AdvancedBoat entry

U-85 (wreck)

North Carolina, United States

AOW suggestedOpen-Atlantic offshore site27–34 m depthBoat entryRash guard or 2mm shorty typical

U-85 (wreck) at a glance

U-85 (wreck) is an advanced boat dive site in North Carolina, United States with depths of 27.4–33.5 m (90–110 ft). Typically most favorable Jun · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Black sea bass, Greater amberjack, and Great barracuda. Recent reports put the water around 29°C (83°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 1h ago

0.7 mwaves — under a meter expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 29°C · seasonal avg 24°C

Site hazards: Open-Atlantic offshore site

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Fri

Fri13:00–19:00

Sat6:00–19:00

Sun6:00–19:00

Mon6:00–15:00

Tue7:00–19:00

Wed6:00–10:00

Thu6:00–19:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:14 · Sunrise 5:40 · Sunset 18:14

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 4.7 km from site · graded 1h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

Dived here today — did the forecast match?

What Divers Say

Known for: Black sea bass, Greater amberjack, Oyster toadfish

Best time: May-October; calmest seas and warmest water June-September. Winter diving rare due to weather.

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

Jan19%13°C2.0 m
Feb7%11°C2.1 m
Mar14%12°C2.2 m
Apr30%14°C1.8 m
May42%18°C1.6 m
Jun68%23°C1.3 m
Jul58%28°C1.2 m
Aug51%26°C1.6 m
Sep32%24°C2.1 m
Oct26%21°C2.1 m
Nov27%17°C1.8 m
Dec17%15°C2.1 m

June hastypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.

Data updated June 2026

Site details

U-85, a Type VIIB U-boat sunk by USS Roper on 14 April 1942, was the first German submarine lost off the US East Coast in WWII. The largely intact hull lies on its starboard side in about 90-110 ft of water 14 miles east of Oregon Inlet on the Outer Banks, with the four forward torpedo tubes exposed. It is a German war grave for the 46 crew lost and one of the most historic recreational wreck dives on the East Coast.

boatwreck

Open-Atlantic offshore site — variable Gulf Stream/Labrador current, surface chop, depth (90-110 ft), monofilament fishing line entanglement on wreck, live ordnance (torpedoes still visible in bow tubes), boat traffic. War grave - penetration and artifact removal prohibited.

How deep is U-85 (wreck)?

U-85 (wreck) ranges from 27.4 to 33.5 metres deep (90–110 feet) — a deep dive at its limit. It is a saltwater site rated as advanced difficulty. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.

Is U-85 (wreck) a shore dive or a boat dive?

U-85 (wreck) is a boat dive — access is by boat rather than from shore. The entry area is recorded as exposed to surge. No facilities are recorded at the site, and cell service is recorded as good. Entry details and parking notes, where known, are listed in the access section of this page.

Can beginners dive U-85 (wreck)?

U-85 (wreck) is rated as advanced difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 27.4 to 33.5 metres (90–110 feet). Access is by boat. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive U-85 (wreck)?

May-October; calmest seas and warmest water June-September. Winter diving rare due to weather. None; access limited in practice by winter sea conditions (charters mostly May-October). Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at U-85 (wreck)?

Divers at U-85 (wreck) in United States commonly report sightings of Black sea bass, Greater amberjack, Great barracuda, Sand tiger shark, and Loggerhead sea turtle. Black sea bass and Greater amberjack are recorded as common sightings, while Great barracuda, Sand tiger shark, and Loggerhead sea turtle are reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

What hazards are recorded at U-85 (wreck)?

Open-Atlantic offshore site: variable Gulf Stream/Labrador current, surface chop, depth (90-110 ft), monofilament fishing line entanglement on wreck, live ordnance (torpedoes still visible in bow tubes), boat traffic. War grave - penetration and artifact removal prohibited. Hazards and conditions change, so verify current local information before diving.

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