Frying Pan Tower

Formerly a U.S. Coastguard Frying Pan Light Station, the tower is a lighthouse situated at the end of the Frying Pan Shoals, 45 miles south of Wrightsville Beach N.C.  The shallow waters of the shoals (only 35-50 feet under the Tower) made ship navigation treacherous so the Frying Pan Tower was constructed in 1960. The Tower was abandoned in 2004, but the structure remains intact. The waters underneath the tower and the surrounding ledges are teaming with marine life. The shallow depths allow for long dives exploring the expansive ledge system that runs directly under the structure. The location makes this area perfect for spotting larger pelagic fish and sharks. It is also a very popular spearfishing destination for SCUBA divers and Freedivers.