Charleston CountyBeaufort CountyGeorgetown CountyOconee CountyHorry CountyPickens CountyBerkeley CountyLexington County
Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in South Carolina
Ready to check out the best sites in South Carolina for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 60 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best ocean activities in South Carolina to suit your needs.
#2 - Lake Jocassee - The Wall
USA, South Carolina
beginner
(2)
State designated dive area, walkin from boat ramp, 2 platforms, a skeleton family, a sunk ski boat, tree forest and airplane parts.
the lake was flooded in 1973 and a lodge and several buildings still stand at the bottom as well as a cemetery.
Devil's Fork State Park
#3 - Cooper River
South Carolina, USA East
Unrated
(2)
See www.cla.sc.edu/sciaa/staff/amerc/CooperRiverTrail.htm -- Especially for fossil collectors. 80ft deep, 10ft viz, 40-80DegF
Comments from Ron Glock: If you have dived in the Cooper River, you need to dive the Clay Banks, as well, for 'whole' diving expedition. If you have a tooth from a prehistoric shark, PLEASE do not sell it as many have done. There are MANY Wooly mammoth molars there, as well as partial tusk(s). In Charleston
Comments from Ron Glock: If you have dived in the Cooper River, you need to dive the Clay Banks, as well, for 'whole' diving expedition. If you have a tooth from a prehistoric shark, PLEASE do not sell it as many have done. There are MANY Wooly mammoth molars there, as well as partial tusk(s). In Charleston
#5 - Charleston Tug
Myrtle Beach, SC, United States
beginner
(1)
A largely intact tugboat 10 miles off the cost of myrtle beach. Plenty of barracuda and bait fish.
#6 - Charleston Nearshore Reef - Barge 2
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(1)
1 buoy marks the reef 2.5 nm from Charleston Harbor north jetty.
#7 - Cooper River - Rice Mill
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
intermediate
(0)
The Cooper River: His nickname is the "Black River" and offers divers the unique experience of searching the bottom of the river for giant megalodon fossilized shark teeth, whale fossils, mastodon fossils and many other fossils. There is also a great opportunity here for the treasure hunters searching for Indian artifacts, Colonial artifacts, antique bottles, Revolutionary & Civil War relics. Abundant wildlife you may see include american alligators, turtles, bald eagles, osprey, herons, egrets, jumping fish, dolphins, and otters. The river winds through fresh and salt water wetlands, immense historic rice fields that are now flooded, and banks with Live Oaks, Spanish moss, magnolias and much more. In addition you will see the man made ruins left behind from the booming 1700's and 1800's river trade and commerce. From the boat you also see modern day sites of interest such as grounds of Mepkin Abbey Monastery, and Durham Creek freshwater reservoir channel.
River Condition: Visibility: This is not black water or "Braille" diving. It is like night diving, with good light you can see 1-12ft. Average is about 3 ft of visibility with a good light.
Currents: None to ripping/raging
Depth: average is 23-40 ft
Bottom: Sand, clay, gravel, logs, holes, bank cut-outs, shipwrecks, marl
Temperature: Varies with season, 45-90 ° F
Divespot: It is a great spot to find small, medium and larger teeth.
#8 - Kiawah Reef - 62' Lash Barge
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(0)
2 buoys mark the reef 6.5 nm from N. Edisto Inlet buoy "2NE."
#9 - Gaskins Bank Wreck
USA, South Carolina, Beaufort
beginner
(0)
Scattered accumulation of railroad rails lost by large barge. Use caution at low tide.
Wreck is unmarked 5.7 nm from Port Royal Sound channel buoy "5."
#10 - North Inlet Reef - Steel Pup Tents
USA, South Carolina, Georgetown
beginner
(0)
North Inlet Reef - Steel Pup Tents is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, South Carolina, Georgetown which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
#11 - Paradise Reef
USA, South Carolina, Little River and Myrtle Beach
beginner
(0)
3.2 nm from south jetty at Murrells Inlet and 2 buoys mark reef.
#12 - Hot Hole
USA, South Carolina
beginner
(0)
The Hot Hole is a cove on Lake Keowee where hot water comes out of the nuclear power plant; temperature is somewhere between about 68°F and 80°F. Access is by boat with a cost of $40.00 per person for a 2 tank dive.
#13 - Charleston Nearshore Reef - Barge 3
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(0)
1 buoy marks the reef 2.5 nm from Charleston Harbor north jetty.
#14 - Kiawah Reef - Dry Dock
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(0)
2 buoys mark the reef 6.5 nm from N. Edisto Inlet buoy "2NE."
