

Best for beginner divers, 12-15m, boat entry, moderate current.
The Tug Orange is a sunken tugboat serving as an artificial reef in Tampa Bay. Resting at depths between 12 and 15 metres, the wreck is accessible by boat and suitable for beginners, though divers should be comfortable managing moderate currents. The site attracts a variety of reef fish and invertebrates typical of the region. Due to active boat traffic in the area, divers must deploy a surface marker buoy before ascending. Visibility at the site is variable, and divers should remain vigilant for sharks. Always check with local operators for current conditions before planning a dive or snorkel trip to this location.
27.78890, -82.97650
A mooring buoy is attached to the bow making this wreck easy to locate.
The tug is 200 feet east of the yellow buoy that marks the center of the South County Reef.
Recorded at this site
Depth
12-15m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
18-30°C
Current
Moderate
The site supports a variety of reef fish and invertebrates typical of the region, including snapper, triggerfish, and hogfish.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners with an open water certification, though comfort in moderate currents is important.
The wreck rests at a depth of 12 to 15 metres.
This is a boat dive; a boat is required to access the site.
Yes, the site is open to both diving and snorkelling activities.
The main hazards are active boat traffic and the presence of sharks. Divers should use a surface marker buoy and monitor the water for shark activity.
Diving at Tug Orange (Wreck) in Tampa requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Tug Orange (Wreck) in Tampa. Water temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C.
Expect moderate currents at Tug Orange (Wreck) in Tampa. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.