| Quick Summary Scuba diving in Myrtle Beach waters introduces certified divers to artificial reefs, historic wrecks, marine life, and locations suited to different experience levels. The best site depends on your certification, preferred depth, recent experience, and offshore conditions. From shallow tugboats to advanced World War II wrecks, our coastline offers varied diving within reach of Murrells Inlet. |
Myrtle Beach is famous for its beaches, but some of the area’s most interesting scenery lies beneath the Atlantic. Scuba diving in Myrtle Beach offers access to artificial reefs, sunken vessels, and historically significant wrecks just offshore, where divers may encounter grouper, snapper, spadefish, turtles, rays, barracuda, and occasional sharks.
At Express Watersports, we operate charters from Murrells Inlet aboard our 46-foot Newton dive boat, with PADI Divemasters and Instructors helping guests prepare for suitable sites.
How Do You Choose the Right Myrtle Beach Dive Site?
There is no single site that is best for every diver. Depth, visibility, current, certification, and comfort all matter. A recently certified diver may prefer a shallower artificial reef, while an advanced diver may want a deeper wreck with more complex structure.
Our guide to Myrtle Beach scuba diving sites outlines local depths, typical visibility, features, and certification expectations. Offshore conditions can change, so the captain may adjust the destination based on weather, sea state, and safety.
11 Mile Reef and Pawleys Island Reef for Novice Divers
The 11 Mile site is an approachable option for certified divers interested in wreck diving. It sits at approximately 30 to 45 feet and features a 90-foot tugboat with a swim-through, along with a Navy A-6 attack aircraft nearby. Barracuda and spadefish are commonly associated with the site.
Pawleys Island Reef generally ranges from 20 to 35 feet. A tugboat, two landing craft, and surrounding concrete structures provide habitat for native marine life. Both destinations can suit newer certified divers who are comfortable with the day’s conditions.
Goldfinch Reef for Wrecks and Marine Life
Goldfinch Reef combines a 150-foot Navy yard oiler with a 120-foot fuel barge at approximately 55 to 65 feet. A line between the two structures can help guided divers navigate from one wreck to the other.
Coral growth attracts grouper, grunts, snapper, pinfish, and sea bass. Sand tiger sharks and turtles may also visit. Goldfinch is a strong choice for divers who want both wreck structure and the possibility of varied marine life.
City of Richmond for History and Fish Activity
The City of Richmond is a former five-deck passenger ship that sank during a storm while being towed. The wreck now lies in sections across the bottom at approximately 35 to 65 feet.
Its broken layout creates gathering places for grouper, snapper, and triggerfish. The mix of history, structure, and marine life has made the City of Richmond a favorite among our dive team.
BP-25 and Subway Cars for Advanced Exploration
Advanced divers may enjoy BP-25 and the nearby New York City subway cars. The site includes a 280-foot Panamanian tanker with extensive coral growth, while the subway cars have become artificial habitat. Listed depths range from approximately 70 to 90 feet.
Grouper, loggerhead sea turtles, and dense fish activity can make this a rewarding dive. Advanced certification or enrollment in an appropriate advanced course is required, and specified surface signaling equipment must be carried.
Divers who need more training before visiting deeper locations can explore our Myrtle Beach scuba diving classes. We offer instruction from entry-level certification through advanced programs at our PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center.
The Hebe and USS Vermilion for Experienced Divers
The Hebe, part of the Twin Cities wreck, is a Dutch freighter that collided with the British sub chaser St. Cathan during World War II blackout conditions. It rests at approximately 75 to 110 feet and is known for abundant fish, historical bottles, and occasional sand tiger sharks.
The USS Vermilion is even larger. This 470-foot former troop transport rests at approximately 90 to 140 feet, so the entire vessel cannot be explored during one dive. Its size, marine growth, and history give qualified divers reasons to return.
Both sites require suitable certification, equipment, experience, and gas planning. They are intended for properly trained advanced divers rather than beginners.
Where Should Beginners Start?
People who are curious about scuba but are not certified should begin in a controlled environment instead of on an offshore wreck. Our Discover Scuba Diving program introduces participants ages eight and older to basic concepts and underwater skills in our on-site pool under professional supervision.
Guests who enjoy the session can continue into a full certification course. Proper instruction builds confidence and prepares divers to explore local reefs and wrecks responsibly.
The best dive site is the one that matches your experience level and the kind of underwater story you want to uncover. Pawleys Island Reef offers an inviting introduction for newer certified divers, while the Hebe and USS Vermilion reward advanced divers with deeper water, dramatic wreckage, and more demanding exploration.
Set your sights below the surface with Express Watersports. Join our experienced captains and PADI dive professionals as we guide you toward Myrtle Beach wrecks, artificial reefs, marine life, and offshore history suited to your certification. Reserve your charter and discover what awaits beneath the Atlantic.
FAQs About Scuba Diving in Myrtle Beach
Is Myrtle Beach Good for Scuba Diving?
Yes. The offshore area includes artificial reefs, Civil War and World War II wrecks, sunken vessels, and live-bottom habitats. The variety supports experiences for novice certified and advanced divers.
What Marine Life Can Divers See?
Sightings vary, but local sites may include grouper, snapper, spadefish, sea bass, triggerfish, rays, turtles, barracuda, cobia, amberjack, and sharks. Wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed.
Do I Need Advanced Certification?
Not for every location. Several reefs and wrecks are categorized for novice certified divers, while deeper sites require Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent training. Divers must always remain within their certification and experience limits.
When Is Visibility Best?
Visibility changes with the site, season, weather, current, and recent sea conditions. Deeper offshore locations may sometimes offer clearer water, but specific visibility cannot be guaranteed for any charter.
How Far Offshore Are Myrtle Beach Dive Sites?
Most dive sites are located between 10 and 30 miles offshore, depending on the location and conditions.