The Best Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach, Florida, offers exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving, with warm, clear waters nearly all year long. The popular Gulf Coast destination also provides great options for beginners and advanced enthusiasts to explore underwater.

These qualities make Panama City Beach the top snorkeling and scuba diving destination along the Florida Panhandle—and one of the most popular in the state. The best spots for scuba diving and snorkeling in Panama City Beach include St. Andrews State Park, Shell Island, and the Black Bart and USS Strength sites.

The Best Places for Snorkeling in Panama City Beach

The clear waters around Panama City Beach are home to diverse marine life, making it a top destination for snorkeling. Visitors can snorkel jetties and waters off barrier islands at several popular Panama City Beach locations, including St. Andrews State Park, Shell Island, the jetties at St. Andrews Pass, and Camp Helen State Park.

St. Andrews State Park

On the eastern end of Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park offers easy snorkeling access right from the shore. The jetties here create a natural breakwater, making the water calm and clear. Snorkelers spot tropical fish, crabs, rays, and even the occasional octopus.

Shell Island

Accessible by boat or shuttle, Shell Island is an undeveloped barrier island between St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf. The shallow waters here give snorkelers chances to see sea turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish.

The Jetties at St. Andrews Pass

The jetties at the mouth of St. Andrews Pass provide a great opportunity for adventurous snorkelers. The tidal currents here bring in clear Gulf water and attract a variety of marine species. Experienced snorkelers can drift along the rocks and watch for schools of baitfish, as well as barracuda and stingrays.

Camp Helen State Park

On the western end of Panama City Beach, Camp Helen State Park features coastal dune lakes and calm Gulf waters. The peaceful, scenic spot gives snorkelers the opportunity to spot small fish and shorebirds.

Top Spots for Scuba Diving in Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach does not have natural coral reefs, but the area—known as the “Wreck Capital of the South”—does feature some of the most exciting scuba diving sites and artificial reefs in Florida. The best spots for scuba diving in Panama City Beach, Florida, include:

Black Bart Shipwreck

The Black Bart shipwreck is the area’s best-known dive site. It is home to a 185-foot oil field supply ship that was intentionally sunk in 1993 to form an artificial reef. Here, scuba divers can see schools of snapper, amberjack, and grouper. Adventurous divers can swim through the ship’s open holds and wheelhouse, too.

USS Strength Shipwreck

This former Navy minesweeper was used for training exercises before being sunk as a reef in 1987. Resting at about 75 feet deep, it is a favorite among intermediate divers who enjoy exploring its intact hull. Divers can also view marine life, including spadefish, barracuda, and the occasional sea turtle.

USS Accokeek Shipwreck

The USS Accokeek is a Navy tug boat that now rests in roughly 95 feet of water near Panama City Beach. It attracts amberjack, grouper, and other larger fish, making it an exciting site for divers looking to explore a wreck and see marine life.

Snorkeling and Scuba Tours and Gear Rental in Panama City Beach

The area features plenty of tours and charters that cater to scuba divers and snorkelers of every skill level. Many Panama City Beach shops and vendors also provide scuba diving and snorkeling gear rental.

Top Panama City Beach snorkeling tour vendors, scuba diving tour operators, and gear rental providers include:

• Panama City Dive Center – A full-service shop providing scuba certifications, wreck dives, snorkeling charters, and rental equipment for both scuba diving and snorkeling
• Dive Locker – Offers scuba training courses, guided reef and wreck trips, and scuba gear rental
• Panama City Diving – Provides scuba diving training, charters, certifications, and guided dives
• Shell Island Shuttle – A convenient, budget-friendly way to reach Shell Island, with snorkeling gear rentals available
• Coastal Wildlife Adventures® – Offers small-group trips to Shell Island that combine dolphin watching with snorkeling

Note that while scuba certification is not required for diving in Florida, it is highly recommended for safety reasons. Most dive shops refuse to rent scuba equipment to divers without an Open Water certification. Some tour operators feature supervised “discover scuba” experiences for beginners, no certification required.

Planning Your Panama City Beach Adventures

The splash-worthy adventures in Panama City Beach don’t end with snorkeling and scuba diving. In addition to miles of beautiful beaches, the area provides excellent year-round fishing opportunities and plentiful watersports. It’s also known for its fresh-caught seafood, a wealth of outdoor activities, and abundant shopping destinations.

When looking for a place to stay in the Panama City Beach area, choose comfortable options that put you within easy reach of your chosen activities. Vacation Escapes is an ideal place to find your Panama City Beach accommodations, offering conveniently located condos in some of the top spots on the Emerald Coast. Our beachfront properties in the area include:

• Landmark Holiday Beach Resort
• Panama City Resort & Club

Both resorts offer exceptional oceanfront views and a range of attractive amenities. Find the perfect place to stay during your next Gulf Coast getaway today at Vacation Escapes.