Explore Miami's Army Tanks: A Unique Scuba Diving Adventure

Divers consistently express enthusiasm about their experiences at the Army Tanks site, highlighting its vibrant underwater life, clear waters, and the intriguing historical aspect of diving around military tanks.

Article at a Glance

Location: The Army Tanks dive site is situated off the coast of Miami Beach, Florida, making it easily accessible for divers.
Depth: The tanks rest at approximately 50 feet (15 meters), suitable for both beginner and advanced divers.
Visibility: Divers can expect visibility ranging from 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet), with an average of around 20 meters (65 feet).
Marine Life: The site is home to a vibrant ecosystem, featuring species such as groupers, moray eels, lobsters, and nurse sharks.
Unique Features: The site includes two M-60 Army tanks and surrounding limestone boulders, creating an intriguing underwater landscape.
Best Diving Season: The optimal time for diving is from late March through October when water temperatures are warm and marine activity is high.
Photography Opportunities: Clear waters and abundant marine life provide excellent conditions for underwater photography, making it a favorite among divers.

The Army Tanks Miami

The Army Tanks dive site is an artificial reef located off the coast of Miami Beach, Florida. Created in June 1994, this unique underwater attraction features two M-60 Army tanks from the Vietnam War era.

Site Details

Depth: The tanks rest at a depth of approximately 45-48 feet (13-15 meters).
Location: Situated near Key Biscayne, about 10 minutes by boat from the shore.
Additional Features: Alongside the tanks, 1,060 tons of limestone boulders were placed to create a more extensive reef structure.

Marine Life and Ecosystem

Despite being underwater for a relatively short time, the Army Tanks site has developed into a thriving ecosystem:

The tanks are completely overgrown with spiny oysters, sponges, and various hard and soft corals.
The area is home to diverse marine life, including groupers, moray eels, lobsters, and parrotfish.
A resident nurse shark and a large green moray eel are known to frequent the site.

Dive Experience

The Army Tanks dive site offers an interesting experience for divers of all levels:

The tanks face each other, creating an intriguing underwater scene.
Divers can explore between the tanks and the limestone reef, which forms a wall-like structure between the two vehicles.
The site is part of a larger area known as Wreck Trek, close to other dive attractions like the Mathey Lawrence Wreck.

Practical Information

Access: The site is only accessible by boat.
Visibility: Average visibility is around 20 meters (65 feet).
Suitable for: All diving levels.
Caution: Divers should be aware of pleasure boats in the area.

What Marine Life Can I Expect To See?

Reef Fish

The artificial and natural reefs around Miami Beach are home to a variety of colorful reef fish:

Grunts
Snappers
Angelfish
Barracuda

These fish often form large schools, creating impressive underwater scenes.

Large Marine Life

Some of the larger marine species you might encounter include:

Nurse sharks (particularly around the Army Tanks site)
Green moray eels
Stingrays
Sea turtles

Crustaceans and Invertebrates

The limestone outcroppings and artificial structures provide excellent habitats for:

Lobsters
Various species of crabs
Anemones

Coral and Reef Structures

Miami’s reefs support a diverse ecosystem of coral species. You can expect to see:

Hard corals
Soft corals
Sponges

These provide essential habitats for many of the smaller reef-dwelling creatures.

Seasonal Visitors

Depending on the time of year, you might also encounter:

Various species of sharks
Larger pelagic fish passing through the area

Unique Sightings

The Neptune Memorial, an underwater cemetery designed to resemble the Lost City of Atlantis, offers a unique diving experience with its coral-covered Romanesque columns and archways.

What Do Divers Say About This Site?

Visibility and Conditions

Exceptional Visibility: Many divers report excellent visibility, often exceeding 40 feet, which allows for clear views of the tanks and surrounding marine life. One diver described it as “like diving in an aquarium” due to the clarity of the water and abundance of fish.
Warm Water: The water temperature is generally warm enough for short wetsuits, making it comfortable for divers throughout the year.

Marine Life

Diverse Ecosystem: Divers frequently mention encountering a wide variety of marine life, including groupers, moray eels, lobsters, and numerous colorful reef fish. The tanks are noted for being completely overgrown with spiny oysters and corals, enhancing the underwater scenery.
Unique Sightings: The presence of resident species like nurse sharks and large green moray eels adds excitement to dives at this site.

