Explore the underwater stories of Panama City.
The Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail features 20 unique dive sites across the Gulf, each with its own history, structure, and marine life. From Panama City, divers can access six of these remarkable shipwrecks, all within easy reach of local marinas. To visit these sites, book a trip with Big Blue Dive Boat, which launches from Bristol Harbor Marina in Downtown Panama City. Whether you are completing your dive log or starting your first wreck adventure, this is the place to dive deep into Florida’s maritime past.
Dive Sites Accessible from Panama City
Black Bart
Originally named Vulcano del Golfo, this offshore supply vessel was sunk in 1993 in memory of Navy Supervisor Captain Charles “Black Bart” Bartholomew. Divers can explore the intact wheelhouse at 40 feet, examine the deck at 66 feet, and access the open cargo holds near 80 feet. Inside the vessel, you will even find the galley and ship’s head.
Depth: 85 ft. | Length: 185 ft. | Location: 30° 3.61’ N, 085° 49.45’ W
FAMI Tugs
Originally sunk bow to bow and tethered together, these two tugboats were later stacked by a storm that shifted one on top of the other. Today, they create a unique double-wreck dive that gives visitors a close-up look at the strength of both the vessels and the surrounding marine environment.
Depth: 100 ft. | Length: 85 & 95 ft. | Location: 29° 58.132’ N, 085° 51.259’ W
USS Accokeek
Built in 1944, USS Accokeek served in World War II and continued its career supporting the U.S. Navy around the world. After decades of service, it was used for training at the Navy Dive School in Panama City before being sunk as an artificial reef in 2000. The tug now rests in 100 feet of water and offers a fascinating dive filled with history.
Depth: 100 ft. | Length: 143 ft. | Location: 29° 58.475’ N, 085° 51.915’ W
USS Strength
A World War II minesweeper, USS Strength survived combat off Iwo Jima and Okinawa before serving as a training vessel in Panama City. Sunk in 1987, it lay on its side for several years until a hurricane repositioned it upright in 1995. Today, the wreck sits in less than 80 feet of water and offers accessible diving with visible sections of the hull and bow.
Depth: 80 ft. | Length: 184.5 ft. | Location: 30° 01.936’ N, 085° 42.413’ W
USS Chippewa
Launched in 1942, the USS Chippewa served throughout the Atlantic, completing missions from Casablanca to Newfoundland. The tugboat was retired and sunk in 1990 as a training platform for Navy divers. Now resting upright in 100 feet of water, the Chippewa is a large, rewarding site with opportunities for both exploration and marine life sightings.
Depth: 100 ft. | Length: 205 ft. | Location: 29° 57.700’ N, 085° 48.220’ W
El Dorado
El Dorado began as a luxury cruise ship but met a different fate after being beached by two hurricanes. In 2019, it was deployed as an artificial reef 12 nautical miles off the coast of Panama City. Today, this 157-foot vessel sits in 103 feet of water and serves as both a habitat and a reminder of the region’s resilience.
Depth: 103 ft. | Length: 157 ft. | Location: 29° 58.9164’ N, 085° 50.9502’ W
