NAGS HEAD ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
Beach Dive to a 20‑ft Shipwreck: Surf Entry, Currents, and a Guided Ocean Wreck Dive off Nags Head
A guided ocean beach dive to a 20 ft wreck in Nags Head — this guide explains the surf entry, required gear, and the skills the operator expects.
Beach Dive to a 20‑ft Shipwreck: Surf Entry, Currents, and a Guided Ocean Wreck Dive off Nags Head.
Roanoke Island Outfitters and Dive Center runs a one‑tank, ocean beach dive from Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills that takes certified divers out through surf and current to a 20‑foot wreck; an active, insured instructor or dive master escorts the group, explains the wreck’s history, and guides you to and from the site.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A shallow, accessible shipwreck at 20 feet
The objective is a 20‑ft ocean wreck reachable from a beach entry — a shallow dive that still demands open‑water skill because it takes place in the ocean with possible current and surge.
Surf, a surface swim, and rugged shore conditions
All beach dives require swimming on the surface through the surf and out roughly 150–200 yards; expect movement from tide and surge and a beach walk carrying about 50 lbs. of equipment.
Instructor guidance and gear delivered to the sand
An experienced, insured instructor (or divemaster) accompanies the dive to guide you and provide a wreck briefing; equipment rental is available and the operator will bring gear to the beach to simplify logistics.
What the day feels like
What the Dive Feels Like
You stage on the sand at Nags Head/Kill Devil Hills, don full scuba kit, and make a surf entry. After a surface swim of roughly 150–200 yards through swell and current you descend to the wreck at about 20 feet; an instructor escorts you, points out historical context, and brings the group back to shore. Because the dive is in the ocean, conditions can change — if it’s too rough the operator will cancel the dive.
THE WRECK
A shallow, accessible shipwreck at 20 feet
The objective is a 20‑ft ocean wreck reachable from a beach entry — a shallow dive that still demands open‑water skill because it takes place in the ocean with possible current and surge.
THE ENTRY
Surf, a surface swim, and rugged shore conditions
All beach dives require swimming on the surface through the surf and out roughly 150–200 yards; expect movement from tide and surge and a beach walk carrying about 50 lbs. of equipment.
THE SERVICE
Instructor guidance and gear delivered to the sand
An experienced, insured instructor (or divemaster) accompanies the dive to guide you and provide a wreck briefing; equipment rental is available and the operator will bring gear to the beach to simplify logistics.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Every diver must have a timekeeping device (watch or dive computer) and GLOVES—wrecks are sharp and gloves are mandatory. Scuba fins and boots are recommended; snorkel or split fins are not advised. The operator rents dive computers and can supply gloves purchased prior to the dive.
Gear rental is additional to the advertised price; the operator brings rented equipment to the beach. If renting, provide sizes and weight requirements when booking so gear is staged correctly.
You must be able to set up your own equipment; if you are not confident request the Rusty Diver class with checkout dive (separate $175 fee that includes scuba gear).
Provide diver names, sizes, and weights when booking so waivers and gear can be processed; show up on time at the designated meeting area in Nags Head or Kill Devil Hills.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Is rental gear included in the advertised price?
No. The listed price does not include gear rental; equipment rental is additional and the operator will bring rented gear to the beach.
What mandatory personal items do I need to bring?
You must have a timekeeping device (watch or dive computer) and gloves; the operator rents dive computers and can supply gloves if purchased before the dive.
How far do we swim to the site?
Beach dives require swimming on the surface through surf and out roughly 150–200 yards to reach the dive site.
What if I'm rusty on skills or can't set up my gear?
If you cannot competently set up or manage your equipment you must request the Rusty Diver refresher class with checkout dive; the Rusty Diver costs $175 and includes scuba equipment.
Is there an age recommendation for this dive?
It is recommended that divers be 15 years or older for these beach wreck dives.
Where do we meet for the dive?
Meetings take place on the beaches in Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills; confirm the exact rendezvous when you book.
What happens if sea conditions are rough?
Because the dive is in the ocean with possible current and surge, the operator will cancel the dive if conditions are too rough.