Location: Aqaba Gulf
The New Canyon Tank Wreck, often referred to as “The Tank” within the Aqaba Marine Reserve (AMR) in Aqaba, Jordan, is a prominent artificial reef and dive site located near the New Canyon dive site along the Gulf of Aqaba’s Red Sea coastline. Scuttled on September 1, 1999, by the Jordanian Royal Ecological Diving Society (JREDS), this M42 Duster anti-aircraft vehicle rests at a shallow depth of approximately 5–6 meters, making it accessible to divers, snorkelers, and freedivers of all skill levels. Situated just 20 meters from shore near South Beach, close to the Seven Sisters coral reef and the C-130 Hercules wreck, The Tank is a vibrant marine habitat covered in corals and teeming with fish, serving as a popular safety stop for divers exploring nearby sites like New Canyon.
The Tank, an American-made M42 Duster anti-aircraft vehicle
originally used by the Jordanian Army, was deliberately sunk in 1999 as
part of JREDS’s efforts to create artificial reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba.
The initiative aimed to enhance marine biodiversity, divert diver
pressure from natural coral reefs, and boost Aqaba’s growing dive
tourism industry. The M42 Duster, a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
developed in the 1950s for the U.S. Army and later exported to allies
like Jordan, was stripped of hazardous materials—fuels, oils,
lubricants, and electrical wiring—by the military to ensure
environmental safety before scuttling, as noted in sources like Dive
Magazine and Arab Divers.
The Tank’s placement in shallow waters
near South Beach, within the AMR’s 7-kilometer protected coastline, was
strategic. Established in 1997 as the Aqaba Marine Park and reclassified
as a marine reserve in 2020, the AMR is managed by the Aqaba Special
Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), which oversees conservation and tourism
under By-Law No. 22 (2001). The Tank’s proximity to other artificial
reefs, such as the C-130 Hercules (scuttled 2017) and the Cedar Pride
(1985), reflects Jordan’s long-standing commitment to wreck diving,
championed by the royal family, particularly King Abdullah II, a keen
diver.
The Tank’s sinking followed the success of the Cedar
Pride, scuttled at King Abdullah II’s request, and preceded the 2019
Underwater Military Museum, which added 19 military vehicles, including
tanks and helicopters, to the AMR. The Tank’s location near New Canyon,
a coral-walled dive site discovered after the 1983 Aqaba earthquake,
enhances its appeal, as divers often combine visits to both during a
single dive, using The Tank for safety stops. This integration into
Aqaba’s dive ecosystem has made The Tank a landmark, as described by
Arab Divers as “a true landmark for all divers in Aqaba.”
The Tank, resting on a sandy seabed at 5–6 meters depth, has
transformed into a thriving artificial reef over its 26 years
underwater. Its shallow placement, warm waters (21–27°C), gentle
currents, and excellent visibility (20–30 meters) have fostered
significant coral growth and marine life colonization, creating a
vibrant ecosystem.
Key Ecological Features:
Coral Growth: The
Tank is encrusted with hard and soft corals, including Acropora,
Porites, and Dendronephthya, which have rendered its structure
“virtually unrecognizable,” per Wonders Travel. Sponges and gorgonians
add texture, with soft corals dominating the hull and turret, as noted
by Dive Magazine.
Fish Species: The wreck attracts a diverse array of
reef fish, including lionfish (Pterois volitans), scorpionfish
(Scorpaenidae), anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis), damselfish
(Pomacentridae), and trunkfish (Ostraciidae). Schools of fusiliers and
sergeant majors swirl around the structure, while moray eels
(Gymnothorax) inhabit crevices, per Arab Divers and Deep Blue Dive
Center.
Invertebrates: The Tank hosts cleaner shrimp, sea urchins,
and juvenile invertebrates, with occasional nudibranchs and crabs hiding
in coral heads. The surrounding seagrass beds (Halophila stipulacea)
nurture juvenile fish, enhancing biodiversity, as described by
Snorkeling-Report.
Macro Life: The wreck’s shallow depth and
intricate surfaces make it ideal for spotting macro species like
pipefish and juvenile corals, attracting underwater photographers, per
Evendo.
