Every year enthusiastic divers and photographers journey from all over the US and the world to share a love of diving, underwater photography, wrecks and of course, sharks. They submit photos and videos into the photo competition and vie for prizes donated by our generous sponsors. The NC Coast is famous for their numerous shipwrecks that are home to the prolific sand tiger shark; Carcharias taurus, cousin to the great white shark. The wrecks are also host to a myriad of marine species from up and down the food chain. Large numbers of jacks, barracudas, tunas, spade fish, cobia, giant stingrays and sea turtles are just a few of the species seen in abundance. The Shootout is more than just a competition; it is a social event where lifelong friendships have been formed.

Olympus Dive Center

The annual tradition continues. The "NC Wreck•Shark Shootout" is locked & loaded for 2027. Due to popular demand, both of Olympus Dive Center's boats, the M/V Midnight Express and the M/V Olympus are booked. Both are fast, stable and, USCG Inspected. There is no finer dive operator in North Carolina.

• Minimum AOW certification

• Must have at least 1 dive in 12 months

• Must have experience diving open ocean

Diving will take place in the open ocean up to 36 miles from shore with depths ranging from 60 feet to 125 feet. Be prepared for choppy conditions. July water temperatures range 72-80F with visibility averaging 50ft and exceeding 100ft. Current is possible so be prepared for strenuous finning. Divers with physical disabilities may have difficulty climbing the dive boat ladders at sea. Please inquire with Mike to see if this event is for you. Diving North Carolina can be challenging. You must so be prepared physically and mentally to participate. Daily cancellations are common due to high winds. Patience is required.