For nearly five decades, Olympus Dive Center has been a cornerstone of the Morehead City waterfront. Owned and operated by Robert Purifoy, the business has served the Crystal Coast community since 1975 and has called its current location home since 1982. What began as a small, one-boat operation has grown into one of the region’s most well-known dive centers—thanks in large part to the continued growth of tourism in Carteret County.

As visitation to the Crystal Coast has increased, Olympus Dive Center has expanded dramatically. “A few years ago, it was just a single boat,” Robert explains. “Now we’re running multiple boats multiple times a day.” That growth has allowed the team to strengthen nearly every part of the business, from expanding training programs to significantly increasing rental inventory and equipment services.

Tourism has also diversified Olympus Dive Center’s customer base. Today, the shop welcomes everyone from first-time vacation divers to experienced recreational enthusiasts traveling from across the country and around the world. This mix of visitors and locals creates a dynamic environment where learning, adventure, and exploration are always at the forefront.

The rise of year-round tourism has had an especially meaningful impact. Rather than slowing down in the off-season, Olympus Dive Center now uses that time to grow—offering expanded training programs, investing in its retail and service departments, and even creating travel opportunities that allow customers to dive beyond the Crystal Coast.

For Robert, the continued success of Olympus Dive Center reflects the strength of the local tourism industry and the community that supports it. After nearly 50 years on the waterfront, the business continues to evolve—helping visitors and locals alike experience the underwater beauty that makes the Crystal Coast such a special destination.