Few places in the world offer the kind of wreck diving that North Carolina does. Known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, this stretch of coastline is home to over 2,000 shipwrecks, ranging from WWII German U-boats to Civil War-era vessels and modern-day artificial reefs teeming with marine life. If you’re looking for adventure, history, and world-class diving, North Carolina’s wrecks should be at the top of your dive bucket list.
If you’ve never experienced wreck diving before, or if you’re looking to expand your skills, Tri-City SCUBA is leading upcoming trips to some of the best wreck sites in North Carolina. Whether you’re an Open Water diver ready to take on deeper sites with additional training or an experienced wreck diver looking to explore new sites, these trips offer an incredible opportunity to dive into history.
Why Wreck Diving in North Carolina?
There’s something truly magical about descending onto a shipwreck. The moment the structure emerges from the blue, history comes alive. But what makes North Carolina so special for wreck diving?
- Diverse Wrecks – From German U-352, a sunken WWII submarine, to the Papoose, a tanker that now sits upside down, these wrecks have fascinating backstories.
- Warm Gulf Stream Waters – Unlike some colder wreck diving locations, North Carolina benefits from the Gulf Stream, providing clear, warm waters during the summer months.
- Abundant Marine Life – These wrecks have become thriving artificial reefs, attracting sand tiger sharks, barracuda, rays, and vibrant schools of fish.
- A Mix of Depths – With wrecks ranging from 60 feet to well beyond 130 feet, there’s something for divers of all levels looking to advance their training.
Top Wreck Sites You Can Dive with Tri-City SCUBA
1. U-352 – The Famous German U-Boat
If you’re even remotely interested in history, this is a must-dive wreck. The U-352, a German U-boat from World War II, was sunk by the US Coast Guard in 1942. Today, it rests at 115 feet, making it a perfect site for advanced divers or those working toward deeper wreck certifications.
Why Dive Here?
- One of the few German U-boats accessible to recreational divers.
- Covered in marine growth, it’s now home to sand tiger sharks and colorful reef fish.
- A chance to witness history firsthand and explore a wartime relic.
2. The Papoose – An Upside-Down Adventure
The Papoose, an oil tanker torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1942, is one of the most famous wreck dives off North Carolina. What makes it unique is that it rests upside down at about 120 feet.
Why Dive Here?
- Its enormous structure provides plenty of swim-throughs and exploration opportunities.
- Home to sand tiger sharks—you can often find them cruising through the wreck.
- Great visibility during the summer months, making it an excellent deep dive site.
3. The Spar – A Wreck Diver’s Playground
A former US Coast Guard cutter, The Spar was intentionally sunk in 2004 as part of North Carolina’s artificial reef program. It now rests at 110 feet and is a fantastic introduction to wreck diving.
Why Dive Here?
- Easier penetration points for those interested in learning wreck penetration techniques.
- Often swarmed with sand tiger sharks, making it an incredible spot for underwater photography.
- Less current than some of the other wrecks, making it ideal for advanced Open Water divers.
How to Prepare for Wreck Diving in North Carolina
Wreck diving requires additional skills beyond basic Open Water training. If you’re planning to join Tri-City SCUBA’s upcoming trips, here are a few things to consider:
1. Get Your Advanced Open Water Certification
Most of North Carolina’s best wrecks sit deeper than 100 feet, making an Advanced Open Water certification a requirement. If you don’t have it yet, Tri-City SCUBA offers this training, which includes deep diving techniques and navigation skills essential for wreck diving.
2. Consider Wreck Diver Specialty Training
If you want to explore the inside of these wrecks safely, a Wreck Diver Specialty course will teach you proper penetration techniques, safety precautions, and how to use a wreck reel to avoid getting lost inside.
3. Prepare for the Conditions
North Carolina diving can be challenging due to currents, variable visibility, and deep depths. While the Gulf Stream brings warm water, conditions can change, so divers should be comfortable with:
- Drift diving techniques.
- Using a surface marker buoy (SMB).
- Handling higher air consumption at deeper depths.
4. Pack the Right Gear
Tri-City SCUBA can help you with equipment recommendations, but wreck diving in North Carolina typically requires:
- A dive computer to track depth and nitrogen absorption.
- A backup light for wreck penetration or low-light conditions.
- A wreck reel and cutting tool for safe navigation inside wrecks.
My Personal Experience: The Dive That Changed Everything
The first time I dived the U-352, I was both excited and slightly nervous. At 115 feet, it was one of my deepest dives at the time. The moment the shape of the U-boat appeared in the blue, I felt a mix of awe and respect.
Hovering over the conning tower, I imagined what it must have been like inside during its final moments. As I finned alongside, a sand tiger shark drifted past, giving me a front-row seat to how marine life had claimed this wreck as its own. That dive cemented my love for wreck diving, and I knew I wanted to explore more.
If you’ve never wreck-dived before, North Carolina is the perfect place to start. It offers a unique blend of history, challenging yet rewarding conditions, and some of the best marine life encounters you can ask for.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Wreck Diving Experience
Whether you’re a newly certified diver looking to expand your skills or an experienced diver searching for your next big adventure, Tri-City SCUBA’s upcoming North Carolina wreck diving trips are the perfect opportunity.
You’ll gain valuable experience, make lasting memories, and see some of the most iconic wrecks in the world. Spots are filling up fast, so don’t wait—sign up today and dive into history!
Learn SCUBA!
Classes are forming now.