NJ or NC in May?

[motorcitydiver]

I have a four day weekend in May and I'm looking to drive from Michigan to either NJ or NC for some wreck diving. I haven't been diving in either state and could use some advice. What's the diving like this early in the season? Are the wrecks worth a 11-15 hour drive? Which dive ops don't have cattle cars and treat their customers well?

My biggest debate between the two states is that I want to do the Papoose in NC to dive with the Sand Tiger sharks. Are there any shark dives like that in NJ?

 

[mark G]

did you post this in wreck valley you'll get some more info there. http://www.oceanwreckdivers.com/

 

[mark G]

did you post this in wreck valley you'll get some more info there. http://www.oceanwreckdivers.com/
oop's sorry for the double post

 

[pir8]

I would have to say I'm prejudiced toward Jersey diving( since it is right there for me and I teach and dive there) but NC has some great diving. Honestly, I don't think you will find a shark dive here like there.

 

[RAD Diver]

Nothing against NJ as I want to get up that way & try some dives myself, but I dont think that you will see the Sandtigers in as big a way as you will in NC. I assume you are talking about the wreck that used to be known as the Papoose. I did that dive along with the U-352 last November & loved them both. I have dove with Discovery Diving, Aquatic Safaries, Cape Fear Diving & Atlantis Charters all of which I wouldnt hesitate to use again. There are plenty of other dive sites that also give you the chance of seeing Sandtigers. The Hyde or Markham usually have quite a few. We were on the City of Houston in January & also had a few with us then. These are down further south as in Wilmington NC. Of course the wreck formally known as the Papoose had quite a few & even had a large one swim with me on the Sub. Try this to narrow your search. http://www.nc-wreckdiving.com/shipwrecks.html

 

[JayJudge]

Aeolus in NC is good for them, and a cool reef- I generally stay away from artificial wrecks, but that one got torn in 3, so I guess it became a real wreck after it sank. The Dixie Arrow usually has a few, and the Proteus is usually wall to wall. John and Amy Pieno of Hatteras Diving are great, though the main DM on the boat is a friend, so I am biased...Atlantic Beach Diving should be running out by then, they have a good boat and great crew. Aquatic Safaris is loved by most people on the board, myself included. The further north you go above NC, the fewer sightings of sharks. The wrecks are all good though- I mean come on, how can a wreck be bad- its a ship with a history, glory, or defeat.......and STUFF!!! (and this is mine, and this is mine, and this.......)
-Jay