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.
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DeepWreck
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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 spots
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)
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
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.
Papoose (Wreck) Dive Conditions Planner
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Papoose (Wreck).
Current Snapshot
No data
🌥️Variable
Sunrise
No data
Time
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Sunset
No data
Surface / Entry
Wind No data · Tide No data
Sea State
Swell No data · Period unavailable
Visibility Outlook
Rain chance No data
Wind
No data
Swell
No data
Exposure Profile at Papoose (Wreck)
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Exposure Note
Hourly forecast data is not available yet.
Recent Logged Visits At Papoose (Wreck)
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
No Dive Logs Yet
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Dive Spot Log Averages At Papoose (Wreck)
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility24m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
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Papoose (Wreck) Guide - Frequently Asked Questions
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Papoose (Wreck) Guide - Sources and Updates
Last Updated
Research Sources
olympusdiving.com · Operator
Olympus Dive Center page noting that sand tiger sharks are commonly present on the Papoose wreck.
www.crystalcoastnc.org · Tourism
Crystal Coast dive-guide article with Papoose details, depth, visibility, and wreck-diving guidance.
www.scubadiving.com · Feature
Scuba Diving Magazine North Carolina wreck article referencing Papoose and sand tiger sharks.
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