This is an easy beach dive and is especially well suited for beginners owing to ease of water entry and lack of strong currents. Depths are shallow, usually no more than 15 feet, and visibility is usually very good for this type of Gulf dive -- generally about 15 feet. Abundance of small marine life such as small reef fish, crabs, sheepshead, and snook (when they venture out from under the pier).  Farther north of the pier (about a mile drive) is the "Molasses Reef" which is essentially the bowsprit of an old molasses steamer that sunk many years ago. All that is left is a small portion of the bow which sticks out of the flat surrounding sand. Not much as far as a "wreck" goes, but small reef fish seem to enjoy it.

On the north end of Bradenton Beach near the fishing pier. Take either I-75 or US19 to Bradenton and follow signs for the beach. There is free parking along the beach front as long as you get there early enough.

Bradenton Beach

I used to dive the Molasses Reef site at least once monthly when I lived in Orlando and visited friends in Tampa. It's a very easy dive, and I have taken many newbies fresh from their cert' dives to this site. There are numerous soft corals on the remains of the wreck. You know you're close when you suddenly notice that the shrimp clicking is a lot louder than it was a minute ago, and the sandy bottom has become Sea Urchin City. Max depth is 17'-18' feet at a huge slack tide. Vis ranges from 10' to 25' on any given day. Heavy surf due to weather can knock vis to zero, but it's never better than about 25'. All in all, a comfortable beach dive. I think I've done this dive solo at least twelve times.

Marc Tullis's Dive Log

@marc_tullis

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