Join Unique Ocean Expeditions for not one, but three thrilling expeditions to the northeast coast of the USA, where we'll be exploring the waters off North Carolina—infamously known as The Graveyard of the Atlantic. With an estimated 2,000 shipwrecks scattered along the coast and massive congregations of Sand Tiger sharks, this region offers a bucket-load of drama and opportunity for underwater shooters.

We're teaming up with the legendary Mike Gerken, owner of Evolution Diving and the mastermind behind the annual Wreck/Shark Photography & Videography Shootout. Over four days and five nights, you'll dive iconic wrecks, swim alongside toothy giants, and compete for some seriously impressive prizes.

But why not arrive early and stack the odds in your favor?

Richard Barnden, founder of Unique Ocean Expeditions will be hosting an exclusive five-day pre-competition photo & video workshop. It’s your chance to sharpen your camera skills, level up your editing game, and get prepped to dominate the shootout.

Big sharks. Bigger prizes. And the best wreck diving in the Atlantic.
What more could you ask for?

North Carolina’s coastline is famously referred to as The Graveyard of the Atlantic, a name earned from the estimated 2,000 shipwrecks that lie scattered beneath its waters. These submerged relics include some of the most historically significant wrecks in the world—many of which are casualties of World War II, lost to the stealthy operations of German U-boats. Tankers, cargo vessels, British fishing trawlers, and even enemy submarines now rest silently on the seafloor, serving as both powerful memorials and captivating dive sites.

The wrecks span centuries of maritime history: from a World War I gunboat to an 18th-century schooner, and even a luxury ocean liner from the early 20th century. Now encrusted with marine life, these wrecks form an unparalleled underwater museum—each dive offering a glimpse into a dramatic and often tragic past.

In addition to this extraordinary historical tapestry, North Carolina is also home to one of the largest populations of Sand Tiger sharks. These striking, slow-moving sharks may look intimidating with their gaping jaws and rows of needle-sharp teeth, but they are known for their docile nature and calm presence around divers. Often found in large aggregations, Sand Tigers range from four to over eight feet in length and are a highlight for underwater photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Encounters with these sharks are entirely natural and frequently occur on several of the region’s most iconic wrecks, including the Spar, Papoose, Atlas, Caribsea, and Aeolus. These sites provide a perfect backdrop for observing and photographing these magnificent animals in their element.

If you’re heading to Mike Gerken’s Shootout and want to walk in with a real edge, Richard’s workshop is the warm-up you didn’t know you needed. Think of it as fine-tuning your race car before the big day — except the track is underwater and the trophies come with bragging rights.

Sharpen Your Winning Shots
Richard will deep-dive into shooting techniques, composition strategies, and those subtle tweaks that transform a “nice” shot into a competition-winner. You’ll work through exercises tailored to the type of conditions and subjects you’re likely to encounter during the Shootout — meaning you’ll arrive with your creative instincts and technical muscle already primed.

Post-Production Mastery
Winning isn’t just about pressing the shutter; it’s about what happens afterwards. Richard will guide you through professional-level editing in Photoshop and Lightroom, and even offer a taste of DaVinci Resolve for those bringing motion into their storytelling. You’ll learn how to make your colors pop, your contrast sing, and your images stand out on a judging panel full of seasoned pros.

Bottom Line
By the time the Shootout starts, you’ll have the confidence, the technical skill, and the creative edge to put you in serious contention. And who knows? You might just surprise yourself with how far you’ve come before the first day’s weigh-in of memory cards.

Mike Gerken’s Shootout – Where Sharks, Cameras, and Good Times Collide

Mike Gerken’s Shootout isn’t just a competition — it’s the underwater photography event that shark lovers circle on their calendars in ink. Picture this: the wrecks and reefs of North Carolina buzzing with sand tiger sharks, your camera in hand, and a boat full of people who get just as excited about a perfect dorsal fin shot as you do.

The Prizes Are No Joke
We’re talking serious rewards here — high-end dive gear, underwater housings, strobes, lenses, travel vouchers for epic dive destinations, and bragging rights that last until next year’s Shootout. These prizes are designed to make your photography better and your travel dreams bigger.

