ATLANTIC
BEACH,
NC
JULY 10 - 14, 2023
Total package price starting at $1240*pp
This package includes hotel accommodations, diving, daily breakfast ... and more!
*Prices and availability are subject to change.
This trip is great for advanced divers
with a minimum of 25 logged dives as well as some other pre-requisites (see FAQ section below).
OR
Newer -yet confident- divers
with a minimum of 10 logged dives as well as some other pre-requisites (see FAQ section below).
Doubletree Atlantic Beach Oceanfront
July 10 - 14
Doubletree Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel sits on a tranquil stretch of beach, 10 minutes from Morehead City. The hotel is within three miles of Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area and North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. The hotel offers direct beach access, with a 300-foot pier and a beachfront bar. Enjoy our indoor and outdoor pools and a warm DoubleTree cookie on arrival.
Dining
The hotel has two restaurants on site. Molly’s beachside bar and grill where you can enjoy the views of the Atlantic Ocean and beach while sipping on a cold drink or just relaxing with a casual meal. Or go to Prime 1079, an American steakhouse with southern flair. Prime 1079 Steakhouse serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.
Scuba Diving
The Graveyard of the Atlantic gets its name from the estimated 2000 shipwrecks scattered along the North Carolina coastline. Consistently voted #1 Wreck Diving in North America by Scuba Diving magazine's Readers' Poll, many of these historic vessels are accessible to divers. We recommend that all divers dive Nitrox for increased bottom times and safety.
30% Nitrox, and 50% & 100% O2 Fills are available.
Please note: Dive sites are chosen the day of the dive trip based on what conditions allow.
The dive operator can NOT guarantee a specific dive itinerary including a dive on the U-352 or a wreck with sharks, but will do their best with safety in mind.
July 10:
Arrival in Atlantic Beach + Dive
You'll arrive in Atlantic beach this morning.
After check in to the hotel you will have a half day shallow dive,
Dive sites are chosen the day of the dive trip based on what conditions allow. The dive operator can NOT guarantee a specific dive.
Dive trips depart from the dive shop (where the boats are docked) and begin a 2-hour boat ride out to the dive sites.
Minimum Requirements for Shallow Water Wreck (Two Tank) Trips:
- Open Water Certified
- Minimum of 10 Logged Dives
- One Boat Ocean Dive
- Two Dives in the Last 12 Months
- Minimum Age – 12 years old
If a diver does not meet all of these requirements for the Shallow dive trips, they must either be under the direct supervision of the group leader/instructor or hire one of a dive guide from the dive operator (at an additional cost).
*Lodging (4nt): Doubletree Atlantic Beach Oceanfront
July 11:
Deep wreck dives
Full day Deep Wreck Dives (2 tanks) - AOW+
U-352 + W.E. Hutton (aka Papoose)
The U-352 was a German submarine that was used during the notorious U-boat attacks in WWII along the NC Coast. On May 9, 1942 it was sunk by the Coast Guard Cutter Icarus. This site was discovered in 1974 by Olympus owner and Captain, George Purifoy, and several friends. The history behind this site has been televised and featured on the History Channel and is one of North Carolina's best-known dive sites.
Sitting upside down in the sand, the Papoose is one of the most popular wrecks for seeing the current inhabitants, sand tiger sharks! Divers looking to penetrate may do so in several places and may work their way internally as far as the boiler room, however, penetration of this wreck is recommended for certified wreck divers only. The Papoose is a 412-foot tanker that was torpedoed by the U-124 on March 18, 1942. The ship is largely intact and rests upside down in 125 feet of water. On any given day, there are approximately 15-20 sand tiger sharks that inhabit the ship and surrounding areas, if not more!
Minimum Requirements for Deep Water Wreck Trips:
- Advanced Open Water Certified (Preferred)
- Minimum of 25 Logged Dives
- Two Boat Ocean Dives in their Diving career
- Two Dives to 70 feet or greater
- Two Dives in the Last 12 Months
- Minimum Age – 15 years old
The Full Day dive trip consists of 2 dives (recreational/no deco dive limits), with a 1 -1/2 – 2-hour surface interval in between.