Dive Experience

Artificial Reef Appeal: The Army Tanks serve as an artificial reef, attracting a rich biodiversity that divers appreciate. This structure not only provides a unique diving experience but also contributes to marine conservation efforts by creating habitats for various species.
Accessibility: The site is accessible by boat and is suitable for divers of all levels, making it a popular choice among both novice and experienced divers alike.

Key Information

Feature	Details
Location	Off the coast of Miami Beach, Florida
Depth	Approximately 50 feet (15 meters)
Visibility	Typically 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet); average around 20 meters (65 feet)
Water Temperature	Warm, ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C)
Current	Generally limited, making it manageable for all levels of divers
Marine Life	Groupers, moray eels, lobsters, parrotfish, nurse sharks, and more
Accessibility	Accessible by boat; part of the Wreck Trek area
Suitable For	Beginners and advanced divers
Best Time to Dive	Late March through October
Unique Features	Two M-60 Army tanks, limestone boulders, thriving artificial reef ecosystem
Photography Opportunities	Excellent due to clear visibility and diverse marine life

The Army Tanks

Highlights of Diving This Site?

Dive Site Characteristics

Location: Off the coast of Miami Beach, Florida
Depth: Approximately 45-48 feet (15 meters)
Visibility: Exceptional, often 40+ feet
Current: Limited
Water Temperature: Warm, suitable for shorty wetsuits

Underwater Landscape

Two M-60 Army tanks from the Vietnam War, sunk in June 1994
Surrounded by 1,060 tons of limestone rocks (also called “Rock Pile”)
Tanks are completely overgrown with marine life

Marine Life Highlights

Groupers
Moray eels
Lobsters
Parrotfish
Angelfish
Blennies
Spider crabs

Diving Experience

Part of the “Wreck Trek” area
Close to the Mathey Lawrence Wreck
Suitable for divers of all skill levels
Described as “like diving in an aquarium” due to clear water and abundant marine life

Practical Considerations

Accessible only by boat
Watch out for pleasure boats in the area
Free access
Average visibility around 20 meters

Iconic Spots At This Site

M-60 Army Tanks

Description: Two M-60 tanks from the Vietnam War, sunk in June 1994, serve as the main attraction. They are positioned facing each other and are heavily encrusted with marine growth, including spiny oysters and various corals.
Diving Experience: Divers can explore around and between the tanks, providing a unique opportunity to witness how marine life has adapted to these artificial structures.

Rock Pile

Description: Adjacent to the tanks, this area consists of approximately 1,060 tons of limestone boulders. The Rock Pile acts as an additional habitat for marine life.
Diving Experience: This section is known for hiding lobsters and other creatures, making it a popular spot for divers looking to observe or photograph marine life.

Marine Life Hotspot

Description: The site is teeming with diverse marine life, including groupers, moray eels, and lobsters. The presence of these species is enhanced by the structure of the tanks and surrounding reef.
Diving Experience: Divers often report sightings of nurse sharks and large green moray eels, adding excitement to their dives.

Wreck Trek Area

Description: The Army Tanks are part of a larger diving area known as Wreck Trek, which includes other wrecks like the Mathey Lawrence Wreck.
Diving Experience: This area is popular among divers for its variety of wrecks and artificial reefs, offering multiple dive profiles in one outing.

Historical Significance

Description: The tanks not only serve as a dive site but also as a reminder of military history and environmental conservation efforts through artificial reef programs.
Diving Experience: Many divers appreciate the combination of history and ecology, making dives here both educational and enjoyable.

