Join us for a 3-Tank dive to one of the largest wrecks off of the Gulf Coast!

The Mexican Pride is a 200 foot long bulk products phosphate barge, prior to that, a freighter. Due to prolonged mismanagement, the owners decided to sink the barge in the mid-1970s. It was towed out approximately thirty-five miles from St. Petersburg, Florida and sunk with a single explosive in the port bow, some have said that while it was sinking, it drifted and was temporarily lost until a seasoned boat captain, Charlie Clymer, pulled up a piece of railing with his anchor.

The bow and stern are very recognizable, however the entire mid-section and deck are rubble piles between the bow and stern. You can see piles of rusted beams and metal sheathing. The deck is made out of ferro-cement (concrete). The entire wreck has growth on it.

The stern is where the crew’s quarters, galley and heads were.

The barges sits in an easterly to westerly position, with the bow pointing SSE. The upper most part sits at approximately 80 feet, the upper deck at 100-105 feet and the bottom sits in approximately 125-130 feet.

This spot is extremely popular with fisherman, freedivers and spearfishermen alike. It gets extremely crowded on the weekends. Best time to go is during the week or early, early Sunday morning. The barge is well known for its large amount of cantankerous Goliath Groupers, nurse sharks, amberjacks, snappers, gags, snapper, etc… Reported sites of various sharks and cobias as well.

For this trip, you must be Advanced and Nitrox certified. This is a 3-tank boat dive. If you would like high pressure tanks, please let us know at least one week prior. The bottom of the wreck is 130 feet on the west side. Please plan accordingly. Remember your Max Operating Depth MOD and remember your surface interval time with three tanks. If you want a low Nitrox mix, please let us know as soon as you can.

Bottom temp can vary this time of year but past 100 feet, it can get into the upper 70s. A 3mm is most common for this time of year but please plan accordingly. It will also be a long ride back. Spearfishing is allowed! If you are going to spearfish, please be aware of your depth and your exertion. The charter does not allow spearfishing to those who have not had a spearfishing course.

To reserve your spot, please reach out to us at 813-832-6669 or you can email us at info@adventuretampa.com.