Panama City Beach was directly hit by Hurricane Michael in October 2018. It is a Category 4 storm. It was the most powerful storm ever to hit the Panhandle, with sustained winds of 154 mph. Hurricane-force winds affected over 650 artificial reefs.
Scuba Dive Panama City Beach is a new dive shop that can be a great asset for divers. You can also get certified by PADI, the largest scuba certification agency in the world. You will be a better diver and more confident thanks to their expertise.
The Black Bart is a 180-foot boat that was built as an artificial coral reef. Vulcano del Golfo was established in 1977 to honor Charles' Black Bart Bartholomew who was Navy Supervisor of Salvage Capt. Bartholomew died while diving off Panama City Beach on September 30, 1990. His feats include leading the Navy in the cleanup of Exxon Valdez's oil spillage.
In 1985, a Navy hovercraft measuring 100 feet in length was destroyed by the sea. The twin aluminum pontoons, which rise 10 feet above the ocean floor, are in good condition. Although the hovercraft is unique, it wouldn't make a great feature dive site. It's also close to the Black Bart. You can still swim laps around the structure, and float up and back down the stairs.
Grey Ghost is a long offshore dive that takes 6-8 hours. Although she is only a 105-foot vessel, the amazing diversity of aquatic life makes this dive extraordinary. The natural reef she came to rest on was enhanced with fiberglass boats and scrap metal, making it an ideal spot for fish habitat.
The SS Tarpon is a historical shipwreck. In 1937, she sank and claimed the lives of 18 crewmembers, including Willis G. Barrow (captain). Adley Baker, one of the crew members, was able to swim 9 miles in gale-force wind to reach shore. It was a 25-hour marathon, but Adley Baker lived to tell it all.
This site is unique because of its structure. Divers can explore the wheelhouse from 40 feet below. The deck is located at 66 feet down and has access to the cargo holds. On the sand, the ship's head (toilet), can be seen outside the wreck. It is adorned with a smiling skull. You can also find plenty of sealife at the nearby Warsaw Reef.
Never hold your breath
As every good entry-level dive student knows, this is the most important rule of scuba. And for good reason — breath holding underwater can result in serious injury and even death. In accordance with Boyle's law, the air in a diver's lungs expands during ascent and contracts during descent.
As you become a qualified scuba diver, you learn the basics of an essential scuba system. A cylinder, weights, an exposure suit, regulators, BCD gauge and timing device, mask and fins are the bare essentials.