Hold on to your fins, Carolina Travelers – this shark tooth diving exploit is for the most courageous, experienced (and SCUBA-certified) thrill-seekers! Step aboard the six-passenger Ledge Tender as the captains and guides at Wrightsville Beach Diving transport you to the sites of historic shipwrecks, captivating reefs, and titillating ledges in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean!

No need to wake up early and beat all the early-morning beach-combers to the shores – if it’s megalodon shark teeth you’re after, you’ll find them 27-42 miles off-shore at Megalodon Ledge, over 100 ft below the surface of the water! The opportunity to hold a relic from a creature that once ruled the ancient oceans is a thrilling and humbling experience unlike any other.

Look what thrill seeker Kristi Falco found! Check out her other cool finds and shark tooth jewelry on her Instagram account @sunnyfossils

“They'll Put  You On The Teeth!” Testimonials From Devoted Divers

There's just something about the shark tooth diving experience at Wrightsville Beach Diving that gets you  hooked…not literally, of course. Kristi (@sunnyfossils on Instagram) continues to feel the pull of the deep blue sea, and was gracious enough to share photos of some of her favorite finds.

Here's what Kristi has to say about what makes this thrill seekers expedition so unique: Finding a Megalodon tooth at the bottom of the ocean is as close as you can get to finding buried treasure! The adrenaline rush you feel when you see that big, toothy outline in the silt as you crawl across the bottom is unlike anything I have ever experienced before. When you hold in your hand a giant tooth that could be 20 million years old, it's hard not to imagine how wonderful and terrifying our ancient oceans must have been.

While the allure of cradling a massive shark tooth in your palms is likely enticing to many, Kristi affirms that the shark tooth diving expedition is appropriate for knowledgeable, seasoned divers: The diving is advanced – there is a need for experience, self-reliance, and the ability to task load with equipment such as wreck reels, catch bags, and scooters. Chris and Brett from Wrightsville Beach Diving have always kept safety and the customer experience a top priority when onboard, and I always feel looked after knowing they have my back. They'll put you on the teeth!

Friends who SCUBA dive together, thrive together!

How Do I Get SCUBA Certified?

The time it takes to get SCUBA certified can vary depending on several factors, including the training facility you choose, your existing aquatic abilities, and availability. A typical SCUBA certification course consists of both knowledge development (theory) and practical training (pool or confined water dives and open water dives).

The knowledge development portion can be completed through self-study with online materials or in a classroom setting. This component covers dive theory, safety procedures, equipment usage, and other essential knowledge. The time required for knowledge development varies, but it typically takes a few days to a few weeks to complete at your own pace.

The practical training involves practicing skills in a controlled environment like a pool or confined water setting, followed by open water dives to apply what you've learned in real diving conditions. The number of pool/confined water sessions and open water dives can vary depending on the training organization and your progress. Generally, it takes around two to four days to complete the practical training, including pool sessions and open water dives.

In total, considering both knowledge development and practical training, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to become SCUBA certified. It's important to note that individual abilities, comfort in the water, and the time you can allocate to training can also affect the overall duration. It's recommended to check with your chosen SCUBA training organization to get a more accurate estimate of the time required for their specific certification program.

Aquatic Safaris offers introductory experiences and SCUBA certification courses for divers of all ages.

Where Can I Get SCUBA Certified In Wrightsville Beach?

While thrill seekers may partake in certain activities for the instant adrenaline rush, sometimes delayed gratification can reward you with an even more profound experience! Such is the case with working your way toward proficiency in SCUBA diving before you take on the deeper waters inherent to megalodon shark tooth diving.

If you're local to Wrightsville Beach, Aquatic Safaris has been training SCUBA divers of all levels since 1988! They offer a Discover SCUBA Diving experience for beginners ages ten years and up, which includes an actual SCUBA dive in open water (counting toward your PADI Open Water Diver certification).

The PADI Open Water Diver certification is the world's most popular and widely recognized SCUBA course, consisting of online knowledge development, two pool-trained water dives, and four open water dives. Move at your own pace and don't stress about equipment — Aquatic Safaris will provide you with your tank, weights, regulator, wetsuit, and other necessary gear to set you up for success.

Aquatic Safaris offers other intermediate and advanced certifications for those who already have their PADI Open Water Diver certification:

• Technical Diving: encompasses diving beyond 130 feet, which requires stage decompression
• Professional Diving: share the gift of SCUBA when you progress to the level of instructor; i.e., PADI Divemaster, PADI Assistant Instructor, PADI Emergency First Responder (EFR) Instructor
• Continuing Education: choose from 20 specific courses to deepen your knowledge and strengthen your experience in the world of diving; i.e., wreck diving, search and recovery diving, night diving

One fish, two fish…

Get In The Boat — We're Going Spearfishing!

Looking for a more challenging hunt? Thanks to the Labrador Current to the north and the Gulf Stream churning from the south, the NC coast is famous for its gigantic cobia, pompano, hogfish, and spiny lobster species. Each spearfishing expedition is tailored to the type of fish you’re hoping to catch, and you can expect to plunge to depths of over 100 ft at iconic locations like Frying Pan Tower (shark central) or the record-breaking John D. Gill sunken ship, clocking in at 523 ft long as the largest wreck in divable waters! Advanced certification is required for this seriously satisfying expedition.

The 36 foot SeaTek “Ledge Tender” has a fast cruise speed of 24-27 knots and space for up to 22 tanks.

Outfitter: Wrightsville Beach Diving

Address: Bridge Tender Marina, 1413 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403

Site: https://wbdiving.com 

Ages: 12 and up for Megalodon Tooth Ledge; both excursions require advanced SCUBA certification (call the outfitter at 848-448-6849 with questions); a minimum of six divers is required for a private charter.

Rates: $250 per person for Megalodon Tooth Ledge or Spearfishing Ledge

Dates: Call to reserve your desired time; the shark tooth diving experience encompasses 7.5 hours, while the spearfishing expedition lasts 10 hours.

After getting hooked on shark tooth diving and spearfishing, you may be looking for other fun aquatic activities to try in NC and SC? Try your hand at kiteboarding on Hatteras Island, whitewater rafting and waterfall rappelling on the Green River, and hydro-foiling at Myrtle Beach!