

Best for beginner divers, 1m, boat entry, mild current.
Yaupon Reef is an artificial reef located off Cape Fear, Wilmington. This site sits in very shallow water at a depth of approximately 1 metre, providing a low-pressure environment suitable for beginner divers. Access is by boat only. Conditions include mild currents and visibility ranging from 5 to 10 metres. Divers should be aware of potential boat traffic in the area and use a surface marker buoy when ascending. Water temperatures fluctuate significantly throughout the year, ranging from 12C in winter to 29C in summer, necessitating careful selection of thermal protection. Due to the shallow nature of the site, visibility can be variable.
33.88417, -78.10945
Boat traffic in this area can be active, so deploy a surface marker buoy before ascending and stay aware throughout. Pack a wetsuit appropriate to the season, as the 17-degree temperature range between winter and summer makes thermal protection a real variable here.
Located 2-5 miles off Oak Island.
Recorded at this site
Depth
1m
Visibility
5-10m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
12-29°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
Jul, Aug, Sep
Yes, the site is well suited to newer divers due to its shallow depth and mild currents.
The site is very shallow, with depths sitting at approximately 1 metre.
Access to this artificial reef is by boat only.
The main hazards are boat traffic and low or variable visibility. Divers should deploy a surface marker buoy before ascending.
Water temperatures vary from 12C in winter to 29C in summer.
Diving at Yaupon Reef in Oak Island requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Yaupon Reef in Oak Island. Water temperatures range from 12°C to 29°C.
The best months to visit Yaupon Reef in Oak Island are July, August, and September. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.