adventuretampa.com · Operator
Local operator page for Blackthorn history and charter context.
Dive Spot Guide•
Blackthorn (Wreck)
Historic offshore wreck on the Pinellas #2 reef
Local operator required
Offshore wreck on Pinellas #2; use a local charter or operator that runs the Tampa/Clearwater wreck circuit.
Boat-only wreck dive with two inverted sections, silt-sensitive visibility, and an advanced profile that rewards tight buoyancy control.
About Blackthorn (Wreck)
Blackthorn is a historic offshore wreck and artificial reef on Pinellas #2, sunk after the 1980 Blackthorn-Capricorn collision near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The wreck sits in two inverted sections, so the dive is about circling the structure rather than entering it. It is a boat-only advanced wreck dive where silt, current, and offshore weather can change the feel of the site fast.
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Research Estimate At Blackthorn (Wreck)
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 12m
AccessChallenging entry effort
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesLimited facilities
Crowd / PopularityQuite busy
CurrentModerate current
Where Is Blackthorn (Wreck)?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Blackthorn (Wreck) Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
19m - 24.4m
Depth Note
Official reef listings place Blackthorn on Pinellas #2 around the 80-foot class. Dive guides and charters commonly describe the wreck as roughly 62-80 feet, with the upper structure much shallower than the bottom.
Best Season
Year-round; choose the calmest Gulf weather window you can get.
Typical Conditions
Offshore wreck conditions vary day to day. Expect a silt-sensitive, weather-driven dive with visibility and current that can swing faster than at inshore reefs.
Safety & Access At Blackthorn (Wreck)
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Low visibilityOverhead environmentStrong current
Safety Notes
Stay outside the wreck unless your captain explicitly clears a controlled entry plan. The sections are inverted and silt can erase visibility fast.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only; offshore charter recommended.
Legal Notes
Public artificial reef site; follow reef rules, captain instructions, and any site-specific boating restrictions. Do not remove wreck material.
Local Intel For Blackthorn (Wreck)
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Best as an advanced open-water wreck dive. The wreck is broken into two sections, penetration is not recommended, and good buoyancy control matters.
Freediving
Not a freedive target; this is an offshore wreck dive that suits scuba more than breath-hold work.
Snorkeling
Not a snorkel site; the wreck is too offshore and deep for practical surface viewing.
Wildlife at Blackthorn (Wreck)
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Blackthorn (Wreck)
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Blackthorn (Wreck)
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility12m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