The Competition Is Just the Start
Yes, you’re here to shoot for the win, but the real magic is the crowd. It’s a gathering of passionate, slightly obsessed, and wildly fun underwater shooters — a chance to trade tips, geek out over lighting setups, and swap shark tales over post-dive beers. Whether you’re on the boat, at the dock, or in the bar, you’re surrounded by people who speak fluent “apex predator.”

Why It’s So Great
The energy is infectious. You’ll push your skills harder, shoot more creatively, and maybe take home a prize that makes your dive buddies green with envy. Even if you don’t win, you’ll leave with better shots, better stories, and new friends you’ll see again in some far-off dive destination.

Why Stop There? Stay On for 4 More Days with Mike

If you’ve just sharpened your skills with Richard’s workshop and ridden the adrenaline high of the Shootout, why pack up and head home? Mike’s running another 4 days of epic North Carolina diving right after — a perfect excuse to keep the momentum going.

This is your chance to:

• Spend more time with sand tigers and the legendary wrecks they call home.

• Keep practicing and refining what you learned — but without the pressure of competition.

• Hang out with the same crew of shark-loving, photo-geeking friends you just bonded with, turning those fresh connections into real dive buddies for life.

It’s like cooling down after a race… except instead of jogging laps, you’re back in the water with sharks, cameras, and laughter. For most people, that’s the best part — the pressure’s off, the fun’s turned up, and you’re still right in the middle of one of the best big-animal dive spots on the planet.

For U.S. Divers Driving In
Morehead City sits on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, an easy drive from several major cities.

• From Raleigh/Durham (RDU): About 3 hours east via US-70.

• From Charlotte: Around 5 hours, heading east through Raleigh.

• From Washington, D.C.: Roughly 6–7 hours south, depending on traffic.
  Once you’re on US-70, it’s a straight shot to the coast — you’ll know you’re close when you can smell the salt air. Parking is plentiful around the docks, but double-check with your accommodation or dive operator about where to leave your car during trips.

For International Divers Flying In
If you’re crossing oceans for the Shootout, your best bet is to connect through a major U.S. hub, then take a short domestic hop to eastern North Carolina.

• Closest Airport: Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) in New Bern — about 45 minutes from Morehead City. This small airport is easy to navigate and has regular connections from Charlotte (CLT) and Atlanta (ATL).

• Alternative Airports:

  • Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) — 3-hour drive, good for rental cars and more frequent flights.

  • Wilmington International (ILM) — about 2.5 hours by car.
    Most international itineraries route via Atlanta, Charlotte, or New York before the short domestic leg.

Pro Tips for International Travelers

• Arrive at least a day early — jet lag plus long boat days can be a rough combo.

• If bringing camera gear, know U.S. customs rules for expensive electronics.

• Factor in time for a domestic connection after clearing immigration at your first U.S. airport.

Whether you’re driving down the coast with a trunk full of dive gear or stepping off a trans-Pacific flight, the journey’s worth it. Morehead City’s shark-rich waters and the Shootout’s buzz make this a destination that pulls divers from every corner of the globe.

Olympus Dive Center is a family-owned and operated dive facility located in the heart of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. Their motto, “The Better Way to Dive North Carolina,” is more than a slogan—it reflects a long-standing commitment to exceptional service, professionalism, and a passion for keeping divers in the water and exploring.

Founded in 1976 as a weekend charter operation, Olympus has since evolved into a full-service dive center, offering year-round dive trips, with daily charters during the peak season from May through September.

Their custom-built dive vessels are designed for comfort and efficiency, transporting divers to dozens of historic shipwrecks scattered along the coast. These wrecks offer a unique combination of maritime heritage and incredible marine life, most notably the Sand Tiger sharks, which have become iconic residents of North Carolina’s offshore reefs and wrecks.

Payment Schedule

Booking deposit (non-refundable)                            25% 

Payment 2 - 12 months prior to departure               25% 

Balance payment - 6 months prior to departure   50%

Terms & Conditions

All bookings are subject to the provisions in our "Terms and Conditions" and "Payment and Cancellation Terms" found on our website:
Terms & Conditions
Payment & Cancellation Terms