Do I need prior diving experience to join the Referral Dive?

Yes, this program is designed for those finishing open water certification and requires some prior training.

Is all scuba gear provided for the dives?

The dive center supplies tanks, weights, buoyancy compensators, and regulators; personal gear like mask and fins must be provided by the diver.

What happens if weather cancels a dive day?

The staff will communicate rescheduling options; divers should plan some flexibility into their schedules.

Can I add the shipwreck beach dive to the Referral Dive package?

Yes, after completing your certification dives, you can sign up for the shipwreck dive on the following day.

Are gloves mandatory for the dives?

Yes, gloves are required for protection and can be purchased at the dive shop if you don’t have your own.

How far is the training quarry from the dive center?

The quarry is approximately 5 minutes away by vehicle, requiring divers to follow the instructor or arrange transportation.

Scuba Diving Adventures at Roanoke Island Outfitters | Water Activities

Located on the edge of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Roanoke Island Outfitters and Dive Center offers divers a rare chance to complete their open water certification in a setting that blends controlled safety with the raw beauty of the Atlantic coast. Situated in Manteo, this dive center uses a nearby quarry for initial training dives, just minutes from their shop on US-64, creating an ideal stepping stone between confined water sessions and the open ocean.

The Referral Dive program is tailored for divers finishing their open water certification over two full days. Participants kick off the adventure with four open water dives in the quarry, where clear water and manageable depths provide a secure environment. All essential scuba gear—tank, weights, regulator, and buoyancy compensator—is supplied, though divers should bring or rent their own personal gear like mask, snorkel, fins, and boots. Gloves are mandatory and available for purchase in the shop.

What truly sets this experience apart is the optional follow-up day: a beach dive to a local shipwreck along the Outer Banks’ storied coastline. This dive adds an exhilarating layer of exploration, allowing divers to witness underwater history amid marine life, including colonies of colorful fish and soft corals unique to this region. The Outer Banks’ rich maritime heritage, featuring numerous shipwreck sites, makes this a compelling option for adventure seekers.

Manteo itself is a small coastal town steeped in history as the site of early English settlements and Native American heritage. Roanoke Island Outfitters anchors the town’s outdoor offerings by providing a gateway to underwater experiences often overlooked in favor of beach activities.

Combining safety, education, and the thrill of the Atlantic, this dive center delivers an authentic, hands-on path into the world of scuba diving that’s hard to match anywhere else on the East Coast.

About Roanoke Island Outfitters and Dive Center

Roanoke Island Outfitters and Dive Center operates in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, offering comprehensive scuba instruction, guided dives, and equipment rental on the Outer Banks. The center provides a range of courses from introductory Try Scuba sessions and indoor Pool Refresher Courses to full Open Water Scuba Diver certification, referral dives, advanced specialties, and rescue training. Classroom instruction, pool sessions, and open-water dives in a private quarry are available for entry-level students, while specialty options include Nitrox training, Wreck Diver, and night and deep dives through the SDI and TDI curricula.

Certified instructors deliver guided beach wreck dives, quarry dives, and refresher diving with full equipment packages provided for many experiences. Try Scuba programs welcome participants ages 12 and up, and specialty courses set appropriate age requirements such as the wreck specialty. Refresher classes and guided dives support divers returning after a pause, and many courses culminate in certification cards upon completion.

The operation emphasizes safety, structured training standards, and practical skills practice in warm indoor pool settings before transitioning to open water. Equipment rental and delivery to the beach are offered to simplify logistics for guided wreck dives. Scheduling flexibility accommodates multi-day referral dives and multi-session certifications. Locals and visiting divers choose Roanoke Island Outfitters and Dive Center for Outer Banks scuba training, guided wreck exploration, Nitrox instruction, and practical refresher services in Kill Devil Hills. Booking options include single sessions, multi-day referral packages, and tailored schedules to accommodate visiting students and local divers alike seasonally and year-round.