SCUBA Diving in Panama City Beach

Introduction:
Recreational diving or sport diving is a type of diving that uses SCUBA equipment for the purpose of leisure and enjoyment. In some diving circles, the term "recreational diving" is used in contradistinction to "technical diving", a more demanding aspect of the sport which requires greater levels of training, experience and equipment.

Scuba-diving has become a popular leisure activity, and many diving locations have some form of dive shop presence that can offer air fills, equipment and training. In tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world, there is a large market in 'holiday divers'; people who train and dive while on holiday, but rarely dive close to home.

Technical diving and use of rebreathers are increasing, particularly in areas of the world where deeper wreck diving is the main underwater attraction. Generally, recreational diving depths are limited to a maximum of between 100 and 130 feet, beyond which a variety of safety issues make it unsafe to dive using recreation diving equipment and practices, and specialized training and equipment for technical diving are needed.

Divers will discover the Gulf of Mexico's most famous wreck, the 465-ft. Empire Mica in Panama City Beach. Dubbed the "wreck capital of the south" by Skin Diver magazine, Panama City Beach is home to many historical wrecks and is the second most explored Florida dive destination. Explore the Grey Ghost, 110-ft. tug: the Chippewa, the 160-ft. coastal freighter; a 441-ft. World War II liberty ship; the 110-ft. tug Chickasaw; and the S.S. Tarpon, a 220-ft. World War II tug. From April through September is the optimum time of year for diving in the waters off Panama City Beach.

Artificial Reefs: A program of artificial reef building was initiated by the Panama City Marine Institute in the 1970s. Panama City Beach is home to some of the most diverse marine life on the Florida Panhandle. Explore the breeding grounds of a variety of fish, corals and sea life. Swim among exotic and beautiful sea life in the warm, clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Divers can explore the multitude of artificial reef sites including: The LOSS Project, Stage I, Stage II, fifteen 160-ft. long and 35-ft. high bridge spans, The City of Atlantis, Twin Barges, and many more.

St. Andrews Jetties: The St. Andrews Park jetties are the perfect place for all level divers. The shallow waters and no boat traffic provide a safe and exciting place to begin one's diving experience. The channel side of the Jetties offer depths of 70 feet and are ideal for drift dives night dives.

Among the top dives in the Panama City Beach area is the USS Strength, a Naval mine sweeper. It's 184 feet long with a 33-foot beam. It's located 5.75 miles from the St. Andrews Pass in 75 feet of water. Decommissioned and used as a Navy dive salvage training site. The bow is broken and laid over the port side. The back three quarters is intact and sits on its keel. The highest superstructure is 55 feet.

Hovercraft, weighs 165 tons, is nearly 100 feet long and has a 48-foot beam. It is located about 6 nautical miles from the pass in 75 feet of water. The craft is made of aluminum and has little growth.

Accokeek, a 195-foot Navy tug boat located 12 nautical miles from the pass in 100 feet of water. The wheelhouse is at 65 feet. The vessel is fully intact and is sitting on its keel.

B. J. Putnam, a 180-ft supply vessel sitting at 105 feet. The supply boat had been converted for use as a processing platform. It was sunk in 1993. It holds a large variety of marine life, and is a good fishing and diving site for advanced divers.

Black Bart, a 185-foot oil field supply ship sits upright in about 75 feet of water. Her bow points due south. The bridge can be reached at 40 feet and the main deck is at 66 feet. The cargo holds are open for exploration. Divers can also explore the head (complete with toilets) and the galley which still has several appliances. The Black Bart is a popular spot for wreck training and for photography. . sits 6.75 nautical miles from the pass in 75 feet of water. The Blackbart is fully intact.

There is an abundance of fish in and around the ship. Turtles have been spotted at times, along with catfish, flounder and grouper. The bottom is a bit silty; visibility is generally 30-45 feet at the main deck. Be sure to bring a dive light. One Halloween, a prankster chained a skeleton, complete with mask and snorkel, to the wheelhouse.

When you vacation at a Dunes of Panama condo in Panama City Beach, nearby local dive shops can assist you with equipment, lessons and charters.