Flying: If flying commercially, the closest airport is Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) in New Bern located off Hwy 70 and just under an hour from the dive shop. It's serviced by Delta (through Atlanta and Philadelphia) and US Airways (through Charlotte). The airport in Raleigh (RDU) is serviced by all major airlines, but is a 3 hour drive from Beaufort. Private planes can use Beaufort's Michael J. Smith Field.
Driving: Eventually, all drivers will approach Beaufort on Highway 70E. We're located on the far west side of Beaufort, one block off Turner Street. From the north, depending on your point of origin (or personal preference) you'll take either I95 or Route 17. (Beaufort is approximately 110 minutes from the 95/70 interchange.) If taking 95 from the north, please note the new 795 bypass around Goldsboro, NC, which intersects with 70E and saves 10-15 minutes, at least. From the west, take I40E to either Hwy 24 then Hwy 70, OR take I40 directly to Hwy 70. Visitors from the South will also choose between I95 and Route 17, before intersecting with either Hwy 70 or I40.
If you opt for the scenic drive along the Outer Banks, you'll need to catch the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry (30 minutes) then the Ocracoke-Cedar Island ferry (2 1/2 hours). Upon reaching Cedar Island, take 70W and follow the signs for Beaufort (60 minutes). (Local's pointer: Schedule time in between ferries on Ocracoke for beers and oysters at Howard's Pub.)