Panama City Beach Dive & Snorkel Sites

Swim And Snorkel With Dolphins
Local Marinas & Dive Shops

Most Famous Wreck

Divers will discover the Gulf of Mexico's most famous wreck, the 465-ft. Empire Mica in Panama City Beach. Dubbed the "wreck capital of the south" by Skin Diver magazine, Panama City Beach is home to many historical wrecks and is the second most explored Florida dive destination. Explore the Grey Ghost, 110-ft. tug: the Chippewa, the 160-ft. coastal freighter; a 441-ft. World War II liberty ship; the 110-ft. tug Chickasaw; and the S.S. Tarpon, a 220-ft. World War II tug. From April through September is the best time of year for diving in the waters off Panama City Beach. U.S. Coast Guard approved safety equipment is featured on the 32-ft. to 48 ft, fiberglass crew boats and can accommodate parties of up to 30 divers. Several full service dive shops provide an array diving and snorkeling gear and offer custom packages that include onshore and offshore diving.

Artificial Reefs

A program of artificial reef building was initiated by the Panama City Marine Institute in the 1970s. Panama City Beach is home to some of the most diverse marine life. Explore the breeding grounds of a variety of fish, corals and sea life. Swim among exotic and beautiful sea life sea life in the warm, clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Divers can explore the multitude of artificial reef sites including: The LOSS Project, Stage I, Stage II, fifteen 160-ft. long and 35-ft. high bridge spans, the City of Atlantis, ten barges, and many more.

St. Andrews Jetties

The St. Andrews Park jetties are the perfect place for beginning snorkelers and divers. The shallow waters and no boat traffic provide a safe and exciting place to begin one's diving experience. Nineteen feet under the surface, an old tar barge is ideal for underwater exploration.

Swim and Snorkel with the Dolphins

Sail aboard the Island Time catamaran on a 3½-hour excursion with a chance to swim with dolphins and collect shells. Snorkel gear and instructions are provided. Wet suits available. The shallow water, lots of marine life and shells make it a great beginning for first timers and families. A deli lunch is served.

Capt. Ashley Gorman Shell Island Cruises

5701 Hwy 98 (East end of Hathaway Bridge)
Panama City, FL 32401
1-850- 785-4878

Swim and snorkel among the dolphins. This natural environment offers a unique experience that is ideal for the entire family. Includes instruction, snorkel gear, and a deli sandwich served with chips and a drink. Wet suits are also available.

Top 5 Dives

USS Strength, a Naval mine sweeper. It's 184 feet long with a 33-foot beam. It's located 5.75 miles from the St. Andrews Pass in 75 feet of water. Decommissioned and used as a Navy dive salvage training site. The bow is broken and laid over the port side. The back three quarters is intact and sits on its keel. The highest superstructure is 55 feet. Loran C coordinates: 14076.8, 46943.9. Blackbart, a supply vessel, is 175 feet long and sits 6.75 nautical miles from the pass in 75 feet of water. The Blackbart is fully intact. The top if the wheelhouse is at 47 feet. Loran C coordinates: 14030.2, 46972.9.

Hovercraft, weighs 165 tons, is nearly 100 feet long and has a 48-foot beam. It is located about 6 nautical miles from the pass in 75 feet of water. The craft is made of aluminum and has little growth. Loran C coordinates: 14038.6, 46976.8.

Black Bart, a 185-foot oil field supply ship sits upright in about 75 feet of water. Her bow points due south. The bridge can be reached at 40 feet and the main deck is at 66 feet. The cargo holds are open for exploration. Divers can also explore the head (complete with toilets) and the galley which still has several appliances. The Black Bart is a popular spot for wreck training and for photography.

There is an abundance of fish in and around the ship. Turtles have been spotted at times, along with catfish, flounder and grouper. The bottom is a bit silty; visibility is generally 20-25 feet at the main deck. Be sure to bring a dive light. One Halloween, a prankster chained a skeleton, complete with mask and snorkel, to the wheelhouse. No word on whether the skeleton is still there. Loran C coordinates: 14030.1, 46972. (Information courtesy divespots.com)

Additional Dive Spots: Additional wreck and artificial reef dive spots and their coordinates can be found on the Bay County Web site: http://www.co.bay.fl.us/community/reefs.html

Dive Shops

Marinas