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Sunken Treasure
If you want to explore Blackbeard history close-up, now’s the time to dive in.
Got a penchant for pirate lore? Discover some incredible bounty off North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, an area known for some of the finest wreck diving in the world. Until 2012, divers have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the Queen Anne’s Revenge, Blackbeard’s famed ship, which is believed to have sunk shortly before his death in 1718 off Morehead City. For the first time since this wreck was discovered in 1996, the state is sponsoring a program called Dive Down that will allow close to 1,000 divers to experience this historic site. The $500 dive package (Tel: 252-528-0026 or qaronline.org) includes two half-days of classroom instruction where you’ll get firsthand information from archaeologists excavating the wreckage. Then you’re transported a mile offshore to the dive site. Though the wreck is only about 26 feet deep, the dive is considered advanced because of the challenging currents and often limited visibility (6–10 feet). Highlights include original planks from the QAR and centuries-old cannons and anchors. To ensure the best water temperature and visibility, the dive is offered from June through October. Accommodations include bed-and-breakfasts in neighboring Beaufort or beach cottages at Emerald Isle (crystalcoastnc.org). For a preview of what you’ll see during your dive, stop by the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort. Also check out the newly renovated North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, which features an impressive underwater QAR display. —Karen Schaler
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If your Blackbeard dive fuels your inner pirate, head 20 minutes by ferry off the mainland to Ocracoke Island (ocracokeisland.com), one of the swashbuckler’s favorite stomping grounds. You can only get to the island by boat or air, but here you’ll find all kinds of pirate paraphernalia. In 1718, according to legend, Blackbeard (Edward Teach) was killed in battle in Teach’s Hole, just west of where Ocracoke village is now (ocracokevillage.com). At the Teach’s Hole Blackbeard Exhibit, you’ll find a life-size replica of Blackbeard, a documentary about his life, and the cool Pirate Specialty Shop. Back on the mainland, check out another Blackbeard haunt in Beaufort, where the Legend of Blackbeard Tour takes you by Blackbeard’s House. Another popular tour, The Beaufort Ghost Walk, is held at night and filled with stories of devious pirates and mysterious happenings (tourbeaufort.com).
Illustration / Lloyd Miller
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