North Carolina

Written By Steve Poole

Graveyard of the Atlantic: Exploring North Carolina’s Best Shipwreck Dives

When divers think of world-class dive sites, places like the Great Barrier Reef or the cenotes of Mexico often come to mind. But did you know the U.S. East Coast is home to some of the best wreck diving in the world? Welcome to North Carolina’s Graveyard of the Atlantic—a legendary stretch of coastline offering unforgettable encounters with historic shipwrecks, marine life, and Sand Tiger sharks.

Why Dive the Graveyard of the Atlantic?

The name may sound ominous, but for scuba enthusiasts, the Graveyard of the Atlantic is a dream destination. Located off the coast between Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout, this area is home to over 2,000 shipwrecks—from 18th-century schooners to WWII naval vessels. Many were lost due to strong currents, shifting sandbars, and German U-boat attacks during WWII.

Today, these wrecks form the foundation of a rich marine ecosystem, making North Carolina one of the top wreck diving destinations in the U.S.

Historical Context: Why So Many Wrecks?

The Outer Banks of North Carolina have long been known as one of the most dangerous stretches of coastline in the world. The region's infamous Diamond Shoals—a series of shifting underwater sandbars—combined with violent storms and poor visibility, made navigation treacherous for mariners over the centuries. As early as the 16th century, European explorers and trading vessels met their fate in these waters.

During both World Wars, the area became a hotbed of naval activity. Particularly in World War II, German U-boats targeted Allied supply ships just miles off the coast. With limited protection and easy targets, dozens of ships were torpedoed and sunk, some within sight of beachgoers on shore. These wrecks are not only historical artifacts but also underwater time capsules that preserve the scars and stories of global conflict.

Preparing for the Trip: From New York to Moorehead City

My partner and I planned our trip for late June and booked with the highly recommended Olympus Dive Center in Moorehead City, NC. Their reputation for safe, organized charters and knowledgeable dive crews made them the obvious choice.

We turned our dive trip into a road trip from New York, with a stop in Virginia.. Packing was no small feat—we filled the car with dive gear, photography equipment, and my new Zen dome port for wide-angle shots of wrecks and wildlife. I also brought my trusted Sony A7 RV camera and 16–35mm F4 lens, ideal for wide-angle underwater photography.

Arriving in Moorehead City, we were swept up in the festive atmosphere of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, adding another layer of excitement to our diving adventure.

Dive Gear Preparation

For divers looking to photograph shipwrecks and marine life, gear preparation is crucial. Wide-angle lenses are preferred for shooting large structures and big marine animals like sharks. The Zen dome port I purchased is designed to minimize distortion and improve edge sharpness underwater—perfect for shooting the sprawling decks of sunken warships.

Additionally, exposure protection is essential. Summer water temperatures in North Carolina can range from 72–78°F (22–26°C), but thermoclines can drop temperatures significantly at depth. I opted for a 7mm wetsuit, which offered sufficient warmth and flexibility for repeated dives, however I feel I could have easily done the dives in a good 5mm if needed.

First Impressions: U.S. Wreck Diving vs. Tropical Reefs

Diving with Olympus was a refreshing shift from the tropical “valet” diving I’d grown used to. In North Carolina, divers are expected to be more self-sufficient—assembling gear, checking Nitrox, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. This created a strong sense of diver camaraderie and shared purpose onboard the Midnight Express, one of Olympus’s two spacious dive boats. Joining us was a Boston dive club, turning the trip into a social and spirited experience right from the first boat ride out.

Conditions and Logistics

North Carolina wreck diving is highly weather-dependent. Offshore winds, ocean swells, and surface currents can all affect whether boats can reach the dive sites. Olympus Dive Center is known for its ability to make smart decisions and communicate transparently with divers about the realities of the day.

Most sites are 20 to 40 miles offshore, requiring boat rides of 1.5 to 2.5 hours. On the way, divers prep gear, hydrate, and receive detailed briefings about site conditions, dive profiles, and marine life. Nitrox is highly recommended, especially since many of the wrecks lie between 25 and 35 meters.

Dive Site #1: The Caribsea Wreck – Sharks in the Shadows (First Day Diving)

Our first dive was to the Caribsea, a WWII firefighting vessel sunk in 1942. Visibility was limited by a swirling school of baitfish, but that only added to the surreal, almost cinematic quality of the dive. And then came the sharks Sand Tiger sharks, with their ragged teeth and slow, gliding motion, emerged from the gloom—calm, curious, and utterly majestic. Being in their presence at close range was awe-inspiring and a little humbling.

