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September 2023 by Ken H.
Divers all know the tough part of diving is lugging their gear and tanks. Especially for days with multiple dives. The boat gets back to the dock and you rush to the dive shop to get refills for the next day or pick up tanks you already left the previous day. What if you didn't need to do that, that you showed up and your tanks were already filled, already loaded on the boat, along with your other gear? Sounds like a dream? Its a Reality!! Instigator Dive charters! We dove with them for three weeks. Every night they took the tanks and had them filled, checked, and loaded back on to the boat. Gear like BCs, Dive crates, Wet suits could remain on board as well. Everything was hosed down and ready for the next day when we arrived onto the boat in the early hours of the day. The team is deep, not just 2 or 3 people. We dove with at least three teams to support us, assist with gear, etc. Cindy and Ryan talked with the divers, understood their ability, their interest in the dive, and their Dive Plan for the day. Cold Water was provided, the team made sure you stayed hydrated. Instigator really provided a dive experience above any other I have had to date. Thank you Instigator Dive Team!!
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August 2023 by Stephanie Huynh
I would HIGHLY recommend this dive charter for diving North Carolina!!! Cindy, the owner, was fantastic and made herself very available to responding to my many phonecalls and emails as I planned my dive trip to NC months in advance. She was very honest and thorough with the dive conditions and what we could expect, especially in the week just prior to our arrival.Our dive guide, James, was fun and personable and he was great at pointing out unique features of the wrecks, concealed marine life, and hidden shark teeth. Ryan, our boat captain, was also excellent in answering any questions or concerns we had. The entire staff at IFAD made our entire dive experience relaxing and fun. They made us very comfortable during our dives, helping us with gear as needed. We came for the sand tiger sharks and they surely delivered them to us!!While my friends and I just wanted to see sand tiger sharks and be done with diving NC, IFAD has made it such a pleasurable experience that we plan to return!
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August 2023 by Casey Tucker
If you’re considering a North Carolina dive booking with Instigator is the way to go (believe me, I’ve tried others!!!)Instigator FAD was so good to us during our wildlife adventures in Swansboro, NC. Weather (and wildlife) can be unpredictable, but their owner, Cindy was amazingly hospitable and communicative every step of the way. Our guide, James, and Captain, Ryan, were 2 of the most helpful, patient and experienced guides I’ve had the pleasure of diving with. Absolutely will be making this a regular dive trip. 10/10 would recommend booking with this amazing crew
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January 2023 by becky kiser
Instigator dive charter are the best of the best. They went above and beyond to make me comfortable in and out of the water. James Bell was so nice and took the time to teach me some extra skills and made it so fun. The shipwrecks were amazing. Will definitely dive with them again.
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January 2023 by Tyler Christ
Great day diving! Got all the bugs today!
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January 2023 by Tim Goeben
The best in the business! Intimate group charters with flexible scheduling. Can’t say enough about all aspects of the crew, boat, equipment and experience.
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January 2023 by Adam Webb
Do not skip this experience!! Incredible, biggest lobster you’ve ever seen, MEGALADON TEETH! Cindy was in the water right with me helping me find teeth and land massive bugs!
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January 2023 by Nancy Largent
My 13-year-old daughter and I had a great time diving with Captain Cindy, Captain Ryan, and Dive Master Daniel of Instigator Fishing and Diving Charters. They are fantastic! The dive crew went above and beyond taking care of us, making our comfort and safety their #1 priority. The 45' boat was beautiful, with plenty of room to lounge in style in the A/C, and it even had a hot shower! We dove the W.E. Hutton wreck twice, and it was amazing. Captain Cindy even found us an octopus! We highly recommend Instigator Fishing and Diving, and we will definitely dive with them again!
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January 2023 by Trenton Buerger
I went on the Instigator to complete my diving certification and I have to say that it was the best experience ever! The entire crew was beyond professional and fun! Plenty of space to relax on the ride out. And more importantly I've gotta say, the deckhand was amazing. Confident in everything he did and helped more than you could ask for. 10/10 look forward to going out again! TIP HIM $$ He's good at what he does and deserves it!
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January 2023 by B Martin
What an amazing outfit!!!We dove with them after searching all of NC for someone willing to take some newly certified divers to see a wreck or two. We were not sure what to expect but they were phonemonial. Five stars isn't enough.Respectful. Energetic. Hard working. Knowledgeable. Safe. Experienced. Kind. Professional. Reasonable.It is evident they love what they do.Thank you Instigator crew for an awesome experience- even with the sea sickness!
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January 2023 by Tanya Houppermans
Outstanding service, boats, and crew! I really appreciate their dedication to safety, and also their efforts to ensure everyone on their charters has a fun day on and in the water. Capt Cindy and her crew are personable, knowledgeable, and friendly. They make everyone feel welcome whether you have 1,000 dives or are a new scuba student. You can't go wrong with Instigator!
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January 2023 by Greg Hartshorne
Absolute favorite dive charter in NC! This group single handed makes me want to dive North Carolina more than Florida. Captains Cindy and Ryan treat experienced divers with respect, guide and coach newer divers so they are comfortable, and share their passion for diving with everyone.If you want to visit wrecks, see sand tiger sharks, collect shark teeth, spearfish, hunt for the biggest lobsters I’ve ever seen, or anything else underwater THIS is the charter to book!Every effort is made to run the trips that are booked while keeping everyone safe. Communication is excellent and they are responsive.There is lodging that is usually available. A beautiful cabin that can sleep up to 8-10 people with a full kitchen and outdoor grills. Super comfy beds for a good nights sleep after a long fun day on the water.Quit scrolling, you just found the best there is! Call Cindy and Ryan, pack your dove gear, and go enjoy amazing diving with incredible people.
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January 2023 by Steve Staton
I recently moved to North Carolina from California. I had been looking for a dive charter that wasn't too crowded or restrictive. I found what experienced drivers love in Instigator Charters. The crew is friendly and helpful. The boat is clean and fast. The diving was awesome. I came home and instantly booked 4 more trips.
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September 2022 by Tim G.
Absolutely the best fishing and dive charter on the market. They are not like some of the "cattleboat" charters. More intimate groups with more flexible plans. Great team with great clients. Can't recommend them enough.
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January 2022 by Mike High
Absolutely fabulous Scuba operation! Cindy is top notch in every facet of the operation.
