THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Dive 55 feet beneath North Myrtle Beach’s waters to uncover the Sherman, a Civil War-era shipwreck rich in history and marine life. Coastal Scuba offers an unforgettable dive for all skill levels.
Dive 55 feet beneath North Myrtle Beach’s waters to uncover the Sherman, a Civil War-era shipwreck rich in history and marine life. Coastal Scuba offers an unforgettable dive for all skill levels.
Book with Coastal Scuba
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Coastal Scuba · North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Just off the coast near North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, lies one of the region’s most compelling underwater relics: the Sherman, a Civil War-era shipwreck resting 55 feet below the waves. Operated by Coastal Scuba, this dive is a rare chance to step back into maritime history while navigating the haunting remains of a former Confederate blockade runner turned U.S. Navy vessel.
Originally launched in 1861 as the Princess Royal, this 196-foot ship was built to slip past Union blockades, ferrying vital supplies during turbulent times. Captured in 1863 near Charleston, she was subsequently repurposed by Union forces before earning her final name, Sherman. Her sinking in 1874—after a desperate battle against flooding and tow mishaps—left a layered story preserved beneath the Atlantic’s surface. Now, divers of all experience levels descend to explore her skeletal frame, scattered artifacts, and the marine life that calls the wreck home.
What sets Coastal Scuba’s Sherman dive apart is its accessibility combined with deep historical resonance. The relatively shallow depth makes this an ideal shipwreck dive for novices and seasoned divers alike. The site offers an engaging blend of adventure and education, with guides who unlock details of naval battles and seafaring challenges of the 19th century.
Beyond the wreck itself, North Myrtle Beach provides a gateway to warm waters, consistently good visibility, and a diverse underwater ecosystem. Coastal Scuba’s base at 1903 Hwy 17 S is a hub for diving the South Carolina coast, with expert instruction, well-maintained gear, and a focus on safe, sustainable diving practices. For travelers seeking a dive experience that fuses history with adrenaline, the Sherman stands out as a truly unique destination—an underwater chapter in America’s Civil War saga waiting to be discovered.
moderate.
3–4 hours.
Participants should be in good health with basic swimming ability and comfort in open water at moderate depths.
No, the Sherman dive is accessible to Open Water certified divers, though good buoyancy and navigation skills are recommended.
The wreck rests at approximately 55 feet below the surface, making it a moderate-depth dive.
Divers often encounter fish species like sheepshead and tautog, as well as various invertebrates inhabiting the wreck.
Yes, as long as divers have basic Open Water certification and comfort diving to 55 feet, this wreck is approachable.
Yes, Coastal Scuba offers rental gear and provides all necessary equipment for the Sherman dive.
Bring your certification card, dive log, appropriate exposure protection, and any personal accessories like masks or dive computers.
The Sherman, once the Princess Royal, served as both Confederate blockade runner and Union naval vessel before sinking in 1874 under tow.
Coastal Scuba actively promotes 'leave no trace' diving, helping preserve the Sherman wreck site through diver education and sustainable practices.
Coastal Scuba is a North Myrtle Beach dive operator offering recreational and advanced offshore wreck and artificial-reef dives. Located in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the company schedules day trips and full-day excursions to multiple nearby artificial reefs and historical wreck sites. Trips include site names such as The Bill Perry, Barracuda Alley, Charleston Tug, Megalodon Ledge, The Sherman, BP-25, and regular e-code booking coordination for operations. Coastal Scuba provides guided dives for certified divers, emphasizing safety, local knowledge, and marine conservation. Boats depart from North Myrtle Beach and carry gear, briefings, and experienced crew to each offshore site. Dive briefings cover depth, current expectations, navigation, and marine life likely to be encountered, including grouper, snapper, spadefish, barracuda, and occasional sea turtles. For advanced divers, Coastal Scuba runs deeper offshore trips to locations like Megalodon Ledge and BP-25 with higher depth limits and fossil-search opportunities. The operator follows regional regulations, participates in artificial reef awareness, and supports respectful exploration of historic wrecks such as Civil War-era blockade runners. Customers are advised to hold appropriate certifications (Open Water for most sites, Advanced Open Water for deeper dives) and to review trip-specific requirements before booking. Reservations and schedule details are available through the operator's booking channels. Coastal Scuba's local focus, consistent trip roster, and commitment to safe, educational dives make it a reliable choice for divers seeking artificial-reef and wreck experiences along the South Carolina Grand Strand. Equipment rentals, nitrox fills, and specialty instruction are offered seasonally with advance notice by appointment.
Book with Coastal Scuba