#15 - Springmaid Pier Reef
USA, South Carolina, Little River and Myrtle Beach
beginner
(0)
Springmaid Pier Reef is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, South Carolina, Little River and Myrtle Beach which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
#16 - Kiawah Reef - 100' Pusher Tug
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(0)
2 buoys mark the reef 6.5 nm from N. Edisto Inlet buoy "2NE."
#18 - Charleston Nearshore Reef - 105' Barge
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(0)
1 buoy marks the reef 2.5 nm from Charleston Harbor north jetty.
#19 - Fripp Island Reef - Concrete Reef Balls
USA, South Carolina, Beaufort
beginner
(0)
1 buoy marks the reef 5.8 nm from Fripp Inlet.
#20 - Charleston Nearshore Reef - Barge 1
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(0)
1 buoy marks the reef 2.5 nm from Charleston Harbor north jetty.
#21 - Little River Reef
USA, South Carolina, Little River and Myrtle Beach
beginner
(0)
2.7 nm from south jetty at Little River Inlet.
1 buoy marks the reef.
#22 - Whitewater Reef
USA, South Carolina, Beaufort
beginner
(0)
1 buoy marks the reef 8.5 nm from Port Royal sea buoy "2PR."
#23 - Whitewater Reef - Tanks 1
USA, South Carolina, Beaufort
beginner
(0)
1 buoy marks the reef 8.5 nm from Port Royal sea buoy "2PR."
#24 - Kiawah Reef - North Buoy
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(0)
2 buoys mark reef 6.5 nm from N. Edisto Inlet buoy "2NE."
#25 - Cooper River - Moncks Corner
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
intermediate
(0)
The Cooper River: His nickname is the "Black River" and offers divers the unique experience of searching the bottom of the river for giant megalodon fossilized shark teeth, whale fossils, mastodon fossils and many other fossils. There is also a great opportunity here for the treasure hunters searching for Indian artifacts, Colonial artifacts, antique bottles, Revolutionary & Civil War relics. Abundant wildlife you may see include american alligators, turtles, bald eagles, osprey, herons, egrets, jumping fish, dolphins, and otters. The river winds through fresh and salt water wetlands, immense historic rice fields that are now flooded, and banks with Live Oaks, Spanish moss, magnolias and much more. In addition you will see the man made ruins left behind from the booming 1700's and 1800's river trade and commerce. From the boat you also see modern day sites of interest such as grounds of Mepkin Abbey Monastery, and Durham Creek freshwater reservoir channel.
River Condition: Visibility: This is not black water or "Braille" diving. It is like night diving, with good light you can see 1-12ft. Average is about 3 ft of visibility with a good light.
Currents: None to ripping/raging
Depth: average is 23-40 ft
Bottom: Sand, clay, gravel, logs, holes, bank cut-outs, shipwrecks, marl
Temperature: Varies with season, 45-90 ° F
The Dive Spot: Good place to find a lots of little shark teeth.
#26 - North Inlet Reef - Concrete Reef Balls
USA, South Carolina, Georgetown
beginner
(0)
North Inlet Reef - Concrete Reef Balls is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, South Carolina, Georgetown which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
#27 - Parris Island Reef - 40 ft Barge
USA, South Carolina, Beaufort
beginner
(0)
1 buoy marks reef, located in Broad River between Parris Island and Daws Island.
#28 - Charleston Nearshore Reef - Ballast Cans
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(0)
1 buoy marks the reef 2.5 nm from Charleston Harbor north jetty.
#29 - Fripp Island Reef
USA, South Carolina, Beaufort
beginner
(0)
1 buoy marks the reef 5.8 nm from Fripp Inlet.
#30 - General Gordon Wreck
USA, South Carolina, Beaufort
beginner
(0)
Use caution at low tide.
Marked by 1 buoy 2.0 nm from Port Royal Sound channel buoy "14."
#31 - Whitewater Reef - Tanks 2
USA, South Carolina, Beaufort
beginner
(0)
1 buoy marks the reef 8.5 nm from Port Royal sea buoy "2PR."
#32 - Kiawah Reef - South Buoy
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(0)
2 buoys mark reef 6.5 nm from N. Edisto Inlet buoy "2NE."
#33 - Kiawah Reef - 300' Hopper Barge
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(0)
2 buoys mark the reef 6.5 nm from N. Edisto Inlet buoy "2NE."
#34 - Kiawah Reef - Automobiles
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(0)
2 buoys mark reef, bearing 115�/6.5 nm from N. Edisto Inlet buoy "2NE."
#35 - 130-183 Bridge
USA, South Carolina
beginner
(0)
130-183 Bridge is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, South Carolina which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
#36 - Edisto Forty Reef - Army APCs 1
USA, South Carolina, Edisto
beginner
(0)
1 buoy marks the reef 6.5 nm from North Edisto channel buoy "2NE."
