Local Diving in Charleston, Sc
THE FREDERICK W. DAY
A wooden schooner built in 1901and sank off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina on September 17, 1914, loaded with bags of cement. The bags have formed a reef approximately 200ft long with the top of the reef at 40ft and the bottom at 54ft. There is an abundance of fish and other marine life around the wreck, creating one of the nicest dives off Charleston. This is one of the shallower sites we dive and where we take Open Water students to for completion of dives 1 & 2 of their open water certification dives.
THE RESEARCHER WRECK:
Has settled at a depth of 90ft. With a coral and sponge encrusted deck starting at 60ft, the Researcher is perfect for advanced divers and a good site for Open Water divers seeking advanced experience. Generally, we dive the Researcher Wreck in conjunction with the Steel Deckhouse.
The Anchor Ledges:
Are at 60ft depth just a short distance from the FRED DAY and provide a terrific dive for the novice, as well as for the experienced diver. Five foot high ledges support a multitude of marine life including lobster, tropical species and an occasional shark.
The Indigo Ledges:
Is 70 to 80ft deep and is a great site for Open Water divers. This natural reef line supports a variety of soft corals, sponges and crustaceans. Tropical fish such as the angel (picture left) are frequent visitors and large pelagic may be seen in the area. The Ledges provide the unique opportunity to drift dive in this area when conditions allow.
The Gardens:
Offer the diver 2-10ft of relief off the bottom. Lobster, large grouper and tropicals are abundant. Exceptional visibility comparable to Florida waters at 90ft. depth. Colorful sponges and corals give this location its name. Maximum depth 80ft.
The Charleston 60 Wreck:
A large sunken barge sitting in 60ft of water allows divers to explore without getting lost. You're guaranteed to see large schools of schooling fish, huge amberjacks, barracudas, spadefish and more! Large missile casings on the barge also make great swim-throughs. This is an excellent place to photograph and complete an Underwater Photography specialty!
The Steel Deckhouse:
This 2-story deckhouse portion of a cargo freighter, sitting in 90ft of water, provides great penetration dives for those with a wreck diving certification and a reel. Other divers enjoy swimming through the outer stairwells. A very cool dive!
The Y-73 Wreck:
Is a dive worth the trip? The Y-73 is a 180ft tanker submerged in 100ft of water with 25-75ft of visibility. Large marine life such as shark, rays, grouper and loggerhead turtles are abundant. We generally dive the T&A #9 in conjunction with the Y-73 Wreck.
The Junk Pile:
Is much more appealing than it sounds! At a depth of 65ft, the reef is filled with tropicals and invertebrate life. A favorite with the dive crew!
The Train Wreck:
Straight from New York City, has become one of our most popular dive sites! These subway cars were sunk by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to create artificial reef systems and the fish and divers love them! Diving this site is a unique experience and a great place to photograph. How many opportunities do you get to ride the subway underwater? The train is situated near the Comanche Wreck in over 100ft of water and is recommended for advanced divers only!
