monitor.noaa.gov · Official
NOAA shipwreck history and site notes for Papoose.
Dive Spot Guide•
Papoose (Wreck)
North Carolina tanker wreck dive with sand tiger sharks.
Local operator required
Best handled through a North Carolina wreck charter with certified wreck guidance.
Boat-accessed offshore wreck with sharks, deep-water conditions, and a largely intact hull that rewards experienced wreck divers.
About Papoose (Wreck)
Papoose (Wreck) is a deep North Carolina wreck dive on a largely intact tanker that rests upside down in offshore sand. Divers come here for careful wreck exploration, shark viewing, and disciplined planning when visibility and current cooperate. It is a boat-accessed site that suits experienced wreck divers comfortable with depth, blue-water conditions, and large marine life.
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Research Estimate At Papoose (Wreck)
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 24m
AccessChallenging entry effort
Aquatic LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesBasic facilities
Crowd / PopularityQuite busy
CurrentModerate current
Where Is Papoose (Wreck)?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Papoose (Wreck) Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
37m - 38.1m
Depth Note
Reports place the wreck around 120-125 ft in water, with penetration possible by certified wreck divers.
Best Season
Year-round; January-February for peak sand-tiger activity and late spring through early fall for easier conditions.
Typical Conditions
Deep offshore wreck with variable visibility and currents; conditions are often better on settled days and can be demanding when the Gulf Stream is active.
Safety & Access At Papoose (Wreck)
Site conditions, restrictions, and access requirements.
Site Conditions
Dangerous wildlife
Safety Notes
Sand tiger sharks are commonly seen on the wreck; maintain appropriate distance and awareness around large marine life.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only; wreck penetration should be left to certified wreck divers.
Legal Notes
Follow charter, sanctuary, and local wreck-diving rules; wreck entry and penetration should match your certification.
Local Intel For Papoose (Wreck)
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Deep wreck dive on a largely intact tanker lying upside down in offshore sand; wreck penetration requires wreck certification and careful planning.
Freediving
Not a freedive target.
Snorkeling
Not suitable for snorkeling.
Wildlife at Papoose (Wreck)
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Papoose (Wreck)
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Papoose (Wreck)
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility24m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
