

Best for advanced divers, 37-44m, boat entry, moderate current.
The USS Naeco is an artificial reef located off Morehead City, United States. This deep wreck site lies at depths between 37 and 44 metres, requiring advanced certification and strict depth monitoring. Divers access the site by boat, encountering moderate currents and visibility ranging from 18 to 30 metres. The structure features an overhead environment with confined spaces, necessitating appropriate wreck-diving discipline. The site supports a variety of reef fish and invertebrates typical of the region. Due to the depth and potential for overhead hazards, guided tours are recommended for first-time visitors. Water temperatures fluctuate between 17C and 25C, making thermal protection essential for longer bottom times.
34.03472, -76.63472
Book a guided tour if this is your first visit to the Naeco as a local guide will plan the dive around the current and point out the best sections of the wreck within your bottom time. Water temperature drops to 17C in winter, so a drysuit or a thick wetsuit is worth considering for the longer bottom times this depth demands.
The site is located 38 miles offshore and requires a boat for access.
Recorded at this site
Depth
37-44m
Visibility
18-30m
Skill Level
Advanced
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
17-25°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
40 min
Best Time
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
The site supports a variety of reef fish and invertebrates typical of the region's habitat.
No, this is an advanced dive site due to the depth of 37 to 44 metres and the presence of an overhead environment.
The wreck sits at a depth range of 37 to 44 metres, with an average depth of 43 metres.
No, the USS Naeco is located 70.3 kilometres from shore and requires boat access.
Snorkelling is not suitable for this site due to the significant depth of the wreck.
Diving at USS Naeco in Cape Lookout requires the following certifications: Advanced, Deep. Always dive within your training limits.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at USS Naeco in Cape Lookout. Water temperatures range from 17°C to 25°C.
The best months to visit USS Naeco in Cape Lookout are June, July, August, and September. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Divers at USS Naeco in Cape Lookout should be aware of sharks. These encounters are generally rare and avoidable with proper awareness. Follow local safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.
Expect moderate currents at USS Naeco in Cape Lookout. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at USS Naeco in Cape Lookout typically ranges from 18 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.