Uncover Deep Sea Shipwrecks and Colorful Marine Life at Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach, NC - There’s no need to travel to a remote tropical destination to find an underwater adventure this summer – look no further than the North Carolina coast! Wrightsville Beach, N.C., located near Wilmington, is home to some of the most unique snorkeling and SCUBA experiences. Spend your day swimming alongside rainbow-colored marine life while exploring sunken ships, or dive straight into the past to uncover pre-historic dinosaur fossils. Bring the entire family or friends on a group diving charter for your best vacation yet at our island beach destination. Spend less time traveling and more time diving with a quick trip east and a plunge into the Atlantic to witness the majestic wonders of the deep sea.

From beginners to the most experienced snorkelers and SCUBA divers, Wrightsville Beach has the perfect marine adventure for every type of diver. Below are some of the most popular snorkeling and SCUBA diving adventures to satisfy water enthusiasts of all levels.

Beginners, Have No Fear!

  • If you’ve always been interested in exploring the astonishing world beneath the ocean’s surface, Aquatic Safaris is the place to start at Wrightsville Beach. For the past 25 years, Aquatic Safaris has been providing Wrightsville Beach SCUBA newcomers with an exceptional learning experience through their Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Open Water Dive course and has introduced an abundance of newcomers to the adventurous diving lifestyle. Students receive online training or a classroom course, pool and open water dives and all the necessary gear – just bring your own mask, fins and snorkel!

Explore the Open Waters

  • Let Aquatic Safaris take you to some of North Carolina’s most famous dive spots and shipwrecks. One of the most popular sites for beginners is the Alexander Ramsey, a liberty ship that was intentionally sunk as part of the artificial reef program in 1984. Because of its close proximity to the shore and other smaller wrecks, it is ideal if you want to swim with active marine life. Divers and snorkelers are sure to see colorful, tropical fish, the occasional sea turtle and other large marine life!
  • Wrightsville Beach is also home to some of the most beautiful underwater ledges on the East Coast. Explore them all with Diving Carolina and Captain Doug as he welcomes you aboard for a one-of-a-kind Atlantic adventure. A diver-favorite is Lobster Ledge which, as the name implies, is inhabited by thousands of lobsters. Lobster Ledge is perfect for divers looking to see tropical marine life because of the ridge’s high visibility and crystal blue waters.

Advanced Deep Sea Expeditions to N.C.’s Hidden Gems

  • For the more advanced divers and a day filled with exploration, head to the Hyde and the Markham with Aquatic Safaris. The two submerged ships are still intact and a few hundred yards away from one another. During the summer there are plenty of species to see including schools of bluefish and bonitos, amberjack, rays and the occasional turtle.
  • If you’re more of a night owl, Aquatic Safaris also specializes in night dives to any of the dive sites the outfitter goes to during the day. Prepare to be amazed as you experience a whole new world come to life under the glow of your dive light.

Diving into the Past

  • Travel to another time on an expedition you will never forget to Fossil Ledge. Also known as Megalodon Ledge, it is famous for inhabiting a large amount of fossils from the prehistoric era shark, believed to be the biggest shark that ever lived. At the Fossil Ledge dive, curious history buffs and adventurous divers alike can take home any fossils found during their adventure. Make sure you pack carefully as Diving Carolina does require a wreck reel and a SMB (surface marker buoy) for this dive.

About Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach is North Carolina’s most accessible beach from Interstate 40. It’s easier to get here and even easier to stay. Everything visitors need is right on the island, with an abundance of outdoor activities, rich history, the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, miles of beach, family-friendly events, and full-service hotels and rental options. For more information, go to www.VisitWrightsvilleBeachNC.com or call (800) 650-9106. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WrightsvilleBeachNC and Twitter @WrightsvilleNC.

Contact:
Leah Knepper
French West Vaughan
919-277-1176
LKnepper@fwv-us.com