Adventure seekers and diving enthusiasts don’t have to look far for their next underwater adventure. Within the 27 miles of Panama City Beach’s coastline, you’ll find numerous spectacular dive sites, earning the area the nickname “Wreck Capital of the South.” From inshore reefs to offshore wrecks, every artificial reef and jetty offers a unique diving experience waiting to be explored. We’re excited to welcome you back soon for your next dive!
Many of these sites feature historic shipwrecks that provide thrilling adventures for divers of all skill levels. The warm gulf waters promote rapid reef growth and serve as breeding grounds for diverse marine life. The best time to dive and discover this underwater world is between April and September. Here are some of the top dive sites popular with locals and visitors alike, both inshore and offshore:
El Dorado
Situated 12 miles offshore, the El Dorado was a cruise liner damaged by Hurricane Michael and later sunk in May to become an artificial reef. This effort was a collaboration between Bay County officials and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, creating a thriving habitat for sea creatures and an exciting site for divers.
Liberty Ship
This World War II-era ship was deliberately sunk in 1977 to form an artificial reef just over 7 miles west of the St. Andrews Jetties. Resting at 77 feet underwater, the 441-foot-long and 20-foot-high vessel is a favorite dive spot, offering impressive exploration opportunities.
Chickasaw
Located only about three miles east of the St. Andrews Bay Marina Entrance Channel, the Chickasaw lies in shallow waters of 70 to 80 feet. Built in 1908 as a twin-engine steam tug, this 107-foot vessel sank at the dock in the 1970s and now serves as an open-structured artificial reef, providing an exciting site to explore.
Commander
About 8 miles from the St. Andrews Jetties, the Commander is a 65-foot steel-hulled tugboat resting upright at 96 feet deep in the gulf. Discovered in 1979, this intact wreck is a favorite among underwater photographers and a hotspot for spotting amberjack and groupers.
Grey Ghost
This former Navy tugboat lies more than 20 miles from the St. Andrews Jetties. Sunk in 1978 as an artificial reef, the 105-foot-long vessel rests on its port side in 108 feet of water along a natural limestone reef. Its mostly intact steel hull and wheelhouse make it a prime location for underwater photography and marine life viewing.
Spanish Shanty Barge
In just 20 feet of water near the northwest corner of Shell Island inside St. Andrews Bay, the Spanish Shanty is a 150-foot-long old tar barge that supports a variety of marine species including sheepshead, banded tulip snails, and mullet. Known as the “Tar Barge,” this shallow reef is perfect for closer-to-shore dives.
Life Boats
This unique site features several steel-hulled lifeboats salvaged from Liberty Ships scrapped at the Panama City port. Tied together and sunk in about 25 feet of water just north of Shell Island, these lifeboats create an accessible and safe artificial reef ideal for beginner divers to gain confidence and experience.