#37 - Kiawah Reef - 100' Deck Barge
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(0)
2 buoys mark the reef 6.5 nm from N. Edisto Inlet buoy "2NE."
#38 - Charleston Nearshore Reef
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(0)
1 buoy marks the reef 2.5 nm from Charleston Harbor north jetty.
#39 - Kiawah Reef - 200' Deck Barge
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(0)
2 buoys mark the reef 6.5 nm from N. Edisto Inlet buoy "2NE."
#40 - Paradise Reef - Concrete Reef Balls
USA, South Carolina, Little River and Myrtle Beach
Unrated
(0)
3.2 nm from south jetty at Murrells Inlet.
#41 - Lake Jocassee Boat Ramp
USA, South Carolina
beginner
(0)
Follow signs for access to the day-use, non-motorized boat ramp
#42 - Kiawah Reef - 260' Deck Barge
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(0)
Kiawah Reef - 260' Deck Barge is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, South Carolina, Charleston which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
#43 - Parris Island Reef
USA, South Carolina, Beaufort
beginner
(0)
1 buoy marks reef, located in Broad River between Parris Island and Daws Island.
#44 - Edisto Forty Reef
USA, South Carolina, Edisto
beginner
(0)
1 buoy marks reef 6.5 nm from North Edisto channel buoy "2NE."
#45 - North Edisto Nearshore
USA, South Carolina, Edisto
beginner
(0)
1 buoy marks reef 1.5 nm from North Edisto channel buoy "2NE."
#46 - Fripp Island Reef - Barge 2
USA, South Carolina, Beaufort
beginner
(0)
1 buoy marks the reef 5.8 nm from Fripp Inlet.
#47 - Kiawah Reef - 110' and120' barges
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(0)
2 buoys mark reef 6.5 nm from N. Edisto Inlet buoy "2NE."
#48 - Steel-hulled drydock section
USA, South Carolina, Beaufort
beginner
(0)
Marked by Coast Guard buoy 3.0 nm from Fripp Inlet.
#49 - Kiawah Reef - 437' Ship (Robison)
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(0)
2 buoys mark the reef 6.5 nm from N. Edisto Inlet buoy "2NE."
#50 - Edisto Forty Reef - Army APCs 2
USA, South Carolina, Edisto
beginner
(0)
1 buoy marks the reef 6.5 nm from North Edisto channel buoy "2NE."
#51 - Lowcountry Anglers' Reef
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(0)
Lowcountry Anglers' Reef is also known as Lowcountry Anglers Reef.
#52 - Fripp Island Drydock Wreck
USA, South Carolina, Beaufort
beginner
(0)
Steel-hulled drydock section at 32°17.079' N / 80°24.967' W
Marked by Coast Guard buoy 3.0 nm from Fripp Inlet.
#53 - Pawley's Island Reef
USA, South Carolina, Georgetown
beginner
(0)
48 ft Tugboat, spud barges and reef material. This site holds large numbers of flounder.
Pawley's Island Reef is also known as Pawleys Island Reef, 200 Reef Balls, tugboat, and landing craft.
#54 - Kiawah Reef - 90' Tug (Coppedge)
USA, South Carolina, Charleston
beginner
(0)
2 buoys mark the reef 6.5 nm from N. Edisto Inlet buoy "2NE."
#55 - Fripp Island Reef - Barge 1
USA, South Carolina, Beaufort
beginner
(0)
1 buoy marks the reef 5.8 nm from Fripp Inlet.
#56 - Coos River
South Carolina, USA East
Unrated
(0)
Coos River, Charleston to Cape Argo there are two sites in the river 1 just outside boat basin reef marked by steel piling.. good fishing cabazon, ling, sole, etc.. 2 directly across the river from 1 submerged jetty good fishing both sites will occasionally give up a anchor of crab ring... 3 from Bassendorf Beach to Cape Argo good offshore reefs excellent marine life to see and plenty of fish. also have seen a 10" abalone taken there, rock scallops, sea lions. By foot in some areas, best by boat in calm water. Bad weather dive on sites 1 & 2.
#57 - Pumphouse
USA, South Carolina
beginner
(0)
The pump house is located across the lake from Lake keowee Marina in Seneca, South Carolina. Its the old town of Seneca water treatment plant before they flooded the river to create the lake.
Pumphouse is also known as Keowee Pumphouse.
#58 - North Inlet Reef
USA, South Carolina, Georgetown
beginner
(0)
9.6 nm from Winyah Bay, 1 buoy marks reef.