Aquatic Safaris, Wilmington, NC

[fireflock]

I like AS a lot (see my earlier post) and the fast big boat really hauls, but I prefer to ride on the CapeFearDivers boat (and would like it even more if it was 3-4knts faster!). What you say about the seats is true. I prefer to sit facing towards the bow instead of facing one of the sides (on the AS boats) and having to keep from sliding towards the stern each time a wave comes.

I guess what I'm saying is that I find the CapeFearDivers boat slow but quite comfortable. It was built as a dive boat (Newton), as was the Aquatic Safaris boat (Island Hopper).

 

[packman]

As others have mentioned, AS runs a great operation. There is also plenty to do in the Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach/Carolina Beach area is you aren't diving for whatever reason. Here's another page you might want to check out about the local diving-Tom's Cape Fear Diving.

 

[Diveral]

NC diving is great and can be challenging. It is very different from Great lakes Diving. Here are my trip reports from our dive trip a little further up the coast last summer.
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=151651 & http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=151605

And here is a great discussion on NC Wreckdiving that I found to be a great use while planning our trip http://www.ncdivers.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=968

AL

 

[DuckDiver]

I have yet to dive with AS but have heard nothing but good. One thing that I like about Cape Fear Divers is that if you call Jim and the date you want is not already booked, then he will let you set the trip up to where ever you want to go. Use to be as long as you had 6 paying divers Cape Fear would make the trip.

 

[b1gcountry]

That's pretty much how it was with AS. I scheduled a charter for Thurs-Fri August 23+24 to the Hyde and Markham (23rd), and onto 23-mile ledge (24th). If we can get four more, we go.

 

[mow2000]

I dove with Aquatic Safaris between '88 and the early nineties and they were first rate. The Liberty Ship is a good novice near shore dive (fun for all levels of divers - and cheap). John D Gill was a great offshore dive. When we did it we had 100' visibility. It was spectacular. From my experience the weather could be very, very iffy.

Plan on seeing the WW2 battleship USS North Carolina in Wilmington. You can self-tour almost the entire ship. I think we spent over two hours going through it. Also check out Carolina Beach state park for the varieties of insect eating plants (careful not to step on them!!). And the fort, museum and aquarium at Fort Fisher are well worth the visit.

 

[b1gcountry]

Thanks for the info MOW! I've heard a lot of good things about AS so far. I can't wait to get there.
Tom

 

[herman]

Hey Tom,

This thread will most likely get quiet long before you head out our way. If you would like some company you might want to make a new post on it or start another "I'm Coming" thread. There is a good possibility you could get some locals to join you.