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Discover vibrant marine life and historic underwater wrecks at The Bill Perry, a unique South Carolina artificial reef dive site offering a thrilling half-day ocean adventure.
Discover vibrant marine life and historic underwater wrecks at The Bill Perry, a unique South Carolina artificial reef dive site offering a thrilling half-day ocean adventure.
Book with Coastal Scuba
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Coastal Scuba · Charleston, South Carolina
Off the coast of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the dive site known as The Bill Perry offers a rare glimpse into underwater history blended with vibrant marine life. This dual-site wreck dive features a sunken tugboat alongside a military landing craft, both intentionally placed as part of the South Carolina Artificial Reef Program. These submerged vessels have transformed into thriving habitats, attracting diverse fish such as grouper, snapper, and even the occasional curious sea turtle. The wrecks lie in relatively shallow waters, making them accessible for intermediate divers eager to experience a unique blend of history and ecology.
What sets The Bill Perry apart is the combination of two different types of wrecks in one dive—offering contrasting structures to investigate. The tugboat’s narrow corridors and machineries invite exploration, while the wide decks and flat surfaces of the landing craft provide excellent shelter for reef-dwelling species. Visibility here is often good, especially in the late spring and summer months, revealing intricate coral growth and schools of fish weaving through the submerged framework.
North Myrtle Beach is a well-known destination for water adventure, but The Bill Perry dive stands out as a testament to sustainable marine recreation, supporting both cultural heritage and ocean biodiversity. These reefs were deliberately placed to promote marine ecosystem recovery, benefiting commercial fishing and tourism alike. This site appeals to divers looking to combine marine biology interests with fascinating wreck structures that differ from traditional deep wrecks or natural reefs.
Whether you’re photographing the colorful sea life or navigating the engulfing wrecks, The Bill Perry delivers excitement and discovery. This dive trip is ideal for those wanting a half-day excursion with plenty of underwater intrigue and the chance to witness the positive impact of artificial reefs along the South Carolina coast.
moderate.
3–4 hours.
Divers should have good swimming ability and be comfortable in open water for 3+ hours.
An Open Water certification or higher is required; basic wreck diving skills are recommended for the enclosed sections.
Late spring through early fall offers the best visibility and water temperatures for this site.
Strong currents can occur, and care must be taken inside wrecks to avoid sharp edges and entanglement.
It’s ideal for intermediate divers; beginners should dive with a guide familiar with the site.
The wrecks lie mostly between 40 to 60 feet, making them accessible for most certified divers.
Yes, expect to see grouper, snapper, sea turtles, and a variety of reef fish around the wrecks.
The Bill Perry is part of the South Carolina Artificial Reef Program, placing vessels to enhance marine habitats since the early 2000s.
The reef program promotes sustainable marine tourism and helps rebuild fish populations along the coastal waters.
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