Diving in the Cooper River's tannin-stained water is an eerie experience. At 28 feet, it's pitch black and even with a light, you'll only be able to see what's right in front of your face. It is, until you flatten out on the hardpan floor and scan crevices and troughs. Here you'll find dislodged artifacts and fossils including shark's teeth and whale ribs, some about seven million years old. River access is provided through the local dive shop in Goose Creek.
Timing is important since the river is dived at flood tide.
The guides know the best places to dive and will put you in a safe spot. Ascents and descents can be tricky and are best done while staring at your gauges to avoid disorientation. A goody bag is a must. In case you're not familiar with the concept, tailrace diving is drift diving in the rapid outflow of a major dam. The result is a head-first underwater bobsled run that makes whitewater rafting seem like a weenie sport.