The Tank is one of Aqaba's most photographed dives and a perfect introduction to wreck diving. An M42 Duster anti-aircraft tank was deliberately placed in shallow water in 1999, only a short swim from the shore, where it now sits proudly on the sand as a compact artificial reef.
The story of The Tank (M42)
Long before the Underwater Military Museum, the Tank proved how quickly a man-made structure becomes a magnet for marine life in the Gulf of Aqaba. Resting in just a few metres of water, it is accessible from the beach and visible even to snorkellers at the surface, which has made it a favourite first 'big object' for new divers and a classic stop on guided shore dives.
Marine life & what you'll see
The hull and barrel are now dusted with coral and sponge growth, and a busy community has moved in: damselfish dart around the tracks, a moray eel often hides in the chassis, and glassfish gather in the shaded spaces beneath. Because it is so shallow and bright, colours stay vivid and it is an ideal subject for first underwater photos.
Diving The Tank (M42)
At around 6 metres, the Tank is genuinely suitable for everyone — Discover Scuba participants, Open Water students and snorkellers alike. It is usually a calm, easy shore entry, making it a relaxed warm-up dive or a great second site after a deeper boat dive.
Highlights
- Shallow ~6 m artificial reef, reachable from shore
- Perfect first wreck for beginners and snorkellers
- Resident morays, damselfish and glassfish
- Bright, colourful and easy to photograph
Diving conditions & best time
Aqaba offers some of the calmest, most accessible diving in the Red Sea, and The Tank (M42) is no exception. Water temperatures stay comfortable year-round, from about 21°C in winter to 27°C in summer, and visibility commonly runs 15–40 metres. The Tank (M42) is a shore dive, so it can be enjoyed across most of the year; the calm gulf rarely sees big swell, and we dive it in small guided groups with all equipment available.
Who can dive The Tank (M42)?
The Tank (M42) is suitable for divers of all levels, including beginners and students. If you have never dived before you can experience it through a Discover Scuba session or as part of your Open Water course; certified divers of any level are welcome.
Diving The Tank (M42) with Aqaba Dive Academy
When you dive The Tank (M42) with Aqaba Dive Academy you join a small, guided group led by PADI- and CMAS-certified instructors who know the site intimately. All scuba equipment can be included, and we can combine The Tank (M42) with other nearby Aqaba dive sites on the same trip. New to diving, or ready to go deeper? Ask us about the right course — from beginner Open Water to Advanced and beyond.
Plan your trip to Aqaba
The Tank (M42) lies just minutes from Aqaba's South Beach, on Jordan's Red Sea coast. Aqaba has its own international airport (King Hussein International) and is an easy drive from Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum, so a dive here fits neatly into a wider Jordan itinerary. Diving runs year-round — bring sun protection, your certification card and logbook, and we will take care of the rest.
Frequently asked questions
The Tank (M42) reaches ~6 m, and is always dived within the limits of your certification with a guide.
The Tank (M42) is suitable for divers of all levels, including beginners and students. If you have never dived before you can experience it through a Discover Scuba session or as part of your Open Water course; certified divers of any level are welcome.
The Tank (M42) is accessed shore with Aqaba Dive Academy.
Yes — The Tank (M42) is suitable for beginners and students under the supervision of our instructors.
Highlights include: Shallow ~6 m artificial reef, reachable from shore; Perfect first wreck for beginners and snorkellers; Resident morays, damselfish and glassfish.
Diving in Aqaba is possible year-round thanks to its mild climate and relatively warm water; The Tank (M42) is comfortable in every season, and our team is happy to arrange the best time for your visit.
You can book online through our booking page or contact Aqaba Dive Academy directly; we will match the dive to your certification and arrange equipment and guiding.
