Any recommendations for NC dives?

[Upwelling]

hello,

I'm a new diver (OW cert, 22 dives), certified last summer. My brother and his wife live in Richmond, VA--I was thinking of visiting them next spring or summer and then driving somewhere in North Carolina for one or two days to do some diving in the Atlantic. Is there any place suitable in NC for someone of my skill level that's within a few hours drive of Richmond? Is paying a divemaster to buddy w/ me on a boat trip an option?

thanks

 

[naturalsummer]

There are many dive sites in NC for new divers... many get certified here every year. However I am in the southern part of the state ... here is a website of NC dive ops and wrecks

http://www.nc-wreckdiving.com/

 

[dwright]

There are plenty of dives of NC. Some of the more popular ones include the U-352 which is a german sub at about 115fsw. The Caribsea is a great shark dive that is in about 85fsw. Probably the most popular operations in that area are Discovery Diving (252) 728-2265 and Olympus Dive Center (252) 726-9432. Usually someone on the boat will available to buddy with...I have dove most of the wrecks here many many times and never buddied with a DM but since it's a bit longer trip for you, you may want to pay the extra money to get a tour of the good stuff instead of having to learn the wreck yourself

 

[Upwelling]

thank you both, I'll check out those links

 

[Lead_carrier]

Try the Nags Head area. There are a couple of beach dives there and hiring a dm to take you out is inexpensive. Not to mention the fact that he is very familar with the conditions that you will be in.

Norfolk-Suffolk area has some wrecks and charters too.

 

[bigcat]

Junko, highly recommend getting Advance OW Certification prior to wreck diving the outer banks. The enviroment there is very unpredictible. Currents, vis, etc. can change suddenly and most wrecks are well below the recommended 60ft. basic OW max. depth. There are some shallow beach dives up in the Nags Head area but vis changes daily depending on whether Labrador or Gulf Stream current is in the area that particular day. There are several dive operators working out of Hatteras Village about 70mi. South of Nags Head. I dove with Outer Banks Diving and Charters last summer and had a great time on the Dixie Arrow. John and Amy do a great job! Most wrecks in this area are deep but vis is generally pretty good and water temp moderate. Again, I would strongly advise an advanced class before trying this type of diving. This is open ocean wreck diving at its best! Good luck and safe diving

 

[dwright]

I forgot to mention the outfit that I go with the most and like the best. Diver Down is, in my opinion, the best boat to go with if you can get a spot. Capt. Bobby Cox and his crew are the best. They don't try to dictate your dive like some other ones that are trying to get you back to the dock and reload the boat for another trip.

 

[Diver294]

I too am new, to both diving and NC.

I moved to Swansboro and have wondered about local shore diving areas (if possible). Anyone have any ideas in this area?

I know about all the dive shops in Morehead City but with only 6 shore dives under my belt I want to continue ramping up my comfort level, and my experience, before I dive on U-boats, and piss-off the local shark population.

I am near 58 & 24 with access to Emerald Isle thru Atlantic Beach, etc.

Thanks....