Night Hawk. The fun part of the PADI Wreck Diver course is visiting wrecks, unlocking mysteries and starting to gain the knowledge and experience that allows you to see things that others overlook. Enormous sand tiger sharks at a whopping 10 feet in length can be seen patrolling the wreck by the dozen. Jared0425. 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. All MEG Tooth hunting and Long-range Spearfishing trips are 3 tank trips. She is easy to navigate with the bow, stern, and boilers somewhat intact; but time has caused the wreck to fall into itself to a large degree. 5. Each one of these fascinating structures lay in blue waters with a feel and visual display much different from traditional tropical settings. We are constantly striving to improve our dive shop and our services. 1. This wreck, which sits in an average of 140 feet, is as far offshore as dive boats will venture. Meet new scuba divers, maintain a virtual dive log, participate in our forum, share underwater photos, research dive sites and more. Wilmington, NC Wreck Diving CapeFearDiver - 10/22/2009 9:21 AM. Welcome to Scuba Wilmington, your premier training destination for Scuba Diving Wilmington, NC.
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