NORTH MYRTLE BEACH HISTORY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A Civil War Time Capsule Beneath the Waves: Exploring the Sherman Shipwreck off North Myrtle Beach
A half-day, two-tank dive on the Sherman (formerly the Princess Royal) lets divers descend to a Civil War–era blockade runner resting roughly 55 feet down; this guide lays out what to expect and how to plan.
A Civil War Time Capsule Beneath the Waves: Exploring the Sherman Shipwreck off North Myrtle Beach.
Off the coast of North Myrtle Beach lies the Sherman, once the Confederate blockade runner Princess Royal built in 1861. Captured in 1863 and later renamed, the vessel sank in January 1874 and now rests as an accessible wreck at recreational depth. Divers of all skill levels can descend into maritime history, tracing the story of capture, naval service and the ship’s final hours on the seafloor.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
From Blockade Runner to Naval Prize
Built in 1861 as the Princess Royal, the 196-foot vessel ran Confederate blockades until her capture on January 29, 1863. After service with the U.S. Navy—during which she helped capture additional vessels—she was sold and renamed the Sherman before sinking on January 10, 1874.
A Shallow, Dramatic Final Resting Place
The Sherman sits at recreational depth—about 55 feet to the sand—making it an accessible wreck for many divers and one of the area’s most popular dive sites.
Two Tanks, Half-Day Immersion
Offered as a two‑tank, half‑day outing, this is Coastal Scuba’s most popular dive site—an efficient way to pair history and plenty of bottom time exploring the wreck.
What the day feels like
What the Dive Feels Like
Expect a focused, history‑forward dive: descend to the Sherman’s resting place and move along the hull and surrounding sand, interpreting a life cycle that runs from blockade running to naval capture to a slow sinking in 1874. The site’s depth and layout allow divers to linger on features and absorb the ship’s story in a half‑day, two‑tank format.
THE HISTORY
From Blockade Runner to Naval Prize
Built in 1861 as the Princess Royal, the 196-foot vessel ran Confederate blockades until her capture on January 29, 1863. After service with the U.S. Navy—during which she helped capture additional vessels—she was sold and renamed the Sherman before sinking on January 10, 1874.
THE WRECK
A Shallow, Dramatic Final Resting Place
The Sherman sits at recreational depth—about 55 feet to the sand—making it an accessible wreck for many divers and one of the area’s most popular dive sites.
THE DIVE
Two Tanks, Half-Day Immersion
Offered as a two‑tank, half‑day outing, this is Coastal Scuba’s most popular dive site—an efficient way to pair history and plenty of bottom time exploring the wreck.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits best
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Sherman outing is run as a half‑day, two‑tank dive; confirm specific departure times and seasonal schedules with the operator.
Bring personal dive documentation and standard scuba equipment; check with Coastal Scuba for the operator’s specific gear checklist and any rental options.
The meeting location for the outing is 9975 Nance St, Calabash; use that address for check‑in and pre‑dive procedures.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How deep is the Sherman wreck?
The Sherman sits at about 55 feet to the sand, placing it within recreational diving depths.
How long is the outing?
The trip is run as a half‑day outing.
How many dives are included?
This is offered as a two‑tank dive.
Who operates the Sherman dives?
The outings are operated by Coastal Scuba.
What is the Sherman’s historical significance?
Built in 1861 as the Princess Royal, she ran blockades, was captured on January 29, 1863, later served under the U.S. Navy, was renamed Sherman, and sank after taking on water in January 1874.
Where do I check in for the dive?
Check in at the meeting location listed as 9975 Nance St, Calabash.
Is this dive suitable for novice divers?
The site is described as suitable for divers of all skill levels, making it accessible to many newer divers within their training limits.
How much does the two‑tank dive cost?
The headline context lists a two‑tank price of $110 for this dive.