Dive boats out of Hatteras area?

[Harro10]

Anyone have any recommendations for dive boats out of the Hatteras area. My son and I are going to be down there with the rest of our family and the two of us would like to get at least a couple of two tank dives in. We are AOW/nitrox with about 100 dives each and have dived out of Moorhead City and Nags Head before. I have found Diamond Shoals Charters out of Frisco and Outer Banks Diving out of Hatteras through an Internet search but have not contacted them yet. Any personal knowledge or other recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[ncwes]

I personally like Outer Banks Diving in Hatteras. It is run by John and Amy Pieno. It is a first class operation in my opinion. Here is the web page.
http://www.outerbanksdiving.com/join.html

 

[Harro10]

Thanks. Any particular dives you would recommend?

 

[ncwes]

I kinda like the Dixie Arrow. Its not that pretty of a wreck but it usually has an assortment of fish(I'm a fish watcher). If you like to search for artifacts, check out the artifacts link on the web page I sent you. I'm sure the hurricane has uncovered some "stuff" if you get out early this year. Good luck, and I hope you guys have fun.

 

[hex92]

LDC will be bringing one of their boats down to Hatteras in April. They run a tight ship and I am planning on heading down there for a weekend of diving April 16-18. They are going to hit the Dixie Arrow, Brit Splendor and the Proteus.

Their website is ldc

 

[jeadiver]

I'll echo NCWES for Outer Banks Diving. John and Amy run a good operation and I plan on doing about 6 days with them this year. Most of the wrecks are in deep water (between 80 and 120ft.) so larger capacity tanks are pretty much standard. Most people use HP steel 120's. and such. Also, if you have pony bottles, take them. They are definetly a plus.

Most of the time John will pick the wrecks based on the capability of the divers on board and the conditions. If the conditions are just right though, ask if you can dive the shoals. These are shallower, but well worth it and you can stay down forever.

Joe.

 

[obxdivemaster]

I'd echo the sentiments on Outer Banks Diving, but then I'd be tootin' my horn. So instead, I'll say thanks for the kind words.

This is Bart for those of you that know me.

Easter we'll probably be going as far south as diver experience allows, ie towards the Proteus. Water temps offshore are still pretty frigid - 43 from the Proteus in. You've got to go all the way to the Manuela to find 65. Tuna fishing last week we had to go out past the 500 fathom curve to find 72. Th warm water had pushed in as far as the Empire Gem, but that was before our this last week-long nor'easter. Hopefully all this NE wind will turn around and push some warm water in before we start diving. I'd bring a warm suit though if you're planning on coming early season.

Nobody's been out since the hurricane, so anything uncovered is still lying there waiting to be found.

A bit of news as well - a second boat is on the way! So, if you've been told the Bayou Runner is full for the days you wanted to dive, call Amy soon we're filling up spots on it already.

 

[oceancrest67]

Outer Banks Diving is an excellent operation. Keep up the good work...it is appreciated!! Let me add that OBX diving has good on board coordination of divers...polite, extremely helpful getting divers into the water and out of the water.

Dixie Arrow is a great dive for all kinds of sea life...last time I dived it last year before the hurricane...great sea life: barracuda, schools of spade fish, sand tiger sharks, sardines...excellent dive.

 

[Harro10]

Thanks.
I am looking forward to it.