General information and for a map of Wilmington, NC visit the link below. This is also a great resources for travel information, etc.
http://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/
Classroom session are located at Patriot Dive Center
Patriot Dive Center
829 S Kerr Ave
Wilmington, NC 28403
https://patriotdivecenter.com/en/http://maverick-america.com/
Confined water session are located at either the YMCA or YWCA depending on course dates
YMCA
2710 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28403https://www.wilmingtonfamilyymca.org/
YWCA
2815 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28412
http://www.ywca-lowercapefear.org/site/c.duLQKaORLkKaE/b.8090519/k.BEE3/Home.htm
Open water sessions will be run by Captain J Kent of Streamline Charters. The meeting location will be determined as needed.
http://www.streamlinecharters.com/
Open water sessions are not included in the cost of the course. The sessions run $100 per person assuming a full boat of 5 students. Prices vary as class size decreases.
Accommodations:
A simple Google search will leave you with endless options for accommodations in the Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach area. Since our classroom, confined water, and ocean sessions are all run close to Wrightsville Beach we recommend searching in this area although hotels will be more affordable outside Wrightsville Beach in the Wilmington.
Please note that we are happy to book you accommodations on our wooden boat, Hope Lee. She’s an amazing, original, 1965 Owen’s Express Cruiser. Check out the link below for more information, photos and river tour options. We also recommend the Beach Cottage for either you, your family or grouped with other students to save money AND enjoy staying at the beach.
Let us know via info@evolvefreediving.com if you are interested in either one of these options.
Historic Wooden Boat Hope Lee
Downtown Wilmington Riverfront
Beach Cottage
307 Water Street
Wrightsville Beach, NC
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/581350?guests=1&s=sRdLNnkA
Holiday Inn Sunspree
1706 N Lumina Avenue
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
http://wrightsville.holidayinnresorts.com/wrightsville-beach/
Waterway Lodge
7246 Wrightsville Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403
http://www.waterwaylodge.com/Home.php
Extended Stay
4929 New Centre Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
http://www.extendedstayamerica.com/hotels/nc/wilmington/new-centre-drive
Days Inn
5040 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28405
Sleep Inn
5225 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28405
http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-wilmington-north_carolina-NC834
Flights:
Managing flights from pretty much anywhere should be simple traveling to Wilmington. The Wilmington International Airport (ILM) carries flights by American Airlines/US Airways and Delta.
Wilmington International Airport (ILM)
1740 Airport Blvd.
Suite 12
Wilmington, NC 28405
Below is a list of non-stop destinations through American Airlines/US Airways and Delta from ILM:
Car Rentals:
Depending on where you decide stay a car rental may be necessary. Rentals are easy in Wilmington and you’ll have your pick of companies to rent from through the airport. You must be 21 to rent a car.
http://www.flyilm.com/traveler-info/ground-transportation/rental-cars/
Fun:
Downtown Wilmington and the Wrightsville Beach area are FUN places to visit! We highly recommend you peruse an “events” calendar to find out what’s happening during your stay. The area hosts many activities for:
- the family
- music and art lovers
- foodies
- craft beer drinkers and winos
- literary folk
- outdoor active
- theater goers
- pretty much every clique you can imagine!
Below are a few resources to check:
http://www.whatsonwilmington.com/calendar.php
http://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/Wilmington/Events-Calendar/
http://www.wilmingtondowntown.com/events
http://www.wilmington.net/events/
http://www.visitwrightsvillebeachnc.com/events-calendar/
Please contact us if you plan on bringing your family and/or staying a few extra days to check out the area. We would love to set you up with a paddle boarding experience, shark dive, ghost tour or whatever you’re interested in.