I struggled slightly with buoyancy during the safety stop due to being underweighted—an important reminder to fine-tune gear before hitting depth. Still, I managed to capture some haunting shots of sharks moving through the fish clouds, their shadows rippling along the wreckage.

Marine Life at the Caribsea

Beyond the sharks, the wreck was teeming with life. Schools of amberjack, snapper, and spadefish darted among the twisted beams. The structure was heavily encrusted with corals and sponges, serving as habitat for small invertebrates, blennies, and crabs. Even a loggerhead sea turtle made a brief appearance, unfortunately I was unable to grab a photo of it but the memory remains!

Dive Site #2: The Schurz – A Sunken German Warship (Second Day Diving)

Next up was the Schurz, a German cruiser scuttled in 1918. At 33 meters deep, this dive demanded attention and good air management. Despite being broken and encrusted with marine life, the wreck still exuded a kind of haunted grandeur.

Touching the weathered steel felt like reaching across time to an era of conflict and history. The Schurz is more scattered than intact, but its boilers, prop shafts, and weaponry are still visible, offering divers tangible evidence of its military past.

Navigating the Site

Because of its age and depth, the Schurz can be a more advanced dive. Surge and current are possible, and divers should be confident in deep diving protocols and gas planning. For those prepared, it’s an unforgettable immersion into both history and marine ecology.

Dive Site #3: USCG Spar – Wreck Penetration at Its Finest (Second Day Diving)

Our final dive was on the USCG Spar, an intact vessel sunk in 2004 as part of an artificial reef program. Unlike the other wrecks, the Spar stands upright, making it ideal for wreck penetration dives. We carefully explored narrow corridors and rusting passageways, a thrilling experience that demands calm nerves and proper training.

Though we didn’t see sharks on this dive, the structure itself was mesmerizing, with schools of fish weaving through the ship’s open passageways. The visibility can be a lot better here—around 20 meters—however on the day we dove it it was only about 10m.

Artificial Reef Success

The Spar is an excellent example of a well-planned artificial reef. It attracts marine life quickly due to its size and vertical structure. Divers can often spot barracuda, grouper, and even the occasional manta ray. The ship has multiple levels for exploration, including the bridge, engine room, and forward compartments.

Marine Life and Conservation

Beyond the wrecks, North Carolina’s offshore waters teem with life. From Sand Tiger sharks to barracuda, sea turtles, stingrays, and jellyfish, the biodiversity is incredible. The shipwrecks serve as artificial reefs, supporting coral, anemones, and countless invertebrates.

Responsible Diving Practices

Olympus Dive Center takes conservation seriously. They collaborate with marine biologists and encourage responsible diving—no touching wrecks, good buoyancy control, and respect for the underwater environment. They also support local and national programs for monitoring reef health and tagging marine species.

Divers are briefed on best practices before every dive, and the staff’s passion for ocean stewardship is infectious. Many of the guides are marine science graduates who offer insightful commentary on both history and ecology.

What You Need to Know: Wreck Diving Tips for North Carolina

Thinking of diving the Graveyard of the Atlantic? Here’s what you need to know:

  • Exposure Protection: A 5mm wetsuit is minimum; a drysuit is even better for shoulder seasons.

  • Experience Level: Most dives are deeper (20–35m) with possible currents. Advanced Open Water certificationand Nitrox training are highly recommended.

  • Photography Tips: Bring wide-angle lenses and a quality strobe. Be mindful of particulate matter (backscatter) in the water.

  • Best Season: Late spring to early fall offers the best chances for good visibility and calm seas.

  • Health & Safety: Bring seasickness medication and stay hydrated. Offshore diving can be physically demanding.

Gear List:

  • Sony A7 RV + 16–35mm F4 Lens

  • Nauticam Housing + Zen Dome Port

  • Fourth Element 7mm Wetsuit

  • Suunto D5 Dive Computer

  • Atomic Aquatics T2 Regulator

  • Spare O-rings, dry bags, and reef-safe sunscreen

Final Thoughts: A Soulful Dive into History

Diving North Carolina’s Graveyard of the Atlantic isn’t just about sharks or shipwrecks. It’s about reconnecting with the raw spirit of diving—history, challenge, and wonder. It reminded me why I fell in love with scuba in the first place.

Each dive felt like stepping into a living museum. You don’t just see history—you experience it in full 3D, surrounded by creatures that have made these wrecks their home.

I left with new stories, new photos, and a growing list of wrecks to explore next: the U-352, Aeolus, and Papoose still call my name. These dives await with new challenges, deeper descents, and richer tales.

If you're a U.S.-based diver looking for adventure without the passport stamp, North Carolina’s shipwreck coast delivers in every way.

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Steve Poole
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