Environmental Conditions: The Gulf’s stable conditions—mild
currents, warm temperatures, and high visibility—support The Tank’s
ecological success. Its sandy bottom placement avoids damaging natural
reefs, aligning with ASEZA’s conservation goals.
The Tank’s
ecological role extends beyond its immediate habitat. By drawing divers
and snorkelers away from fragile natural reefs like Seven Sisters, it
reduces physical damage to corals, a critical function given tourism
pressures noted in Tripadvisor reviews. Its proximity to New Canyon, a
deeper site with scorpionfish, stonefish, and octopuses, creates a
complementary dive experience, balancing shallow and deep ecosystems.
However, reports of litter and fishing nets near South Beach, as cited
on Tripadvisor, suggest ongoing threats to the wreck’s environment.
The Tank’s shallow depth (5–6 meters), shore accessibility (20 meters
from South Beach), and proximity to New Canyon make it a versatile dive
and snorkel site, ideal for beginners, freedivers, and photographers.
Its integration into multi-site dives, often as a safety stop after New
Canyon or the C-130 Hercules, enhances its popularity, as noted by
Wonders Travel and Arab Divers.
Snorkeling:
Access: A
1–2-minute swim from South Beach’s sandy shore, with a gentle entry over
seagrass and small corals. Beware of fire corals near the shore, per
Arab Divers.
Highlights: Snorkelers view The Tank’s coral-encrusted
hull, turret, and resident fish like lionfish and anthias from the
surface (3–5 m). The wreck’s compact size (6 meters long) allows full
exploration, with clear waters enhancing visibility of soft corals and
schools of fish.
Equipment: Masks, fins, and snorkels (~5–10 JOD) are
rentable at dive centers like Nemo Dive Center. Life vests ensure safety
for novices.
Duration: 30–60 minutes, often combined with Seven
Sisters (a short swim away).
Scuba Diving:
Access: Shore entry
from South Beach or boat dives via centers like Deep Blue Dive Center or
Aqaba International Dive Center. The wreck is marked by its visibility
from shore, requiring minimal navigation.
Highlights:
Explore the
hull, turret, and engine bay, where corals and sponges thrive. Moray
eels and scorpionfish hide in crevices, per Dive Magazine.
The Tank’s
shallow depth allows extended exploration (45–60 minutes) with low air
consumption, ideal for training dives or PADI Wreck Specialty courses.
Night dives reveal bioluminescent plankton and nocturnal species like
octopuses, with the wreck’s silhouette creating a dramatic backdrop, per
Arab Divers.
Photographers capture macro life (nudibranchs, shrimp)
and wide-angle shots of fish schools, as noted by Evendo.
Conditions:
No currents, 20–30-meter visibility, and 21–27°C water temperatures
ensure comfort. A 3–5mm wetsuit suffices year-round.
Equipment and
Training: Dive centers provide gear (~30–50 JOD per dive) and courses
(~300 JOD for PADI Open Water). Guided dives enforce conservation rules
(no touching corals or wreck).
Duration: 20–30 minutes as a safety
stop or 45–60 minutes as a dedicated dive, often paired with New Canyon
(12–35 m) or the C-130 Hercules (17 m).
Freediving:
The Tank’s
5–6-meter depth is perfect for freedivers, with mild currents and warm
waters allowing relaxed breath-hold dives. Abood Freediver recommends
warm-up shallow dives and buddy diving for safety, capturing unique
images of the wreck’s corals.
Other Activities:
Glass-bottom
boat tours (~15–25 JOD) offer views of The Tank for non-swimmers, though
its shallow depth is less dramatic than deeper wrecks like the Cedar
Pride, per Coral Vision Glass Boat reviews.
Tripadvisor reviews
praise The Tank’s “gorgeous” marine life and accessibility, but some
note overcrowding during peak seasons (summer), recommending early
morning visits to avoid dive groups.
The Tank is a microcosm of the AMR’s conservation and ecotourism
goals, with significant cultural and environmental roles:
Conservation Impact: As an artificial reef, The Tank diverts diver
pressure from natural reefs like Seven Sisters, reducing coral damage,
as noted by ASEZA’s Abdullah Abu-Awali. Its placement on a sandy bottom
avoids harming existing ecosystems, aligning with the AMR’s 2020 reserve
status and Sustainable Development Goals.
