Diving the Cooper River with Capt. Tom McMillan
Welcome to river diving in Charleston. Our city has long been known for its appealing geography and abundance of waterways, and it offers diving experiences that suit both newcomers and experienced divers alike.
Charleston was settled in 1670 by adventurers from Europe, and the rivers here hold artifacts that span those centuries of settlement. Pieces of black glass bottles, pottery shards, and bricks — the same type used to build Fort Sumter — still rest on the hard marl or gravel bottom, waiting for a fortunate diver to spot them among the rock and debris. Now and then a truly lucky diver finds more than a fragment: intact bottles and pottery remain hidden, caught among the branches of long-submerged tree trunks.
And don't overlook those who were here long before the Europeans arrived. Various Native American tribes inhabited this area, and many varieties of their primitive pottery have been recovered, along with spear points dating back to roughly 2000 BC. While an intact "Indian pot" is fairly rare, pottery shards from that era and slightly later are fairly common — beginners often find them on their first or second attempt.
Last but certainly not least are the famous Cooper River sharks teeth. Fossilized teeth from many ancient species lie in the gravel beds, churned by the river's constant flow. The most notorious belongs to the extinct Carcharodon megalodon, a species from the Miocene to Pleistocene eras whose exact dimensions have long been disputed — but by anyone's standards, Megalodon was BIG. Its teeth are very often the size of an adult hand, and large numbers have been recovered over the years. Bringing back a "big one" is the ultimate quest for rookies and pros alike.
What to Expect on a River Dive
Diving the river calls for a reasonably good underwater light and a little extra weight. A "goody" bag or reasonably large pockets on your BC are recommended, and perhaps an extra dive light for those times when your primary decides to be cantankerous.
Artifacts and Fossils on the River Bottom
- Fragments of black glass bottles and pottery shards
- Bricks like those used to build Fort Sumter
- Native American pottery and spear points dating back to about 2000 BC
- Fossilized sharks teeth, including those of the extinct Carcharodon megalodon
Bookings, Reservations, and Departure Details
You may call or email Capt. Tom with any further questions. Emails are answered promptly, and if you'd like to speak with him personally, you can reach him directly on his cell phone. All bookings are handled through Charleston Scuba here in Charleston, so please call them for reservations; they will explain the cancellation policy and deposit requirements when you call.
If you need directions to the departure location at Bushy Park, maps are available at Charleston Scuba. Rental gear is also available at the shop, and if you're coming in from out of town and can't get by the shop before closing on the day before your dive, gear can be waiting for you on the dive boat. Charleston Scuba's telephone number is 843-763-3483.
Capt. Tom's email address is [email protected]. He looks forward to seeing you soon.
Capt. Tom McMillan
662 McCutchen Circle
Charleston, SC 29412-4510
843-406-2850
843-693-8485 cell phone