Artificial Reefs
Panama City Beach is home to one of Florida’s most ambitious and innovative artificial reef programs! Our reefs are 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.
2025 Updates
- CVB Coastal Resources sinks the Black Pearl!
- 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. CVB Coastal Resources will oversee the creation, maintenance, and monitoring of artificial reefs that enhance marine habitat, support the conservation of local fish species, and contribute to 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.
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 a Large Area Artificial Reef Site (LAARS A&B).
The process includes application, material inspection, applicable fees, and post-deployment verification.
View Approved Artificial Reef Materials here!
📧 For private reef inquiries: reefs@visitpanamacitybeach.com