Wreck of the Regina Aka Sugar Barge

Florida, USA East
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Difficulty
Unrated
Viz (last reported 41119h ago)
Max Depth
Unknown

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Wreck of the Regina Aka Sugar Barge

The wreck is very broken up and scattered with most of the large remains (stern section) about fifty feet north and about 100 feet out from the southwest buoy. The bow is towards the north. The water depth varies from 15 to 20 feet based. Different parts of the wreck are visible at different times due to storms and currents either depositing or removing sand from the area. Visibility is highly dependant on the prevailing wind direction and strength. The following website has some good photos of the wreck http://www.seatrekdivers.com/photogallery/photo_regina.htm This wreck accessible by shore is a part of the Florida State Underwater Archaeological Preserve. It is located off of Bradenton Beach just across from the street (Gulf Drive) from Seatrek Divers shop. The address is 105 7th St N. Bradenton Beach, FL 34217. To get to the site head towards the Bradenton Beach portion of Anna Maria Island via Gulf Drive. There is no local parking at the site devoted to the beach. One will have to drop off gear and find a parking spot close by. Depending on the day and time limited parking may be available around the building that the dive shop is in. Seatrek has successfully lobbied the local country government to place buoys off the wreck to aid in navigation. Unfortunately the county dropped the buoys in the wrong place so the diver will have to navigate in a direction off the buoys. (I am not an employee or being paid by Seatreck. They really are just across the street from the dive site)
Access
shore
Nearby Shops
Tide Report
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(5)
Anonymous
Anonymous
Mar 14, 2020, 12:00 AM
scuba
Dove around the buoy searching for a wreck, nothing to see here, most of the wreck must be covered or disintegrated. Not hard to reach if you want to investigate though.
Originally posted on shorediving.com
Andy Brown
Andy Brown
Apr 2, 2019, 12:00 AM
scuba
We went in April of 2019. Most of the ship is dissolved. There it's barely anything to see at all. Talked to the guy at the surf shop and he gave us the lowdown. There's really not much here anymore. Wouldn't recommend it unless you're already in the area and you know it's a very clear day. Probably best to go at low tide if you're snorkeling. If your Scuba, probably don't even bother. Not that much to see.
Originally posted on shorediving.com
Gary Majors
Gary Majors
Feb 9, 2014, 12:00 AM
scuba
Dove the Regina to test out some new gear last summer. The wreck is mark by a white buoy, might have a tied off bleach bottle or some such but it was still there. Not much left of the ship but if you look around you will find pieces scattered about. The dive shop is now named SeaKat and the gentleman I dealt with there was great. Very helpful and knowledgeable. It is a very easy dive. Park (and please patronize) in front of SeaKat and simply walk across the street. A few more steps put you on the beach. Then look for the white buoy about 75 yards out. That is it. Just swim out and have a look. Not a dive you would fly halfway around the world for but great for a beginner (20ft if you can find a hole to put your depth gauge in). Great for locals or if you are in the area and just want to get wet. Very little if any current and the waves are rarely any problem. Visibility isn't great. 8 foot or so when I was there. It might be better at times but 8 foot isn't bad for this site. After dining there are many places to see and eat all around. If you have a non-diving spouse they can enjoy the nice sandy beach until you make it back. (ask her/him to have a few cold beers ready and waiting too ;) )
Originally posted on shorediving.com
Anonymous
Anonymous
Jun 11, 2011, 12:00 AM
scuba
Cannot comment because I can not locate the wreck. We have traversed the buoy north past Gulf Drive Cafe and south to Cortez Road. We made sweeps up to twenty feet out from buoy. But no ship! Would some one please tie a float line for those of us who have a desire to find the wreck before complete exhaustion and frustration makes our husbands give up and head to beer can island?!
Originally posted on shorediving.com
Sean Nickelson
Sean Nickelson
Sep 6, 2009, 12:00 AM
scuba
Sand covered most of the wreck.
Originally posted on shorediving.com
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