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Manuela Wreck

The Manuela Wreck in North Carolina is an absolute standout for us. It sits on the cusp of that perfect wreck dive – deep enough to feel like an adventure, but shallow enough that you can really stretch out your bottom time and explore. We love the way the wreck has settled, broken into sections that are still remarkably intact. You can trace the deck plating, almost visualise it whole. What really sells the Manuela is the way the sand tiger sharks treat it like their own private hangout. We’ve seen them cruising through the hold openings, their dark shapes appearing from the gloom, completely unfazed by divers. It’s not just sharks though. Schools of spadefish often swirl around the superstructure, and if you’re patient, you’ll spot hefty groupers tucked into the shadowed corners. The visibility here can be hit or miss, typical of North Carolina, but when it’s good, the light penetrating the open sections of the wreck is something else. Our top tip: aim for a slack tide dive. The current can rip here, making it a bit of a workout otherwise, and you want to be relaxed enough to really soak in the atmosphere of this old cargo ship. It’s a dive that rewards repeat visits; you always find something new.