Best Wilmington Operation?

[beachlawyer]

I just got back last night from diving with Aquatic Safaris last weekend and this past weekend for a total of 2 dives last fri (hyde/markham) 4 dives on sat (hyde/markham) (pocohontas tug/hyde) 1 dive on sun(liberty ship) and 2 dives yesterday (gill/hyde)...Can't say enough good things about them...captains, crew and dive shop were all excellent!

 

[rcpilot44]

I have been diving with Olympus. Does the Wilmington area offer anything different than Morehead City area?

 

[H3LlIoN]

When are you headed down?

It's more of just general information...My cousin lives in Carolina Beach, and I've got an open invitation to come down and visit/surf. I got to looking around at dive charters in the area, and wanted to know ahead of time for when I go down. I'll drop a line when I head that way though.

 

[rcpilot44]

Beachlawyer, what was the vis. like?

 

[yankeenica]

I believe that Aquatic Safaris is the only dive shop in wilmington. Cape fear is about 25 miles away and morehead city about 2 hours.
Reserve early for the weekends. I am going down the last weekend in september and both sat and sun are booked. I got on the waiting list but am looking for alternatives.

 

[beachlawyer]

The viz on the Hyde/Markham was probably 20-30 feet. Amazing dives! I have never been out of Morehead City or Cape Fear, so I can't compare....sorry.

 

[fireflock]

I have been diving with Olympus. Does the Wilmington area offer anything different than Morehead City area?

The Wilmington area offers a few things that you won't find (at least on charters) out of MHC. Meg teeth trips are one thing, if you're a fossil hunter. Another thing I like out of Wilmington is access to live bottom ledges and the area around Frying Pan Tower.

I think the Morehead area offers a better diversity of historic wrecks, and the feel of the smaller coastal towns. Wilmington is more of a major city, which offers some travel convenience and more amenities, but also looses a little of the coastal feel if you venture too far from the beach/waterfront areas.

I like 'em both.

Rich

 

[rcpilot44]

I think I will try them out on Thursday and Friday. Thursday they are going to Fossil ledge. Hope it lives up to it's name

 

[Captain Crocs]

I just got back last night from diving with Aquatic Safaris last weekend and this past weekend for a total of 2 dives last fri (hyde/markham) 4 dives on sat (hyde/markham) (pocohontas tug/hyde) 1 dive on sun(liberty ship) and 2 dives yesterday (gill/hyde)...Can't say enough good things about them...captains, crew and dive shop were all excellent!

how about that! I dove the Pocahontas and Hyde on Saturday as well with A.S. I guess we were on the boat together! Small world on Scuba Board!

 

[Captain Crocs]

The viz on the Hyde/Markham was probably 20-30 feet. Amazing dives! I have never been out of Morehead City or Cape Fear, so I can't compare....sorry.

Agreed. The Hyde was absolutely fantastic! A.S. really is the way to go in Wilmington (not that you really have a choice )