July 12:
Shallow wreck dives
Full day Shallow Wreck Dives (2 tanks) - OW
Ashkhabad + Indra
The Ashkhabad was a Russian freighter traveling from NY to Cuba running a zig-zag pattern to evade torpedo sightings and was struck on the starboard side by the U-402 on April 29, 1942. The wreck of the Ashkhabad lies broken up in about 60 feet of water on the tip of Cape Lookout Shoals and is an excellent site for aquatic life. During the summer, the water temperature ranges from the upper 70's to the low 80's. Sheepshead, triggerfish, sea bass and spadefish frequent this wreck. Because it is close to the shoals, visibility averages 30 feet but can get up to 50+ feet.
The Indra is one of the most popular inshore wreck. Sitting in only 60 feet of water, it allows for longer exploration. This wreck is also extremely popular for training dives as the deck is in approximately 40-45 feet of water. This 300-foot landing ship/repair freighter is sitting in approximately 60 feet of water about 10 miles off Emerald Isle. This freighter was sunk as an artificial reef on August 4, 1992.
Minimum Requirements for Shallow Water Wreck (Two Tank) Trips:
- Open Water Certified
- Minimum of 10 Logged Dives
- One Boat Ocean Dive
- Two Dives in the Last 12 Months
- Minimum Age – 12 years old
If a diver does not meet all of these requirements for the Shallow dive trips, they must either be under the direct supervision of the group leader/instructor or hire one of a dive guide from the dive operator (at an additional cost).
Additionally, the Shallow Full Day Dive (2 Tank) trips available to shipwrecks and artificial reefs sit in about 60 feet of water.
These dives are ideal for divers who either do not meet the minimum requirements for the deeper Full Day dive trip or would benefit from doing a shallow wreck dive from a boat.
July 13:
Free day
Take today to unwind on the loungers on the beach overlooking the ocean and the pier. Or cool off at one of the two pools at the hotel. Lay in the outdoor pool while overlooking the beach and ocean or enjoy the quiet of the indoor pool.
We recommend visiting Cape Lookout. Of all the things to do in Atlantic Beach, this is one that you absolutely should not miss: a day trip to nearby Cape Lookout National Seashore will introduce you to a completely different side of the Crystal Coast that you can’t get by staying on the mainland
Be sure to climb the lighthouse itself for absolutely magnificent views. The bright, shallow water on the beach that is more reminiscent of the Mediterranean Sea than most of the typical beaches on the Crystal Coast, and look for wild horses across the water on Shackleford Banks!
If you are driving, or flying out late in the day tomorrow, we can add another day of diving to your schedule (at an additional cost and based upon availability)
July 14:
Departure
Today is time to say goodbye (for now).
Safe travels home, and we can’t wait to see you on our next trip!
TRAVEL DETAILS
Hotel:
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
July 10 till July 14
Doubletree Atlantic Beach Oceanfront
Dive Insurance
Aquatic Adventures of Ohio requires all divers to have some level of dive insurance to travel on all trips. At minimum, you must have hyperbaric recompression chamber coverage- this may be covered by your current insurance, but if not… you’ll need supplemental dive accident insurance.
NOTE: A DAN membership is separate from DAN insurance.
If you don’t have dive insurance yet, check out the link below for plan options.
Proof of dive insurance will be required prior to departure. If no dive insurance has been purchased/proof provided, AAO reserves the right to cancel your reservation without refund.
REGISTRATION FORM
PLEASE TYPE CAREFULLY! INACCURATE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN TRAVEL DELAYS AND/OR CHANGE FEES.
(Please submit one registration form per household -max 4 people per registration form)
F.A.Q.
WHAT TIME IS THE CHECK IN AT THE RESORT?
Check in at your hotel will not be until 3pm at the earliest.
If you arrive early, or your room is not yet ready for you to check in when you arrive, you may be able to leave your bags with the front desk and they will keep them securely held behind the desk while explore the property, eat, relax at the beach or get in a snorkel or SCUBA dive until your room is ready.
What if I need a roommate?
If you would like to have a roommate but don't not have one identified yet, then we will initially only charge the double occupancy rate. Aquatic Adventures Ohio will work to find you a roommate; however, if a roommate cannot be found then you are responsible for paying the single occupancy rate.
IS BREAKFAST INCLUDED?
Yes! Daily breakfast at the hotel is included
Do I have to be certified to go SCUBA diving on this trip?
