Diving North Carolina's Outer Banks

[Lulubelle]

Yeah, let us know when/where maybe all of us NC divers will come be your dive buddies for encouragement. I've got the itch now, need to be in the salt water.

Then we can chill in front of my place on the beach if you need a break.

I like the Southern Outer Banks, Morehead ish. Technically not "the" Outer Banks, which are North. Beach is better/more user friendly in my opinion, not as rustic and scenic as the Northern Banks though.

[rktman26]

Fireflock,
Excellent article you posted. Thanks for the link. Sometimes I forget I'm lucky, and the coast is only about an hour drive.

[BouzoukiJoe]

If you heard the diverity of life was lacking you heard absoultely wrong!

It's more diverse than probably any other place in American waters. Where else can you see warm water tropicals and cool water species at the same site? Three major currents converge off our coast, most notable being the warm clear Gulf Stream and the cool nutrient-rich Labrador Current. The large Sounds provide sheltering ground for many species.

The colors ARE muted by the absorption of light at depths. Take a good light so you can see the tropicals in their full color. If you go "offshore" you WILL see lots of BIG animals. NC is noted for the large pelagic species that come to feast in our waters.

The viz is variable. I've personally had anywhere from 20 ft to 100+ ft. There are days when you can see divers on the sub at 110 ft from the dive boat and days when it's hard to see your buddy. It's typically 40-60 ft at the offshore sites.

The main problem with NC offshore diving is the long boat rides (and hence high fuel costs).

Also, for the best experience, make sure the dive site is South of Diamond Shoals/Cape Hateras.

[Crimediver]

OBX diving is great. Some wrecks lie fairly close to land, some require lengthy rides. I have been in rough conditions and have been in very calm seas with little or no current. Conditions change quickly, even during the dive.
Depending where you go there are some decent beach dives depending on curent, surf conditions and viz. If you hit it right the wreck of the USS Huron is worth checking out. It is marked by bouys and you swim out to it. Lots of fish, octopus, etc. Overall I would say most of ther dives there are advanced but it sounds as if you have enough dives that you may enjoy it. But if it does not feel right, don't go.

[rktman26]

I did a night dive Friday night on a near shore wreck, and you couldn't have asked for better conditions. FLAT seas, good visibility, and plenty of wildlife.

I wouldn't pass up the opportunity, as long as your skills enable you to complete the dive safely.

[BouzoukiJoe]

A few weeks ago we had glass-like seas, the only ripples were from the flying fish. Awesome day. The next day we could not make it out of the inlet. Conditions can and do change from world class to undivable very quickly.

[BoomerNJ]

Originally Posted by fireflock

Read this, get excited, and go dive. It's worth it when things work out.

A California diver does North Carolina - lions & tigers, oh my!

What part of NC are you visiting? It's not all the same (the Outer Banks are big).

After reading this article, I can't wait to get there & dive. Thanks for the link fireflock! This is going to be 1st on my list of dive destinations next year.

[bottomdweller]

Originally Posted by BoomerNJ

After reading this article, I can't wait to get there & dive. Thanks for the link fireflock! This is going to be 1st on my list of dive destinations next year.

I totally agree with BoomerNJ. I almost went to NC this year, after reading this thread & the link from fireflock I am kicking myself-in the A**.
My wife , Mother-in-law, Father-in-law, & all the rest of her family was ready to stay a week down in this area & I talked them out of it.
I did not think I would enjoy the diving there cause I had not heard enough about it. So we stayed in Clearwater Beach FL, We got in some pretty good diving. but no wrecks.
I am never going to hear the end of this when my next suggestion is to vacation in NC or close enough I can hook up with Olympus.
Oh well you live & learn!!

[georoc01]

I am sure there are others, but in addition to Olympus, we dove with Diver Down out of Morehead City. Their boat isn't as big as Olympus, but its wider and more stable out in the waves.

[BouzoukiJoe]

I've never been out with Diver Down. I'm partial to Captain Leroy of the Captain's Lady - 6 pack with Discovery Diving in Beaufort.