Day Trippin' — Regina shipwreck

If you've ever wanted to try your hand at scuba diving here in Sarasota, you're in luck. Just 100 feet offshore on Anna Maria Island, just west of the Cortez Bridge, lies the remains of our very own shipwreck.

If you're up for an adventure, look for the white buoy that marks the location of the wreckage of The Regina — a sugar barge that sunk just off the island in 1940.

I heard about this spot a few years ago, and I've been thinking about it since, so I decided to explore it in this week's day trip.

First of all, I do have to warn you to be cautious. There's an abundance of wildlife in the area, and the current can be strong.

The best time of year to free dive or snorkel this wreck is early to mid May, but the view can change depending on the tide.

Once you locate the buoy, dive straight down about 20 feet and you'll see a giant piece of cement that marks the ship. From there, you can swim northwest or southwest and explore other parts of the barge.

Sand covers a lot of the wreck, but it's still a wonderful sight to see. And if you don’t see much, don't be discouraged; the view is always changing with the tides and currents.

I'm surprised more people don’t know about this hidden gem, and I encourage everyone to check it out; it’s a great little adventure right here in town!