Thanks to an abundance of natural, historical and artificial reefs, Panama City Beach is known as the "Wreck Capital of the South." The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico encourage rapid growth, making the area an excellent home and breeding ground for all types of sea life. Sea turtles, giant manta rays, puffer fish, sand dollars, blue marlin and horseshoe crab are just a few of the species that inhabit these emerald waters.
Historic wrecks include a 441-foot World War II liberty ship; a 220-foot tug, The Chippewa; a 160-foot coastal freighter, the S.S. Tarpon; the 100-foot tug, The Chickasaw; and the 110-foot tug, The Grey Ghost; as well as the Gulf of Mexico's most famous wreck, the 465-foot Empire Mica.
A community-coordinated project with Panama City Marine Institute has developed 50 artificial reefs off Panama City Beach. These include Stage I, Stage II, fifteen 160-foot long and 35-foot high bridge spans, ten barges, the City of Atlantis, the LOSS Project and many more. The natural reefs range in depth from 80 to 100 feet and are just a few miles offshore. These reefs range in height from three to eight feet and are teeming with sea life, including small corals and colorful sponges. Closer to shore, the jetties at St. Andrews State Park are popular snorkeling sites.
The best time of the year for diving in the waters off Panama City Beach is April through September. Parties of up to 30 people can enjoy both inshore and offshore diving. Crafts include 32-foot to 48-foot fiberglass customized and converted crew boats and all carry U.S. Coast Guard approved safety equipment. Several full-service dive shops in the area offer customized packages and snorkeling gear.
For more information, call 1-800-PCBEACH. In Canada, call 1-800-553-1330.
