Panama City: Wreck & Bridge Span Dive for Certified Divers

Summary

Certified divers explore Panama City shipwrecks & bridge spans with local guides and snacks included

You’ll join a small group of certified divers exploring Panama City’s shipwrecks and bridge spans with a local guide who knows every bolt underwater. Two dive sites, snacks on deck, fresh fruit, and all fees are part of the day—plus stories you’ll probably remember longer than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the morning light hit the water off Panama City — kind of silvery, almost flat, but you could smell salt and engine oil from the charter boat. Our guide, Mike (he grew up here — you can tell by his accent), handed out weights and checked our cert cards without making it weird. I fumbled mine twice. We were four on board, everyone a little quiet before that first drop. You could hear gulls fighting over something behind us.

Diving these wrecks and bridge spans isn’t like what I’d seen in glossy magazines — it’s rougher around the edges, more real. The structures start at about 50 feet down, but we went deeper, maybe 70 or so at the max. Visibility was decent — not crystal clear but enough to see flashes of fish darting between beams. At one point I brushed against something that felt like velvet algae (or maybe just old rope?), and for a second I thought about how many stories these sunken things must hold. Mike pointed out a big sheepshead hiding under metal — he called it “the old grump.”

Between dives we sat on deck eating crackers and Snickers bars (I’m still not sure if chocolate tastes better after saltwater or if I was just hungry). Someone passed around Gatorade and fruit; my hands were shaking a little from the chill. There’s this weird camaraderie that happens after you surface — nobody talks much about work or home, just about what they saw or missed down there. The sun finally broke through for our ride back and everything felt warmer than before.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wreck and Bridge Span Dive Charter

• Meet at Panama City Beach
• Check certification for divers
• Board dive charter boat
• Dive at first wreck site (50-75 feet)
• Dive at second bridge span site
• Return to shore after 4 hours

Top questions

Do I need to be certified to join this wreck & bridge span dive?

Yes, all divers must show proof of open water certification to participate.

How deep are the dive sites near Panama City?

The tops of the structures are at 50 feet; maximum depth is around 75 feet.

How long does the whole trip take?

The charter typically lasts about 4 hours including travel to two different sites.

Is rental gear included in the price?

No, rental gear is available at an additional cost if needed.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the dive trip?

Yes, crackers, Snickers bars, fresh fruit, water, and Gatorade are included for customers.

How many people are needed for the charter to run?

A minimum of four participants per charter is required.

Can pregnant travelers join this dive tour?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to safety concerns.

Is this suitable for people with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Will there be a local guide on board?

Yes, an experienced local guide leads every dive trip.

What’s included

Your day includes all taxes and fees covered up front; lead weights are provided for every diver; enjoy crackers, Snickers bars, fresh fruit plus water and Gatorade between dives; rental gear is available if you need it—just ask ahead when booking your spot on board.