monitor.noaa.gov · Official Reference
NOAA Monitor National Marine Sanctuary page for ex-USS Schurz.
Dive Spot Guide•
USS Schurz (Wreck)
Advanced deep wreck dive on a broken World War I cruiser.
Large sandy-bottom cruiser wreck with exposed ribs, boilers, and artifact details.
About USS Schurz (Wreck)
USS Schurz (Wreck) is a deep advanced wreck dive on a World War I cruiser resting on sand. The wreck is spread out, with exposed steel ribs, boilers near the top of the structure, and deck details that make it a serious shipwreck rather than a quick sightseeing run. It suits wreck divers who are comfortable with overhead areas, artifact-oriented exploration, and a deliberate pace around a large broken hull.
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Research Estimate At USS Schurz (Wreck)
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
AccessModerate entry effort
CoralHeavily damaged
Aquatic LifeAverage variety
FacilitiesLimited facilities
Crowd / PopularityFew visitors
CurrentNo current
SurgeFlat calm
Where Is USS Schurz (Wreck)?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
USS Schurz (Wreck) Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
30.5m - 33.5m
Depth Note
Wreck sits in ~110 ft of water; highest point (boilers) rises to ~100 ft.
Best Season
Calmer weather windows, when offshore boat days are easiest to run.
Typical Conditions
Deep sandy-bottom wreck with visible ribs, boilers, and artifact details on a spread-out hull.
Safety & Access At USS Schurz (Wreck)
Site conditions, restrictions, and access requirements.
Site Conditions
Overhead environment
Safety Notes
Depth is around 100–110 ft and there are overhead areas under deck plates; use appropriate wreck-diving procedures and training.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only; best with wreck experience and a local operator familiar with deep offshore dives.
Legal Notes
Follow local wreck and boat procedures off the North Carolina coast.
Local Intel For USS Schurz (Wreck)
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
A serious wreck dive for experienced divers who are comfortable with overhead areas and artifact-focused exploration.
Freediving
Not suitable for freediving because of depth and overhead structure.
Snorkeling
Not suitable for snorkeling.
Wildlife at USS Schurz (Wreck)
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At USS Schurz (Wreck)
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At USS Schurz (Wreck)
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
No community dive data has been logged here yet. Be the first to record a dive and seed the averages.
