INSTIGATOR
SPEARFISHING, FISHING & DIVING CHARTERS
NORTH CAROLINA
Your All-In-One Destination
for World-Class Ocean Adventures
From relaxed days on the water to adrenaline-filled expeditions, we design one-day, overnight and multi-day charters and courses around your goals, skills and sense of adventure. Exceptional value on private charters for up to six people at unbeatable prices!
WELCOME TO INSTIGATOR SPEARFISHING, FISHING & DIVING CHARTERS
Conveniently located on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, our full-service retail dive shop is in Hubert and our boats operate out of downtown Swansboro - just 40 minutes southwest of Morehead City and about an hour north of Wilmington.
This prime location gives divers and anglers quick access to North Carolina’s best dive sites, top fishing spots and the legendary Graveyard of the Atlantic wreck diving.
YOUR 5-STAR-RATED OCEAN
ADVENTURE SPECIALISTS IN NORTH CAROLINA!
Renowned for our one-of-a-kind charters, we design memorable fishing and diving expedition and offer courses for adventure-seekers from all around the world.
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Epic Atlantic Ocean spearfishing, fishing and diving excursions for all experience levels
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Unmatched value, comfort, safety and service aboard three state-of-the-art vessels
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Scuba diving courses with SDI, PADI & DAN by lead instructor Cindy Garb
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Retail Dive Shop carrying leading brands
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SCUBA cylinder inspections, fills
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High quality rental gear
Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, best friends, a group of colleagues or traveling with your family - we've got you covered!
No matter when adventure calls, our crew is ready to take you out on the water for an unforgettable day. Plan your trip when it suits you best - we’re here year-round!
UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURES BEGIN WITH A SINGLE CLICK.
Choose any charter that fits your interests and group size and customize the experience to make it truly your own.
READY FOR EPIC OCEAN ADVENTURES?
John C.
"Top notch. Avoid the tourist trap dive boats and shoot fish or catch lobster with the Instigator. Mingle with the locals, it's a hoot, if you can keep up. You wont regret it. Cindy and Chrissy hook it up. 11/10. Highly recommend."
Kimberly B.
"Cindy is great. I love the boat and the crew. It is nice to have input about where we will dive. The 3 tank charters are awesome. I highly recommend this operation."
Dixon C.
What an awesome charter! We caught lots of fish and I will definitely charter with them again! They had an incredible wealth of knowledge on great fishing spots. I was extremely pleased with our entire experience and I would definitely recommend them to anyone.
Win T.
"Great operation! Very welcoming captain and crew. They are adaptable to whatever kind of diving you're looking for, which is very difficult to find."
Scuba diving offers far more than just a glimpse beneath the surface - it’s a gateway to freedom, discovery and connection.
Beneath the waves, you’ll find a world untouched by everyday noise, where every dive brings a sense of calm, wonder and thrill. It’s an incredible way to stay active, relieve stress and experience the beauty of nature in its purest form.
From exploring ancient wrecks to drifting alongside majestic marine life, diving opens your eyes to a different rhythm of life - one that’s deeply grounding and endlessly inspiring.
Gain confidence, expand your skills and unlock new adventures with certifications that open the door to the ocean’s most incredible experiences.
UNLEASH YOUR INNER EXPLORER, A WORLD OF ADVENTURE AWAITS!
GET CERTIFIED WITH SDI, PADI & DAN!
Whether it’s your first breath underwater or your next big step in diving or spearfishing. Here is where your next adventure begins if you want to ...
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Become a certified diver
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Sharpen your technical skills
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Master your favorite specialty
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Start your pro dive career
At our North Carolina dive shop in Hubert, our experienced instructors are more than teachers - they’re mentors.
Each course is led by passionate professionals who bring real-world expertise, personalized guidance and a deep love for the ocean. When you train with us, you’re not just checking a box - you’re building true confidence, competence, and connection to the underwater world.
Every course is built on the highest standards of safety, education, and hands-on experience. Visit our courses page to explore our full lineup of diving and spearfishing courses!
Sam N.
Amazing experience. Fantastic dives and the fishing is incredible. Very knowledgeable and safe crew. Felt very comfortable underwater and above. Cindy is a fabulous instructor and we felt very safe under her instruction. I highly recommend this team when you are in the Crystal Coast area.
Victoria A.
This is a top notch dive operator you can choose as an alternative to crowded boats. We had huge success at the Meg Ledge with numerous teeth found along with fossilized whale ears, horns, and bones. We did wreck dives for two days and had outstanding clarity. Cindy and Ryan are fantastic people and really fun to dive with. I highly recommend this boat and crew and I will definitely be back myself! Thanks Guys!!!
Natoya E.
I had a wonderful time with Instigator fishing and diving. it was my first Ocean dive and they took great care of me. Everyone was so nice and helpful took my nerves away. A+++ all the way. Thank you for a wonderful experience. Can't wait for my next adventure.
Justine T.
"Always an amazing time on the Instigator. Cindy and her crew go above and beyond to make sure the dives are safe and fun. I'd recommend them to anyone."
LET THE ADVENTURES BEGIN:
START
PLANNING
CUSTOM CHARTERS!
SCUBA DIVING CHARTERS
EXPLORE SCUBA DIVING ADVENTURES IN NORTH CAROLINA FOR ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS
From vibrant artificial reefs and prehistoric ledges filled with fossilized shark teeth to the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" with hundreds of historic shipwrecks including WWII vessels, pirate wrecks and sunken freighters. Every scuba dive in North Carolina tells a story.
