NC diving question(s)

[netwayne]

We are new to NC (Raleigh area) and are contemplating a dive trip this summer off the coast. I started to look into the Wilmington area with AS but wondered if that offered the best diving. I also am not into long boat trips and I thought I saw where one of the operators did 1 tank trips in a half day which seems like a waste of time.

Also, are the summer waters off NC fairly calm most of the time?

Thanks for your feedback!

 

[RAD Diver]

You can't go wrong with Aquatic Safaries, their crew are all top of the line. I believe Discovery out of Beaufort does the 1/2 day trips, but they are still 2 tank trips, just to a shallow in-shore site.
I'm not sure of your experience, but I would start with a trip to the Hyde/ Markham, great dives & should be covered with Sandtigers by now. Plus the boat ride is reasonably short.
Some of the deeper & in my opinion better sites do require a longer boat ride, some close to 3 hours, but well worth it.
The seas will depend on Mother Nature, I've been out in flat calm 1 day & 3-4 fters the next.
Use Aquatic, you will not be disappointed.

 

[herman]

AS runs a fine op but your going to have to do 2 or 3 hr rides to get the better wrecks. The Liberty ship is just a few miles off shore if you just want to do a trial run. The vis is not great but lots of stuff to see and it's close. The sea conditions are a day to day gamble....sometimes hour to hour. I have seen glass slick seas one day and 8ft the next. We all hope for the best but you really should plan for at least 4 to 6 ft seas. I always suggest you have a plan B when diving our coast, there is a good chance you will need it.
If your in town this weekend, there are several of us that are headed to Rolesville quarry on Sat. Your welcome to come join us and spend the day diving the quarry.

 

[netwayne]

Thank you both for the info and the link to ncdivers. I appreciate it. I'll cross my fingers we don't get any 4-6ft days as I haven't faired too well in rough seas with seasickness.

Herman thanks for the invite to the quarry. We had been talking about going there since we moved here to refresh skills so we just might see you there on Saturday.

Thanks again!

 

[Eastbayfe]

I've done a number of one tank dives with both Discovery and Olympus. With 100s you get quite a bit of dive time at the general 65 foot depth. The last one I did with Discovery went to the Titan (tug). I had 53 minutes dive time and could have pushed for a little more (diving Nitrox). I found it worthwhile.

 

[herman]

Just drop me a PM if your coming and I will fill you in on when and where I will be.