The newest addition joins 50+ dive sites in the “Wreck-Diving Capital of the South”
One of the top dive destinations in Florida, Panama City Beach has expanded its nationally recognized artificial reef program with the deployment of Black Pearl, a 97-foot, steel-hulled pirate-themed vessel now resting 6.01 nautical miles southwest of St. Andrews Pass, consistently ranked among the nation’s best beaches and celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2026.
Black Pearl adds a distinctive new dive experience to more than 50 existing sites, strengthening the destination’s reputation as the Wreck-Diving Capital of the South. Positioned in 75 feet of water, with the top of the structure reaching 54 feet below the surface, the site is accessible to Open Water Certified divers and began attracting marine life within days. To add a touch of Panama City Beach’s signature coastal character underwater, students from Haney Technical College crafted several pirate-inspired, heavy-gauge steel elements—including cannons, a treasure chest, a plank and a welded flag—designed to enhance the dive experience while supporting long-term reef development.
“Expanding our artificial reef program supports sustainable fisheries while creating incredible new places for divers and anglers to explore,” said Jayna Leach, Senior Vice President and CMO of Visit Panama City Beach. “Diving and fishing are core to who we are as a destination, and the TDC and CVB are committed to building reefs that deliver long-term environmental value and memorable experiences for visitors.”
A Standout Destination for 2026 Diving Adventures
Panama City Beach offers 320 days of sunshine, one of the world’s highest concentrations of bottlenose dolphins, 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, plus year-round diving for every skill level. Its offshore network includes natural limestone formations and notable wrecks such as the Black Bart and El Dorado, alongside tugboats, trawlers, bridge spans, military tanks and steel structures that make the region a favorite among divers and underwater photographers.
The destination’s diving culture is also shaped by its pioneering role in ocean exploration. The Man in the Sea Museum, which celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Sea Lab program last year, highlights Bay County’s contributions to open-water saturation diving and remains a must-visit for travelers interested in marine history.
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