At Instigator Fishing & Diving Charters, we guide you to our favorite offshore and inshore dive sites across the North Carolina coast, including top-rated fossil hunting ledges and famous wrecks like the U-352. Instigator customizes unforgettable scuba diving experiences in North Carolina to match your skill level, certification and thirst for adventure.
Choose the dive adventure that suits you best:
- Inshore Charters are perfect for beginners
- Offshore Charters are ideal for experienced divers
Every Instigator charter delivers personalized service, stunning ocean views and safe dives in some of the East Coast’s most exciting underwater sites. Book your scuba diving charter with Instigator today as spots fill up fast and discover why these waters attract divers from around the world.
Read MoreThese close-to-shore dives offer rich marine biodiversity and easy access to thriving ecosystems.
From 170 US dollars
Read MoreEmbark on two mesmerizing inshore dives and experience the transformation from day to night.
From 170 US dollars
Read MoreA tranquil aquatic adventure that allows you to explore and collect a wide variety of shells diving.
From 170 US dollars
Read MoreThrilling offshore diving for experienced divers seeking memorable adventures below the surface.
From 240 US dollars
Read MoreExperience the thrill of witnessing these majestic creatures up close while exploring ship wrecks.
From 280 US dollars
Read MoreExplore submerged wrecks for a glimpse into maritime history encapsulated in the ocean's depths.
From 280 US dollars
Read MoreOur most specialized and popular dive experience for advanced divers and for avid explorers.
From 380 US dollars
Read MoreThis offshore shelling adventure provides a diverse experience, combining wreck and ledge dives.
From 280 US dollars
Read MoreThis immersive adventure features five dives with Nitrox at our most popular dive sites.
From 500 US dollars
Read MoreMaximize your underwater exploration time with Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx).
From 20 US dollars
Read MoreTech-ready charters designed for dive professionals, CCR divers & decompression-certified explorers.
Quote upon request
SPEARFISHING CHARTERS
DISCOVER SPEARFISHING CHARTERS WITH INSTIGATOR
From the serene inshore waters to the thrilling depths of the offshore Gulf Stream, North Carolina offers a fabulous variety of fish species to hunt and mesmerizing hunting grouds.
Whether you’re targeting Lionfish or harvesting lobsters near historic ship wrecks, North Carolina’s waters provide the perfect setting for both novice and experienced spearfishers.
Imagine yourself navigating the intricate mazes of sunken WW II vessels and stalking your prey along dramatic underwater cliffs. These trips promise an unforgettable spearfishing experience packed with excitement and tailored to your sense of adventure.
Level up your spearfishing skills, harvest your own catch and experience North Carolina’s vibrant underwater world with Instigator.
Book your Spearfishing Charters today as spots fill up fast.
Read MoreEmbark on an exciting spearfishing adventure in the rich Atlantic waters off North Carolina.
From 280 US dollars
Read MoreJoin us on the thrilling hunt for invasive lionfish along North Carolina’s vibrant coast.
From 280 US dollars
Read MoreInshore freedive spearfishing trips are perfect for new freedivers to build confidence and skills.
200 US dollars
Read MoreJoin us for an exhilarating Gulf Stream freedive spearfishing adventure for seasoned freedivers.
280 US dollars
FISHING CHARTERS
EMBARK ON EPIC FISHING CHARTERS WITH INSTIGATOR
North Carolina is a top destination for anglers seeking unforgettable fishing adventures. From calm nearshore waters teeming with Mackerel and Amberjacks to thrilling offshore trips targeting Mahi-Mahi, Tuna and Marlin. Our diverse coastal ecosystem offers something for everyone.
Whether you're a seasoned sportfisher or casting a line for the first time, our North Carolina fishing charters deliver expert guidance, top-quality equipment and bait and access to some of the most productive fishing grounds along the Atlantic coast. Our experienced captains know where the fish are biting - and how to help you land them.
Enjoy personalized service, breathtaking views and the thrill of reeling in your next big catch. North Carolina’s coastal waters are calling:
Book your fishing charter today and get hooked on the experience of a lifetime.
Read MoreUp to 6 guests can embark on this thrilling adventure and target a wide variety of fish species.
$2,500 + Fuel
Read MoreUp to 3 guests can pursue one of the ocean’s most coveted trophy species on this exclusive charter.
300 US dollars
Read MoreEpic offshore fishing trip for up to 6 guests - big bites, tasty catches and unforgettable memories.
1,800 US dollars
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE:
WHY LIMIT YOUR EXCITEMENT TO JUST ONE DAY?
With countless stunning dive sites and top-tier fishing spots at your fingertips, seize the opportunity to extend your exploration. Picture yourself navigating through historic northern wrecks one day, spearfishing for coveted marine trophies the next and spending another day hunting for Megalodon teeth or gathering rare seashells.
READY TO PLAN YOUR MULTI-DAY FISHING OR DIVING ADVENTURE IN NORTH CAROLINA?
Pick your favorite charters, choose the perfect dates and add them to your cart in just a few clicks to request a booking. Prefer a custom experience?
Fill out our Contact Form and tell us what adventures you’d like to combine. We’ll help you design the ultimate multi-day ocean adventure in North Carolina tailored just for you. Get ready to make memories on the water!
FIND US HERE
Boat Location ONLY:
137 Front St
Swansboro, NC 28584
Retail Dive Shop Location:
629 Queens Creek Rd
Hubert, NC 28539
RETAIL DIVE STORE
Our shop is by appointment only. To schedule your personal appointment & get expert gear recommendations:
CALL / TEXT or use the CONTACT FORM
