NC Diving F.A.Q.
These are some of the basics. Keep in mind that you will certainly want to verify dive specific information with your selected dive operation.
Where is North Carolina’s Crystal Coast?
The Crystal Coast is located at the southernmost tip of the Outer Banks, midway between Cape Hatteras and Wilmington and includes the following towns: Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Morehead City, Pine Knoll Shores, Salter Path, Indian Beach, Emerald Isle, Cedar Point, Cape Carteret, and the Down East communities of Bettie, Otway, Marshallburg, Gloucester, and Harkers’ Island. (See Map)
Where are the dive boats located?
Dive boats depart from Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, and Morehead City.
Where should I stay?
If the primary purpose of your visit is to dive, then in the interest of convenience, focus your search for accommodations on the aforementioned towns. It makes little difference with respect to which operation you’ve chartered as regardless of which town you choose to stay in, you’ll be no more than 10 minutes from any of the dive boats.
How do I get there?
Exit Rt.95 at Smithfield, head east on highway 70 to Morehead City. Turn right on the Atlantic Beach Causeway near 24th Street to go to Atlantic Beach or continue east on 70 through Morehead and across the river to get to Beaufort. Very simple.
What airport should I fly into?
New Bern (EWN) or Jacksonville are, by far, the most convenient. USAirways has multiple flights to Charlotte and Delta has a few to Atlanta. The closest major airport is Raleigh (RDU), but it is a 3 hour drive to the coast.
How much does it cost?
Expect to pay between $100-$140 for a 2-tank charter. The precise amount varies from boat to boat and can sometimes depend on the sites visited. All of the dive operations require advance payment and most, if not all, have strict 30-day cancellation policies.
What time do the boats leave?
The North Carolina dive day begins early, with most operators wanting you at the boats between 6:00 and 6:30am. Be sure to ask when you make your reservation.
What do I do with my gear?
Depending on the operation, you may be able to load your gear on the boat the evening before, but often it’s done the morning you arrive at the dock. If you bring your own tanks, best to have them filled the evening prior to your dive as the hour preceding departure tends to be a little hectic. In addition, it you’re diving Nitrox, both Olympus and Discovery allow you to analyze your tanks the evening before, which does cut down on the chaos of the morning. Sometimes you are able to store your gear on the boat or at the dive shop. (Atlantis IV has their own compressor as well.)
How much should I tip?
The standard tip for a full day charter is $10/diver or approximately 10% of the charter cost. For a half-day trip, $5 is the norm. Similar to the restaurant industry, mates make the majority of their money in tips. Obviously exceptionally good or bad service warrants a deviation from the tipping norm.
Is there food on the boat?
No. No food ever. Bring snacks, drinks, and a lunch.
What time will I get back?
Plan to arrive back between 2pm and 4pm, depending on dive site and departure time.
Are there half-day trips available?
Discovery and Olympus both offer half-day trips to an inshore wreck with a maximum depth of 70ft. These charters depart the dock between 3pm and 4pm and return between 7pm and 8pm. The cost is $55-$60.
Will I get seasick?
If you are prone to seasickness, then chances are good that without the proper precautions you will indeed feed the fish. Most importantly, be smart about what you eat during the 12 hours preceding your dive. Avoid being hungover- I promise you, no amount of festivities is worth the pain you are sure to endure. Don’t eat omelets for breakfast, or orange juice, or coffee (though, in my opinion, seasickness is preferable to a morning sans the nectar of the Gods.). Additionally, there is a variety of OTC remedies-Bodine, Triptone, and Dramamine- and I suggest you purchase all medications a day before your dive so that you can take it the evening prior. For those of you averse to pill-popping, ginger works wonders and is pleasantly ingestible in several forms- snaps, ale, candy, beer, etc. When on the boat, do not go below deck. Avoid diesel fumes. Stay cool and hydrated. In my opinion, the eyes-on-the-horizon trick is a farce. Remember, seasickness happens when your inner ear gets confused and grumpy. Make sure what you are looking at is agreeing with the movement your body is experiencing. For example, don’t read or watch TV. Set up your gear BEFORE you leave the dock so you’re not staring at a stationary object for long periods of time while your body is being tossed around. Seasickness can be psychological as well, so try not to over-think it. Distract yourself by talking to other divers, moving around the boat, juggling… anything to not sit still. And, by all means, if someone else is hurling over the side…run far, far away.
Do I need to be Advanced/Nitrox/Wreck/Deep certified?
I am a dive instructor and am therefore inclined to say that, yes, you should be at least Advanced and Nitrox certified to dive full-day charters in North Carolina. While safety is certainly a concern, the fact is that you will get more out of your dive vacation if you are comfortable at depths exceeding 100ft. and have the longer bottom times afforded to you by diving Nitrox. That being said, there is no better opportunity for training. Both dive shops have several instructors on staff and offer the full spectrum of courses.
What are water temperatures?
North Carolina diving benefits from its proximity to the Gulf Stream (for those unfamiliar, the Gulf Stream is the warm, blue water that originates in the Gulf of Mexico, exits via the Strait of Florida, and travels northward up the Atlantic coastline.). During the summer months- June through August, the predominant southern wind pushes the Gulf Stream closer to shore, bringing average water temperatures of between 78 and 82 degrees, with slightly higher temperatures offshore than inshore. Throughout April and May, water temperatures are in the mid 60s offshore and upper 50s inshore. Late September through early November, expect water temperatures in the mid 70s offshore and upper 60s/lower 70s inshore.
…and the natural follow-up…What type of wetsuit should I wear?
A 3mm suit is perfect for the summer. Add a hooded vest for May and October and go with a 7mm for April and November. Remember that wrecks are sharp and there are plenty of sea urchins, so a wetsuit is useful for more than just warmth.
What’s the visibility?
It varies, naturally. During the summer, expect 60-100ft. offshore and 30-60ft. inshore. During the spring and fall, excellent vis is still quite common, though the average does drop somewhat.