Biodiversity Hub: The
wreck’s coral and fish populations enhance the AMR’s biodiversity, part
of the Red Sea’s WWF “Global 200 Eco-Region.” Its shallow ecosystem
supports juvenile fish, contributing to reef health, per UNESCO’s AMR
profile.
Ecotourism Draw: The Tank’s accessibility and vibrant marine
life attract global divers, boosting Aqaba’s economy, a duty-free zone
with projects like Ayla Oasis, per TIME’s 2023 “World’s Greatest Places”
list. Its proximity to wrecks like the C-130 Hercules makes it a
must-visit, per Dive Magazine.
Cultural Symbol: The Tank reflects
Jordan’s royal commitment to diving, initiated by King Abdullah II’s
support for artificial reefs. Its inclusion in the AMR’s “Underwater
Military Museum” narrative ties it to Jordanian military history, as
noted by Saguaro Scuba.
Scientific Value: The Tank’s coral growth
offers insights into artificial reef development, supporting the AMR’s
goal to become a global marine research hub, per X posts from 2021. Its
shallow depth facilitates studies on coral-fish interactions.
Educational Role: Dive centers use The Tank to teach conservation,
though limited signage, per Tripadvisor, hinders broader awareness. Its
accessibility makes it a training ground for novice divers and
photographers.
The Tank’s significance is tempered by challenges,
such as pollution from Aqaba’s port and tourism, which threaten its
ecosystem, per UNESCO’s AMR report. Its prominence also risks
overshadowing natural reefs, requiring careful management.
Location: Within the AMR, near South Beach, 6 miles south of Aqaba
city center (approx. 29.5246957, 34.9994635). The Tank is 20 meters
offshore, near Seven Sisters and the C-130 Hercules, close to New
Canyon.
Access:
By Air: King Hussein International Airport (AQJ),
10 km from Aqaba, with taxis to South Beach (~15–20 min, ~5–10 JOD).
By Road: From Amman, a 4–5-hour drive (330 km) via the Desert Highway.
JETT buses (~7 JOD) or taxis (~50–70 JOD) reach Aqaba; taxis to South
Beach (~3–5 JOD) or local buses. From Aqaba, drive along King Hussein
St., turn left onto Prince Mohammed St., and follow signs to The Tank’s
parking area.
By Sea: Ferries from Taba/Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt) to
Aqaba port; taxis to South Beach (~10–15 min).
Opening Hours: South
Beach is open daily, ~7:00 AM–6:00 PM; dive centers may extend hours for
night dives. Confirm via ASEZA or operators like Deep Blue Dive Center.
Admission: Free beach access; snorkeling (~10–20 JOD for gear/guide),
diving (~30–50 JOD per dive), glass-bottom boats (~15–25 JOD). Book via
Nemo Dive Center or Aqaba International Dive Center.
Best Time to
Visit: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) for air
temperatures of 20–30°C (68–86°F) and water at 22–26°C (72–79°F). Summer
(June–August) is hot (up to 50°C/122°F), but water is comfortable
(26–28°C). Winter (December–February) requires 5mm wetsuits
(15–20°C/59–68°F air).
Visit Duration: 30–60 minutes for snorkeling;
20–60 minutes for diving, often as a safety stop after New Canyon or
C-130 Hercules. Multi-dive days (4–6 hours) combine sites.
Nearby
Attractions: Seven Sisters, C-130 Hercules, Japanese Garden (within
AMR); Aqaba Fortress (10 km); Sharif Hussein Bin Ali Mosque (10 km);
Wadi Rum (60 km); Petra (125 km). Bedouin Garden Village offers
dining/camping near South Beach.
Accessibility Features: South
Beach’s sandy shore is accessible, but rocky entry points challenge
mobility-impaired visitors. Dive centers support disabled divers.
Restrooms, shaded areas, and parking are available; bring water/snacks,
as vendors are limited.
Tips: Book dives/snorkeling via
https://deepbluedivecenter.com or https://diveaqaba.com. Use reef-safe
sunscreen, water shoes, and rash guards. Follow conservation rules (no
touching corals/wreck). Early morning dives avoid crowds. Negotiate taxi
fares upfront. Check for festivals via https://www.visitjordan.com.