Dive-site story
Circle of Heroes is a dedicated underwater veterans memorial located offshore in the Gulf of Mexico off Pinellas County. Twelve concrete, life-sized statues representing various branches of the United States armed forces stand in a ring on a sandy sea floor around a central monument. Because the site functions as an artificial reef, local Gulf marine species readily gather among the statues and base plinths.
Ring of life-sized military service statues dedicated to veterans
Frequent encounters with resident goliath groupers using the statues for cover
Photogenic clear-water days highlighting the circular memorial layout
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Late spring through early autumn provides calmer seas, warmer water, and generally better underwater clarity.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Goliath GrouperEpinephelus itajara | Common | ||||||||||||
| Atlantic SpadefishChaetodipterus faber | Common | ||||||||||||
| Gray TriggerfishBalistes capriscus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Southern StingrayHypanus americanus | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Loggerhead Sea TurtleCaretta caretta | Seasonal |
Marine forecast
