Travelers who take time to enjoy a trip to the Outer Banks are in for a treat when it comes to land-based fun. That said, the Outer Banks is just as appealing when visitors focus on the fun below the waves and on the water. The Outer Banks is a beautiful and inspiring place to make time for scuba diving whether you’re looking to get up close to incredible marine life or you’re in the mood to explore stunning shipwrecks. In fact, the area’s waters are home to no less than 3,000 underwater wrecks with some dating back to the American settlement era. Whether you’re new to diving or an experienced explorer, the Outer Banks provides a place where you can take your skills to the next level and experience sights that are sure to be one-of-a-kind.
Destinations to Discover
The waters that lap the shoreline of the Outer Banks have earned a nickname as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” with good reason. The area was an important center for sea trade and exploration, but treacherous terrain made it a place where ships had a way of wrecking with regularity. Today, these ships remain preserved under the waves for scuba divers to discover for themselves. Many adventurers are surprised that they don’t actually have to go that far out to find these incredible wrecks. A few like The Kyzickes wreck and the Carl Gerhard wreck are no more than 20 feet below the surface and are accessible off the shores of Kill Devil Hills around 200 yards out. Another popular dive spot to check out is the German U-Boat shipwreck which dates back to 1942. This wreck is located 100 feet below the waves and is ideal for both intermediate and advanced diving experiences. Those who are in Nags Head and looking to dive will find the Huron wreck sitting 20 feet below the surface and no more than 150 feet offshore.
Scuba Shops That Provide Gear and Rentals
Because scuba diving is such a popular activity across the Outer Banks, travelers will have no trouble finding local dive shops where they can purchase or rent the gear they need to make it a safe and successful underwater adventure. A few places to choose from include Dive Hatteras on Hatteras Island, Roanoke Island Outfitters and Dive Charters in Manteo as well as Olympus Dive center in Morehead City. If you’re new to diving and looking to get certified before heading out to explore the many area shipwrecks, you’re in luck as well. Places like the Roanoke Island Dive Shop provide a full suite of dive services including certification courses for both breath-hold diving and Scuba alike. They also provide equipment sales and rentals as well as air refill and guided dives to some of the area’s most iconic stops.
Book Today
There’s no reason to wait when you’re ready to enjoy time in the Outer Banks. Whether your adventures have you staying on land or exploring the water, the team at Pirate’s Cove Realty has a vacation rental that keeps you close to the fun. Enjoy the luxury, style, and comfort you deserve when you book with us. Reach out today to learn more and to start planning. See our pet friendly vacation rentals in Outer banks here!