Yes, an Advanced Open Water Certification is recommended, but at the least, an Open Water Certification required to go SCUBA diving.
In fact, this trip in particular has some important pre-requisites to participate.
Minimum Requirements for Deep Water Wreck Trips:
Advanced Open Water Certified (Preferred)
Minimum of 25 Logged Dives
Two Boat Ocean Dives in their Diving career
Two Dives to 70 feet or greater
Two Dives in the Last 12 Months - Minimum Age – 15 years old
Additionally, the Shallow Full Day Dive (2 Tank) trips available to shipwrecks and artificial reefs sit in about 60 feet of water. These dives are ideal for divers who either do not meet the minimum requirements for the deeper Full Day dive trip or would benefit from doing a shallow wreck dive from a boat.
Minimum Requirements for Shallow Water Wreck (Two Tank) Trips:
Open Water Certified
Minimum of 10 Logged Dives
One Boat Ocean Dive
Two Dives in the Last 12 Months
Minimum Age – 12 years old
If a diver does not meet all of these requirements for the Shallow dive trips, they must either be under the direct supervision of the group leader/instructor or hire one of a dive guide from the dive operator (at an additional cost).
What do the daily dive logistics look like?
Dive trips depart from the dive shop (where the boats are docked) and begin a 2-hour boat ride out to the dive sites.
The Full Day dive trip consists of 2 dives (recreational/no deco dive limits), with a 1 -1/2 – 2-hour surface interval in between.
Can I go diving just a few times? Or do I have to dive every day?
The first rule of diving (well, one of the first rules) is to call a dive if you aren’t comfortable. This means that if you have signed up to go diving one day and you don’t feel comfortable, please don’t get in the water.
That said, this is a personal choice and not one that will result in a refund of money.
If you want to go diving, but don’t want to participate in the active dive schedule we have included, we can arrange a separate dive for you, as often as you’d like!
What are the water temps in Atlantic beach, nc in july?
July is the warmest water month in Atlantic Beach, NC. With water reaching 81°F to 84°F, spending time in the water is very pleasant.
A 3mm "full wetsuit" is recommended, especially for the deeper dives, as the water temperatures lower the deeper your dive. .
(the local dive shop will have wetsuits available; however, if you prefer to try them on in advance, Aquatic Adventures can assist you with a rental or purchase of a new wetsuit!)
Can i rent gear at the location?
Yes you can! See below the rental prices.
Rental Pricing
Aluminum 80 (Air)
Aluminum 100 (Air)
Aluminum or Steel 80 cf (EAN)
Aluminum or Steel 100+ cf (EAN)
Regulator System w/ SPG
BCD w/ Power Inflator
Wetsuit 3mm or 5mm
Nitrox Dive Computer
Fill Pricing (your tank)
Air Fill (up to 99 cu ft)
Air Fill (100+ cu ft)
Nitrox 30% (up to 99 cu ft)
Nitrox 30% (100+ cu ft)
$7
$11
$16
$19
$15
$15
$15
$20
$6
$7
$12
$14
Can I pay by Zelle?
No, the dive shop does not accept Zelle. You can make a payment with a credit card which includes a processing fee of 3%.
Can I pay by check?
Yes!
If you would like to avoid the 3% processing fee, you may pay by check. You can drop this off at the front desk of the dive shop or by mailing this directly to the dive shop.
Pricing details
price Per Person:
DIVER RATES AOW
$1,240 (Quad occupancy)
$1,387 (triple occupancy)
$1,680 (double occupancy)
$2,660 (single occupancy)
DIVER RATES OW
$1,060 (Quad occupancy)
$1,207 (triple occupancy)
$1,500 (double occupancy)
$2,380 (single occupancy)
NON-DIVER RATES:
$840 (Quad occupancy)
$987 (triple occupancy)
$1,280 (double occupancy)
$2,160 (single occupancy)
*All pricing & availability is subject to change until completed through the booking process. If your vacation package includes airfare, baggage fees may be an additional cost. For international travel, a passport book is required. Most locations require at least 6 months before expiration on your passport, as well as 2 blank visa pages. Please make sure to have the correct and updated documents if applicable. If you have a criminal background, you are responsible for knowing the travel restrictions pertaining to the offense.
Payments can be made by a credit card which includes a 3% processing fee or by check dropped off to the front desk of the dive shop or mailed directly to the shop.
