Atlantic Beach Bridge

Atlantic Beach Bridge spans is an artificial reef site made up of sections of the original Atlantic Beach swing bridge, which was first built in 1928 as a toll bridge funded by Carteret County investors. The bridge material was sunk in 1987 and lies approximately 30 minutes by boat from the inlet on an inshore trip. Old pieces of the bridge rest out in the sand and can sometimes be spotted from nearby wreck sites in good visibility, though a reel is recommended when venturing out to them.

The site sits at 50 feet (15.5 metres), and the shallow, manageable depth gives divers generous bottom time. The wreck pieces lie in a sandy bottom setting, and the site is well suited to beginners looking to build experience in a relaxed environment. Divers who search carefully occasionally find megalodon teeth in the sand and rocks around the structure.

Marine life at the site includes octopus, which favour the nooks, crevices, and rocks around the wreckage. Nudibranchs and other macro species are also found among the structure for those with an eye for smaller subjects.