Environmental Conservation Efforts

Artificial Reef Program

The Miami-Dade County Artificial Reef Program, established in 1981, has been a major conservation initiative:

Created 11 inshore and 17 offshore artificial reef sites
Deployed nearly 50 large vessels, two retired oil platforms, thousands of tons of concrete and limestone, and surplus military tanks
Regarded as the largest artificial reef program in Florida in terms of materials deployed

The program aims to:

Restore and enhance marine habitats
Support fisheries management
Increase recreational diving opportunities

Key Biscayne Special Management Zone

Established in 1990, this zone restricts the use of highly efficient fishing gear to:

Limit potential impacts of unrestrained fishing pressure
Maintain most recreational uses of the site

Environmentally-Friendly Practices

The artificial reef program adheres to strict guidelines:

Uses only durable, stable, and environmentally safe materials (usually steel or concrete)
Carefully selects placement areas conducive to reef-building organisms
Mimics naturally occurring rock outcroppings to support marine life

Monitoring and Research

The program conducts ongoing monitoring and research:

Uses SCUBA, sidescan sonar, and underwater video for assessments
Studies economic and environmental impacts of artificial reefs
Researches reef spacing, design, succession, and fish recruitment

Collaborative Efforts

The program collaborates with various stakeholders:

Works with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and universities
Holds annual regional workshops and a statewide summit every 5 years
Partners with Florida Sea Grant for research and outreach

Maximizing Your Diving Experience at The Army Tanks

Planning Your Dive

Depth: The tanks rest at 45-48 feet (15 meters), making it suitable for divers of all levels.
Visibility: Typically excellent, often exceeding 40 feet, allowing for clear views of the tanks and marine life.
Water Temperature: Warm enough for shorty wetsuits year-round.

Exploring the Site

Tank Exploration: Dive between and around the two M-60 Army tanks, which face each other.
Rock Pile: Investigate the 1,060 tons of limestone boulders surrounding the tanks, known as the “Rock Pile”.
Marine Life Observation: Look for groupers, moray eels, lobsters, and various reef fish inhabiting the structures.

Photography Opportunities

Capture the tanks overgrown with spiny oysters, sponges, and corals.
Look for unique marine life, including resident nurse sharks and large green moray eels.

Safety Considerations

Boat Traffic: Be aware of pleasure boats in the area.
Current: Generally limited, but always check conditions before diving.
Dive Buddies: Stay close to your dive partner, especially when exploring between the tanks.

Enhancing Your Experience

Night Dives: Consider a night dive to see different marine life and experience the site in a new way.
Multi-Site Dives: Combine with nearby sites like the Mathey Lawrence Wreck as part of the “Wreck Trek” area.
Historical Context: Learn about the Vietnam War-era tanks before your dive to appreciate their historical significance.

Capturing Memories at Army Tanks: Photography Tips

Equipment Preparation

Camera Choice: Use a waterproof camera or housing for your DSLR or mirrorless camera. Compact underwater cameras can also yield great results.
Lenses: A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the tanks and surrounding marine life in their entirety. If you have a macro lens, it can be useful for close-up shots of smaller creatures.

Camera Settings

Aperture: Set your aperture to a smaller f-stop (like f/8 to f/11) to achieve greater depth of field, ensuring both the tanks and marine life are in focus.
Shutter Speed: Use a faster shutter speed (1/125 sec or faster) to freeze motion, especially if you’re photographing active marine life.
ISO: Adjust your ISO to compensate for lower light conditions underwater. Higher ISO settings (400-800) can help, but be mindful of noise.

Shooting Techniques

Stabilization: To avoid camera shake, consider using a stabilizing device or holding your breath while taking the shot. If possible, brace yourself against a solid object underwater.
Lighting: Natural light diminishes quickly underwater; consider using an external strobe or flash to illuminate your subjects and reduce backscatter.
Polarizing Filters: These can help reduce glare from the water’s surface and enhance color saturation in your images.

Composition Tips

Get Close: Move in closer to your subjects for more impactful images. Water can distort colors and details, so filling the frame with your subject is beneficial.
Backgrounds: Use simple backgrounds to avoid distractions. The tanks themselves provide interesting textures that can enhance your composition.
Angles and Perspectives: Experiment with different angles—shooting from below or above can create unique perspectives of the tanks and marine life.

Capturing Marine Life

Patience and Timing: Wait for marine creatures to come into view. Observe their behavior for better chances of capturing dynamic shots.
Burst Mode: Use burst mode to take multiple shots in quick succession, especially when photographing fast-moving fish or other wildlife.

Post-Dive Considerations

Editing: After your dive, use photo editing software to enhance colors and contrast, which can often look washed out due to the water.
Sharing Your Memories: Consider creating a photo album or sharing your best shots on social media platforms dedicated to diving photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to dive The Army Tanks?

