Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Explore the Underwater World

Scuba diving and snorkeling are great choices if you like underwater exploration. Panama City Beach is considered North Florida’s number one diving area. It has a great variety of dive sites including natural and artificial reefs and many historical wrecks. Exotic sea life such as tropical fish, corals, manta rays, dolphins, turtles and more abound in the warm waters of the Gulf Coast dive sites.

For your vacation enjoyment, contact a local dive shop such as Panama City Dive Center or Dive Locker. Both are located on Thomas Drive. You can learn more about the local dive sites and book an excursion or diving charter. Many offer lessons as well. Want to avoid crowds or do something a little different? Down Time Dive Charters will do a trip personalized for your preferences and experience. They will also take photos of your trip! Panama City Dive Services, LLC does spear fishing trips as well as diving trips. Shell Island and the jetties in St. Andrews State Park are both popular near shore places for snorkeling and diving.

Panama City Beach has been called the Wreck Capital of the South. The most famous wreck in the area is the SS Empire Mica. It is a 465’ ship which was torpedoed and during World War II. SS Tarpon is an 1887 cargo and passenger freighter which went down in 1937. The Tarpon site has been designated as a State Underwater Archaeological Preserve. Other wrecks in the area include USS Strength, Grey Ghost, Chickasaw, T 33 Airplane and Simpson.

Besides hundreds of natural reefs, there are also over 50 artificial reefs in Panama City Beach. These include bridge spans, barges, box cars, trash piles, aircraft, a helicopter, boats and more. Because of the abundant sea life, all these diving sites are also popular fishing spots.

Have a Great Story or Photo from Your Scuba Diving or Snorkeling Adventure?

Did you have a great time snorkeling or diving in the Panama City Beach area? Did you get awesome sea life pictures? Did you find a terrific dive charter company? Tell us about it!

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