North Carolina is often referred to as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”, but it’s also one of the best-kept secrets for divers on the East Coast of the United States. This region offers a unique combination of historical wreck diving and incredible marine wildlife encounters, particularly with sharks.

The warm waters of the Gulf Stream bring excellent visibility and a rich diversity of marine life, making North Carolina a top destination for both wreck and shark enthusiasts.

Diving In a World War 2 Graveyard 

North Carolina’s coastline is home to one of the highest concentrations of shipwrecks in the world, many of which date back to World War II. 

Ideal for divers who love history, the wrecks contain vessels from both the Allied and Alix powers, serving as underwater memorials that offer a rare glimpse into maritime history.

Here you will find some of the world’s most famous wrecks including the Caribsea, USS Schurz, U-352, and the Papoose. These wrecks can provide divers with a unique historical insight, but they’re also great spots for finding marine wildlife. 

Over the years, the wrecks have become artificial reefs, attracting a variety of marine species and becoming rich ecosystems in their own right.

Sharks and Other Wildlife

During our trip, we had the incredible opportunity to encounter a wide variety of fascinating marine life. Naturally, there were plenty of reef fish such as grunts, snappers, and groupers. We also encountered tons of barracudas which were lurking around the divers, right below the boat, and using our presence to prey on smaller fish. 

The excitement continued as we encountered sandbar sharks and of course, the main attraction, sand tiger sharks.

Finally, we were thrilled to discover a pair of octopuses nestled beneath a rock. Throughout the dive, we observed their behavior as they transitioned from shy to increasingly comfortable around my wife and me. 

One of the octopuses even emerged from its hiding spot and reached out toward my arm - a truly unforgettable "My Octopus Teacher" moment!

Best Season to See Atlantic Sand Tiger Sharks

The best time to see Atlantic sand tiger sharks in North Carolina is typically from late May through to October. During this time, the water temperatures are warmer and the sharks tend to congregate around the wrecks. If you really want to, heading to the Caribsea wreck is your best bet.

Thankfully, this season coincides with peak diving conditions. Diving during the warmer months should bring clear visibility and calm seas, ideal for both wreck and shark encounters.

The sand tiger sharks found in this area are known for their docile nature, allowing divers to get up close for unforgettable underwater photography experiences.

How to Get There and Which Operator to Choose

Most dive trips to the wrecks and shark sites off of North Carolina depart from the coastal towns of Morehead City. 

There are numerous trip operators so it’s essential to choose a reputable company that specializes in these types of dives. It’s better to be safe than sorry as unexpected challenges can occur due to the depth, currents, and conditions.

Olympus Dive Center is probably the biggest and most popular operator currently. They have two boats that can accommodate 30+ divers altogether. We went with them and were very happy with the trip.

Other well-known operators include Discovery Diving and Diver Down Scuba which both offer trips to the prime wreck sites and shark encounters.

A Unique Dive System in Place

Diving operators in North Carolina use a unique dive system known as “Carolina Rig Diving”, which is designed to accommodate the often unpredictable conditions of the Atlantic. Divers usually enter the water using a negative entry technique to quickly descend and avoid rough surface currents. 

When you arrive at the dive site, which is always a wreck, one member of the crew will jump in and connect the boat with the wreck itself. They will even set up a navigation trail for you using a reel around the wreck. Keep in mind that because of this, there will likely not be a guide with you under the water!

Due to the open-ocean conditions and currents which can sometimes be very strong, these dives are recommended for advanced divers with prior wreck and shark diving experience.

Other Tips for Your Trip

Here are a few other things to keep in mind for your trip!

• Shark Teeth - Keep an eye out for shark teeth in the sand whilst you are diving. There will be plenty around, and if you’re lucky you may even find a megalodon tooth!

• Nitrox - Most wrecks are around 30 m or below, so Nitrox is recommended.

• Sea Sickness - No matter how experienced you are, take medication for sea sickness before your trip. The Atlantic Ocean is no joke and you don’t want to ruin your dive due to illness.

• Camera - The combination of wreck diving and shark encounters makes this a perfect opportunity for underwater photography so be sure to pack your underwater camera gear if you have it.

• Timing - Full day dives in North Carolina usually require an early start. Be prepared to meet up with your crew early, typically around 6 am.

• Food - On board, there will be fresh drinking water but make sure to bring something to eat in case it isn’t provided. You will be grateful to yourself after the dive!