The best time to dive the Army Tanks site off the coast of Miami Beach is generally during the spring and summer months, specifically from late March through October.

Seasonal Conditions
Water Temperature: The water is warmest during these months, typically ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C), making it comfortable for diving with minimal thermal protection.
Visibility: Visibility tends to be better in the spring and summer, often exceeding 40 feet, which enhances the diving experience by allowing clearer views of the tanks and marine life.

Weather Considerations
Calm Seas: Late spring and summer usually bring calmer seas and more stable weather conditions, reducing the likelihood of rough waters that can occur in winter months.
Rainfall: While summer can bring afternoon thunderstorms, these typically do not affect morning dives. Checking local weather forecasts before your dive is advisable.

Marine Life Activity
Increased Activity: Warmer waters attract a wider variety of marine life, including groupers, moray eels, and lobsters, making for a more vibrant diving experience.

Dive Charters
Many dive charters operate year-round but may have more frequent trips scheduled during peak diving seasons. Booking in advance is recommended during busy months to secure your spot.

What is the visibility like while diving The Army Tanks?

Visibility while diving at the Army Tanks site off Miami Beach typically ranges between 10 to 30 meters (approximately 33 to 98 feet), with an average visibility of around 20 meters(about 65 feet) .

Factors Influencing Visibility
Seasonal Changes: Visibility can be better during the spring and summer months when water temperatures are warmer and marine life is more active.
Weather Conditions: Calm seas and clear weather generally contribute to improved visibility. After storms, visibility may temporarily decrease due to sediment being stirred up.
Time of Day: Diving earlier in the day can often yield better visibility as sunlight penetrates the water more effectively.

How deep are the dives at The Army Tanks?

The Army Tanks dive site is located at a depth of approximately 50 feet (about 15 meters) below the surface. This depth makes it accessible for divers of various skill levels, including those with Open Water certification.

The tanks, which are part of an artificial reef created in 1994, provide a unique underwater experience as they are surrounded by limestone boulders that enhance the marine habitat in the area.

Is The Army Tanks suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Army Tanks dive site is suitable for beginners.

Depth: The tanks are located at a depth of approximately 50 feet (15 meters), which is within the range for Open Water certified divers. This depth allows beginners to explore without the complexities associated with deeper dives.

Visibility: The site typically offers good visibility, often ranging from 10 to 30 meters(33 to 98 feet), with an average of about 20 meters (65 feet). Clear visibility enhances the diving experience, making it easier for beginners to navigate and enjoy the surroundings.

Current Conditions: The current at the Army Tanks site is generally limited, providing a more manageable environment for novice divers who may not yet be comfortable with stronger currents.

Marine Life: The site is rich in marine life, including groupers, moray eels, and lobsters, which can provide an exciting experience for beginners as they explore the underwater ecosystem.

Accessibility: The site is accessible by boat and does not require special permits, making it convenient for beginner divers looking to experience wreck diving without extensive logistics.

Is The Army Tanks suitable for advanced divers?

Yes, the Army Tanks dive site is suitable for advanced divers, offering several features that can enhance their experience:

Depth and Structure
Depth: The tanks are located at approximately 50 feet (15 meters), which is well within the comfort zone for advanced divers. This depth allows for exploration without the complexities of deeper diving.
Artificial Reef: The site serves as an artificial reef, providing a unique environment for advanced divers to explore the tanks and surrounding marine life, including various fish species and crustaceans.

Exploration Opportunities
Wreck Diving: Advanced divers can enjoy the challenge of navigating around and inside the tanks, as well as exploring the limestone boulders that surround them. This offers opportunities for both photography and observing marine life in detail.
Marine Life Interaction: The site is known for its vibrant marine ecosystem, including larger species like barracudas and nurse sharks, which can be particularly appealing to more experienced divers.

Technical Diving Potential
Diving Techniques: Advanced divers can practice various techniques such as buoyancy control, navigation, and underwater photography in a relatively safe environment.
Multi-Dive Days: The Army Tanks site is part of the Wreck Trek area, allowing advanced divers to combine dives at multiple sites in one outing, maximizing their diving experience.

Safety Considerations
While the site is accessible to all levels of divers, advanced divers should still adhere to safety protocols, especially regarding dive planning and monitoring conditions such as current and visibility.