Army Tanks, Clearwater: Artificial Reef Dive Site

Diving the Army Tanks site in Clearwater places you on a pair of M-60 tanks, initially deployed in 1994 to foster new marine ecosystems. These tanks, along with significant limestone boulder deployments, sit on a sandy bottom, offering a substantial habitat for a variety of species. From the moment you descend, these structures are immediately apparent, standing proud from the seafloor and providing a clear focal point for your dive plan.

The site's maximum depth runs to 14 meters, making it a comfortable profile for extended bottom times. As you approach the tanks, you'll notice how thoroughly encrusted they are; despite their relatively short time underwater, they bear a growth that suggests decades of submersion. Spiny oysters, a variety of sponges, and both hard and soft corals have colonized the metal and rock, transforming military hardware into a vibrant living reef.

Lobsters are a consistent highlight here, observable both on the surface of the tanks and within the crevices and underhangs of the surrounding limestone boulders. This complex structure offers significant shelter, which you'll find these crustaceans readily exploit. Keep an eye out for larger individuals tucked away, as the ample hiding spots contribute to a healthy population.

Beyond the lobsters, the artificial reef attracts a range of other reef dwellers. You can expect to encounter groupers (Serranidae), spadefish (Chaetodipterus faber), flatfish (Pleuronectidae), and mango fish (Lutjanus analis) navigating the structures. These resident fish patrol the tanks, feeding and finding shelter among the established coral and sponge growth, making for active observation throughout your dive.

The layout of the tanks and boulders creates diverse microhabitats, which you can explore on a single dive. The site's character shifts slightly as you move from the more open tank structures to the denser boulder piles. This varied topography supports a rich biodiversity, demonstrating how quickly marine life can reclaim and integrate artificial structures into a flourishing ecosystem. You’ll find yourself looking into every nook and cranny for new discoveries.

This site also offers an option for an extended drift. Depending on conditions, the Army Tanks can serve as the starting point for a longer drift dive that continues towards the Radio Tower pyramids. This potential adds another dimension to the dive, allowing you to cover more ground and experience the connection between various artificial reef components in the area. This option requires careful planning and coordination for pickup.