This dive site, the Cooper River in South Carolina, offers a truly unique underwater experience focused on treasure hunting rather than traditional marine life viewing. Divers navigate the river bottom in search of prehistoric megalodon shark teeth, whale, and mastodon fossils, as well as historical Indian and Colonial artifacts. The experience is primarily about discovery and searching the sediment rather than observing expansive underwater landscapes or specific navigation points.
While the primary draw is the historical and paleontological finds, the river is also home to various aquatic life. Divers may encounter catfish and shrimp on the riverbed. Surface sightings can include dolphins and a variety of bird species along the riverbanks. However, divers should also be aware of the presence of alligators, which inhabit the river.
The best time to visit often depends on river conditions and currents, though specific seasonal highlights for fossil hunting are not provided. Divers should prepare for potentially low visibility and variable currents, which are common in river environments. This site is highly recommended for divers interested in paleontology, archaeology, and unique treasure hunting adventures, offering a different kind of underwater exploration than typical ocean dives.
