The waters off Cape Hatteras are known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. These treacherous waters have the highest density of historic shipwrecks in the U.S. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream collide with the colder northern currents creating turbulent waters, but also bringing a variety of large marine animals close to the shores.
The wrecks that have maintained some structure have become homes to a range of marine life. One of the most exciting inhabitants is the sand tiger shark. These sharks are docile and can be approached by photographers. The sharks move from wreck to wreck and are most visible during the summer months.