Optional add on prices:
- Additional 2-tank dive: $145/pp
- Deep Sea fishing charter: prices vary, please let us know if you are intersted
INCLUDED IN THE QUOTE
Hotel accommodation
Daily breakfast in the hotel
Most taxes and fees
Service fees and commissions (NON REFUNDABLE)
NOT INCLUDED
3% processing fee per payment (if paying w/credit card)
Airfare
Local taxis
Most meals/beverages (unless included in the itinerary)
Optional Travel Insurance *DUE AT TIME OF BOOKING- PLEASE REVIEW THE DETAILS OF EACH PLAN THOROUGHLY
The final price will be on your invoice, please note that the price below is an average price.
Worldwide Trip Protector Edge: (average price of $113 pp)
Please Note: This plan does NOT include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.
Worldwide Trip Protector (Premium): (average price of $154 pp)
Please Note: Under certain conditions, covered reasons for some benefits of this plan include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.
Other insurance options are available, if you have questions or want more coverage options, please let us know at time of booking.
SUGGESTED PAYMENT SCHEDULE
There are three payment options available to you.
*Payment schedule does not include insurance costs. Insurance is due with initial payment.
Option 1: Full Payment
(Most affordable overall)
Full payment (plus insurance)- due upon receipt.
*Please keep in mind, a 4% processing fee will be charged at time of payment if paying with credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)
Option 2: Two Payments
One payment will be due immediately and the second payment will be due no later than 100 days prior to your trip.
(There will be a one time $50 fee per person, for this delayed payment option)
NOTE: Not all insurance policy will allow you to purchase coverage after the initial deposit. It is illegal to purchase insurance with the knowledge and intent that you will be changing or canceling your trip.)
*Please keep in mind, a 3% processing fee will be charged at time of payment if paying with credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)
TWO-PAYMENT PLAN:
(price per person)
Due now: $250 + Insurance (suggested)
90 days prior: Remainder due
Option 3: Monthly Payments
Payments will be split into the remaining months prior to your trip (ending at 100 days prior to departure)
(There will be a one time $50 fee per person, for this delayed payment option)
*Please keep in mind, a 3% processing fee may be charged at time of paymentif choosing to pay with a credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)
Split amount due into monthly payments.
The first payment must be a minimum of $250 + insurance (per person), due upon receipt.
The remaining payments will be divided by the months- with final payment due 100 days prior to your trip.
REGISTRATION
A completed registration form (one per household -max 2 people per registration form)
If you have more than 2 people from the same household going on this trip, please fill out multiple forms, as the maximum per form is 4 people.
FINAL PAYMENT
Payments not received on time will result in reservation cancellation without refund.
Additional bookings after the final payment deadline may result in higher prices, less availability and additional administrative fees.
Fee amounts imposed are at the discretion of Zone Travel.
CANCELLATION
Cancellation in writing must be received by Zone Travel 60 days prior to departure for appropriate refund on the land tour cost minus the following fees:
Commissions and Travel insurance are non-refundable.
Travel Insurance
TRAVEL INSURANCE - AVAILABLE FOR ALL USA CITIZENS - DUE WITH INITIAL PAYMENT
Zone Travel LLC strongly suggests purchasing Trip Cancellation insurance. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider as most U.S. medical coverage will not cover you outside of the country.
Insurance costs are based on the total package cost, including air taxes and charges listed under "Included."
Approximate amounts can be given at time of reservation in order to purchase the appropriate amount of insurance.
EDGE PLAN:
(BASIC PROTECTION)
Extensive coverage for everyone; designed with families in mind.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions coverage if purchased within 14 days of deposit (other eligibility conditions must also be met)
Wide range of reasons for trip cancellation or interruption
Trip Delay and Missed Tour or Cruise Connection coverage
Baggage Protection and Travel Accident Protection
Medical and Evacuation coverage
WORLDWIDE TRIP PROTECTOR:
(PREMIUM PROTECTION)
Extensive coverage for everyone; designed with families in mind.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions coverage if purchased within 21 days of deposit (other eligibility conditions must also be met)
Wide range of reasons for trip cancellation or interruption
Trip Delay and Missed Tour or Cruise Connection coverage
Baggage Protection and Travel Accident Protection
Medical and Evacuation coverage