Known as the “Wreck Capital of the South,” Panama City Beach is one of Florida’s premier scuba diving destinations. Beneath the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico lies a fascinating underwater world filled with vibrant marine life, natural limestone reefs, and dozens of historic shipwrecks.
Divers can explore everything from sunken tugboats and navy vessels to artificial reefs that attract schools of snapper, grouper, and colorful tropical fish. Popular dive sites like the USS Strength, the Black Bart Shipwreck, and the Bridge Span 14 Reef offer unforgettable adventures for both beginner and advanced divers.
Certified dive shops and charters provide all the gear, safety briefings, and expert guidance needed to make the experience safe and memorable. Visibility is often excellent, giving you the chance to encounter dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and even the occasional gentle shark.
Whether you’re earning your first dive certification or looking for a thrilling new wreck to explore, scuba diving in Panama City Beach offers the perfect mix of adventure and discovery. It’s not just a dive—it’s an opportunity to see Florida’s Gulf Coast from an entirely new perspective.