Artificial Reefs

Panama City Beach is home to one of Florida’s most ambitious and innovative artificial reef programs — designed to enhance marine habitat while creating incredible opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and fishing.

From large-scale reef structures to unique reef vessels, PCB’s reefs attract marine life, support sustainable fisheries, and deliver unforgettable experiences on and below the water.

Why Artificial Reefs Matter

Artificial reefs in Panama City Beach do more than sit on the seafloor — they create thriving underwater ecosystems that benefit both marine life and those who come to explore it.

Here’s what makes them special:

  • Provide habitat for fish, corals, and marine species

  • Help relieve pressure on natural reefs

  • Create consistent, productive locations for fishing

  • Offer exciting dive sites for all experience levels

Whether you’re dropping a line or exploring below the surface, artificial reefs make every trip out on the water more rewarding.

Built for Diving and Fishing

PCB’s artificial reef system was intentionally designed to support multiple uses — making it equally valuable for divers and anglers.

For Divers & Snorkelers

  • Large structures create dramatic underwater landscapes

  • Reefs attract abundant marine life year-round

  • Sites range from shallow nearshore reefs to advanced offshore dives

For Anglers

  • Strong reef structure attracts baitfish and game fish

  • Reliable, repeatable fishing locations

  • Seasonal variety driven by healthy reef ecosystems

2025 Updates

  • The Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is proud to announce that it has officially assumed responsibility for managing the Bay County Artificial Reef Program. The CVB will oversee the creation, maintenance, and monitoring of artificial reefs that enhance marine habitat, support the conservation of local fish species, and contribute to Bay County’s coastal tourism. This transition strengthens ongoing efforts to promote sustainable recreation and responsible stewardship of our Gulf waters. 

  • Bay County, in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, successfully completed Phase I of Bay County’s NRDA Artificial Reef Project. March 2025, thirty Super Reefs were deployed in federal waters within the LAARS B permitted area. Each 18-ton concrete Super Reef was carefully engineered to create diverse marine habitat, featuring a 25-foot vertical profile that attracts pelagic species like amberjack. Layered EcoDiscs at the base provide ideal shelter for juvenile fish and baitfish, helping to foster a thriving underwater ecosystem. Located southwest of St. Andrew Bay Pass, the new reef sites sit 17 - 32.5 nautical miles offshore. This deployment marks a major step toward enhancing offshore habitat and strengthening Bay County’s growing artificial reef network.

  • April 2025, the 89-foot Capt. Hornblower tugboat was successfully deployed 13 nautical miles southwest of St. Andrews Pass, adding a new site to Bay County’s expanding artificial reef network. Resting in 96 feet of water, the vessel provides valuable habitat for reef fish, while its vertical structure helps attract pelagic species from the surrounding area. With its solid construction and strong habitat potential, the Capt. Hornblower is expected to develop into a productive site for marine life and a popular destination for local divers and anglers.

  • In 2025, Panama City Beach welcomed a truly iconic addition to its artificial reef system with the sinking of the Black Pearl — a 97-foot steel pirate ship originally built for Pirates of the Caribbean–themed productions. Carefully prepared and placed offshore, the vessel was transformed into a new artificial reef designed to create marine habitat while offering an exciting new site for divers and anglers.

Private Artificial Reefs in Panama City Beach

In Florida, artificial reefs may only be constructed by state or local coastal governments within permitted zones. Because of long-term liability requirements, private citizens and organizations cannot receive reef permits directly.

Panama City Beach offers a unique private reef program that allows eligible Bay County residents to apply for the deployment of unpublished artificial reefs within existing county-held permitted areas. These private reefs help reduce fishing pressure on public reefs while supporting healthy marine habitats.

The process includes an application, material inspection, applicable fees, and post-deployment verification.

📧 For private reef inquiries: reefs@visitpanamacitybeach.com