There is quite an extensive collection of artificial reef material deployed around Panama City Beach. Materials range from bridge pilings to old piers to specially designed reef habitat. Most of these sites wouldn’t attract divers on their own, but when you see a sunken ship surrounded by reef modules, you can bet there will be lots of fish down there.
Divers with diverse experience can take a variety classes to earn their scuba diving certification.
In October of 2018, Panama City Beach took a direct hit from Hurricane Michael, a category 4 storm. With maximum sustained winds 154 mph and over 10 ft storm surge, it was the strongest storm on record to make landfall in the Panhandle. Over 650 artificial reef patches experienced hurricane-force winds.
Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association members and Florida Wildlife Commission produced a report that assessed the impact on the reefs. They found that the Varmar reef, which isn't shown on our dive map as it's off Mexico Beach), had suffered the most damage since it was in 25 feet of water. Only 35% of original reef material was left. The artificial reefs in shallow and medium water remained unaffected. Below is an illustration from that report which shows the path the hurricane took through the wrecks, reefs, and beaches of Panama City Beach.
Both beginners and experts can find excellent diving spots at Panama City Beach. You can find over 50 artificial coral reefs within walking distance of the World's Most Beautiful Beaches. This includes bridge spans, shipspans, bridges and hundreds of natural limestone coral reefs. They range in depths from 18 to 110ft.
Looking for something different? Get your Open Water Scuba Diving Certificate in 3 Days. Your certification is valid for your whole life. The classes are small enough that you will not face any scheduling difficulties. We offer refreshers for anyone who is already certified but has not done so in a while. Give us the call to be added to our schedule.
The Black Bart is a 180' vessel sunk in 1993 as an artificial reef. Christened Vulcano del Golfo in 1977, the site commemorates Charles’ Black Bart’ Bartholomew, Navy Supervisor of Salvage Captain, who died while diving off Panama City Beach in 1990. His exploits include heading up the recovery of the Space Shuttle Challenger and leading the Navy’s cleanup of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, which is poetic since the Black Bart is an oil rig supply ship.
Never hold your breath
As every good entry-level dive student knows, this is the most important rule of scuba. And for good reason — breath holding underwater can result in serious injury and even death. In accordance with Boyle's law, the air in a diver's lungs expands during ascent and contracts during descent.
As you become a qualified scuba diver, you learn the basics of an essential scuba system. A cylinder, weights, an exposure suit, regulators, BCD gauge and timing device, mask and fins are the bare essentials.