Scuba Diving Trips in North Carolina
Upcoming Trips
North Carolina offers breathtaking natural beauty, from the rolling Appalachian Mountains in the west to the pristine beaches along the Atlantic coast in the east. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, kayaking, and scuba diving, as well as scenic drives along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. There are also numerous historic sites for visitors to explore such as the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Biltmore Estate and the USS North Carolina Battleship.
For diving, North Carolina offers some of the best scuba diving on the east coast of the United States, with an abundance of shipwrecks and marine life to explore. The state’s coast is home to the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” a nickname given to the stretch of coastline where hundreds of shipwrecks have occurred over the years. Surrounding these shipwrecks are dozens of sand tiger sharks which are a sight to see. These wrecks can be explored by any level of diver, making the dive sites very accessible.
What To Expect
Scuba Diving
Diving along the North Carolina coast will certainly get your heart racing. You might be able to swim with sand tigers and barracudas and dive in the same water only miles away from Blackbeard’s infamous ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge. Take a glimpse into the past as you explore shipwrecks from all over the world since the 1700s.
It’s no surprise that North Carolina is referred to as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”. With over 2,000 shipwrecks scattered along the seafloor, some can even be spotted from the shore. U-boats from WWll, German submarines and vessels from the Civil War are just a few that have made the ocean floor their new home.
You might see:
- Sand tiger sharks
- Lionfish
- Giant stingrays
- Grouper
- Barracuda
- Nurse sharks
- Sea turtles
Recommended Specialty Courses
- Wreck diving
- Deep diving
- Boat diving
Culture
Known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” and being rated as one of the #1 wreck diving destinations, North Carolina is a must-visit and must-dive destination. There are multiple reefs and wrecks for visitors to explore. The waters also offer great opportunities to dive with dozens of sand tiger sharks. The people in North Carolina make visiting even better. Overall, North Carolina is known for its rich history, scenic beauty, diverse outdoor recreation, vibrant cities and delicious cuisine.
U-352 Shipwreck
One of the most world-renowned World War II German U-Boats is the U-352, a German submarine. The U-352 rests in 115 feet of warm water with great visibility. Although divers cannot penetrate the wreck, it is still a must-dive destination because of the rich history and encounters with sand tiger sharks.
Aeolus Shipwreck
The Aeolus wreck rests in 110 feet of water and is home to a variety of marine life, including sand tiger sharks, sea turtles and barracuda. Divers can explore the ship’s massive propeller, cargo holds and engine room, as well as artifacts that remain scattered around the site. This wreck is known for its excellent visibility and strong currents.
Caribsea Shipwreck
For one of the best dive sites for fish, head to the Caribsea wreck. This freighter sank in 1942 after being torpedoed by a German submarine during World War II. The Caribsea lies in 90 feet of water and the clarity varies often. However, divers can spot massive schools of baitfish along with sea turtles and sand tiger sharks.
What prior travelers say
“If anyone is into diving or thinking about getting into diving, Diventures is the absolute best! They make learning and travel so enjoyable! Can’t wait for my next trip with Diventures!”
Traveler Photos
Know Before You Go
Dive Insurance
Dive insurance is required on all Diventures trips. We recommen purchasing DAN dive insurance.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not required but is highly recommended for all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN trip insurance.
Bug Spray
Be sure to bring it with you! Mosquitos are most active in the early morning hours and around sundown
Credit Cards
Please remember to let your CC company know where you are traveling to.
Temperature
The temperature in Moorehead City sits at 65ºF during the day and falls to 50º-55ºF in the evening. It also rains quite a bit so don’t forget a light rain jacket!
Lodging Amenities
Each guest will need to bring his or her own linens, typically a sleeping bag, pillowcase and towel.
Need help packing?
We can’t pack for you, but we can share our packing list and travel tips.