North Carolina

In North Carolina, most of the freshwater dives are located in the Eastern part of the state. Still, there are some good spots in the Piedmont and Western North Carolina.

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Freshwater Dive Spots
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Fantasy Lake in Rolesville, NC is a great spot for both beginning divers as well as those wanting to freshen up their skills. Also a great place to have a weekend underwater. The park is located 10 miles outside the state capital, Raleigh.
Depths up to 80ft. Includes a sunken bus, boats, and airplane. Interesting wall diving. Day dives $20/day.
From Raleigh take Hwy. 401 North (Louisburg Road) to Rolesville. Turn right on E. Young Street (turns into Rolesville Road). Head past Century Farm Road to Quarry Road (approx 1mi). Turn left on Quarry Road. Fantasy Lake Scuba Park is located 1.2mi on your left.
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American Quarry is one of 3 quarries in NC owned and operated by the Piedmont Dive Rescue Association (PDRA). This quarry is in Granite Quarry, just south of Salisbury. Once you join the PDRA they send you a key that will access all 3 quarries so you can go and dive as often as you please. Costs are covered in the annual fees to join PDRA; currently $70/year + a one time $20 new member fee. Family plans are available.
Each additional diving family member is $10/year; non-divers are no charge.
For more information and to use this quarry, go to the PDRA’s website. It is located on Dunns Mountain Rd just off Hwy. 52 in Granite Quarry.

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Fontana Lake is a reservoir impounded by Fontana Dam on the Little Tennessee River located in Graham and Swain counties in North Carolina. The lake forms part of the southern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the northern border of part of the Nantahala National Forest.
Depending on water levels, the lake is about 17 miles long. The eastern end is the Tuckasegee River near Bryson City. The lake has many inlets into coves and many islands formed from former mountain peaks, especially near the eastern end. As with most dam-impounded lakes, the steep banks are exposed when water levels are low. Many towns were submerged shortly after the creation of Fontana Lake, such as Proctor and Judson.

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Saltwater Dive Spots
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World War II German U-boat, sunk by the U.S. Coast Guard in May 1942 off the coast of Morehead City, NC (28 miles south). Because of its history, it is one of the most popular dive sites in North Carolina. Now lies about 115 feet deep, and has become an artificial reef.
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The Cutter Spar was intentionally sunk 30 miles off the coast of Morehead City, NC. It was decommissioned in 1997. The ship sits in 108 feet of water, and serves as an artificial reef. It is also a popular spot for sand tiger sharks.
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The Liberty Ship, or Theodore Parker, carried food and materials to troops during World War II. The state of North Carolina bought the ship in 1974 as part of the artificial reef program. It was sunk the same year near Beaufort Inlet, about a mile and a half off the beach. Dives here range from 30 to 60 feet.

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You’ve found a great spot to go diving — now Find A Buddy to dive with.