A.REGINA - Rincon & West Coast

A. Regina isn’t your typical deep wreck dive, and that’s precisely why we love it. Sunk in 1985, this massive roll-on, roll-off ferry met its end not far from Mona Island, but her bow section, surprisingly intact, now rests in just two metres of water near Rincon. The sheer size, even of just the bow, is impressive as you approach, a hulking shadow just beneath the surface. This is a snorkeler’s dream, or a shallow diver’s playground. We’ve spent hours here, just floating above the bridge structure, watching schools of juvenile snapper dart in and out of the wheelhouse windows. The ambient light is incredible, painting the coral growth in vivid colours. You can fin right over the deck, peeking into the cargo holds where light shafts pierce the gloom, revealing the ghostly outlines of machinery and pipes now covered in sponges. Barracuda often cruise lazily overhead, silhouetted against the bright surface. It’s a completely different wreck experience – no decompression limits, just pure exploration and fantastic light. Our favourite time to visit is mid-morning, when the sun is high, illuminating every detail without creating harsh shadows. It’s a unique piece of history, surprisingly accessible, and a real treat if you’re looking for something beyond just another reef.

Location
Rincon & West Coast, Puerto Rico, Caribbean
Coordinates
18.070000, -67.860000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - A.REGINA

Year Sunk
1985
Vessel Type
ferry
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
4,053 GRT

The A. Regina was a roll-on/roll-off passenger and vehicle ferry built in Norway in 1967. For nearly two decades, she plied the waters of the Caribbean, connecting islands and transporting people and goods. Her career came to an abrupt and dramatic end on February 15, 1985. While on a voyage from Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, to the Dominican Republic, the vessel ran hard aground on a reef just south of the remote and beautiful Mona Island. The grounding was severe, and despite efforts to refloat her, the A. Regina was declared a total loss and abandoned to the sea.

Today, the wreck of the A. Regina is a spectacular and sprawling dive and snorkel site. Resting in water as shallow as 2 meters, the vessel has been torn apart by decades of storms and relentless wave action. The bow section is recognizable, but much of the hull has collapsed, creating a massive field of steel plates, corridors, and vehicle decks for divers to explore. This metallic skeleton has been thoroughly colonized by the vibrant reef, with corals, sponges, and schools of tropical fish turning the tragedy into a thriving marine habitat. Its shallow depth and the sheer scale of the wreckage make the A. Regina a must-see site for anyone diving the wild west coast of Puerto Rico.

Marine Protected Area: Isla de Mona Natural Reserve

Best Time to Dive in Rincon & West Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Rincon & West Coast occur in January, averaging 27.3°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.3°C (air: 25.6°C)
  • February: 27.3°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • March: 27.3°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • April: 27.3°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • May: 27.3°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • June: 27.3°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • July: 27.3°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • August: 27.3°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • September: 27.3°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • October: 27.3°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • November: 27.3°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • December: 27.3°C (air: 26.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Rincon & West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to A.REGINA

Marine Life in Rincon & West Coast

Home to 514 recorded species including 430 reef fish, 36 hard corals, 13 sharks & rays, 7 whales & dolphins, 5 seagrass & algae, 4 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for A.REGINA

Based on average water temperature of 27.3°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth of the A.REGINA dive site off Bradenton Beach, Florida?
The A.REGINA dive site is actually located off Rincon & West Coast, Puerto Rico, not Bradenton Beach, Florida. This fascinating wreck has a typical depth of 2 meters, making it quite shallow and accessible.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the A.REGINA site?
The A.REGINA wreck is a substantial roll on-roll off vessel, built in 1967 and sunk on February 15, 1985. Divers can explore its impressive dimensions of 110.9 meters by 18.5 meters, which show portions of its hull or superstructure. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks often attract diverse ecosystems over time.
How difficult is the A.REGINA dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers or snorkelers?
The A.REGINA dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. While its shallow depth of 2 meters might seem suitable for beginners or snorkelers, the intermediate rating suggests that certain conditions or features require more experience. Therefore, it is generally recommended for divers with some prior experience rather than absolute beginners or snorkelers.
What is the best time of year or specific conditions to dive the A.REGINA wreck for optimal visibility?
Information regarding the best time of year or specific conditions for optimal visibility at the A.REGINA wreck is not available in our current database. For general guidance on diving conditions in Puerto Rico, you might consult our When to Dive section for broader regional insights.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the A.REGINA wreck?
Given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers exploring the A.REGINA wreck should possess a certification level that equips them for such conditions. While specific certification requirements are not detailed, it is advisable to have experience beyond entry-level open water diving. Always check with local dive operators in Rincon & West Coast for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the A.REGINA dive site, and how do they affect the dive?
Our current data does not provide specific details on the typical current and visibility conditions at the A.REGINA dive site. Therefore, we cannot elaborate on how these conditions might affect the dive experience. For up-to-date information, it is always best to consult local dive centers in Rincon & West Coast, Puerto Rico before planning your dive.