New vessel deployments will expand the destination’s nationally recognized network of more than 600 artificial reef sites
Panama City Beach is preparing to expand its nationally recognized artificial reef program this fall with three major reef projects, including two decommissioned vessels and a collaborative regional reef, creating new opportunities for diving, fishing and marine conservation across the destination’s network of more than 600 artificial reef sites.
The projects include two decommissioned vessels that will be transformed into artificial reefs, building on the success of the Black Pearl pirate ship reef deployed in 2025, along with the 224-foot Henry Alex vessel, which Visit Panama City Beach is deploying in partnership with Okaloosa County and Coastal Conservation Association Florida. All three vessels will be intentionally deployed offshore, where they will become thriving marine habitats and new destinations for recreational divers and anglers.
“Artificial reefs are unique because every investment in marine conservation also creates new bucket-list experiences for visitors,” said Griff Griffitts, Visit Panama City Beach President and CEO. “We’ve already seen divers travel from around the world to explore the Black Pearl, and these new reef projects will give travelers even more reasons to explore what’s beneath the surface.”
The two Visit Panama City Beach vessels include Final Tow, a 100-foot triple-deck towboat that will be deployed approximately 12 nautical miles from St. Andrews Pass in about 100 feet of water, and Final Haul, a 100-foot steel-hulled trawl boat that will be deployed roughly nine nautical miles offshore in approximately 85 feet of water. The Henry Alex will be deployed approximately 28 nautical miles from St. Andrews Pass in about 120 feet of water.
“We are excited to grow the artificial reef system in Bay County waters,” said Erin Graham, Coastal Resources Manager for Visit Panama City Beach. “As fishing and diving activity in our area grows, expanding our reef system will help reduce overcrowding and distribute fishing pressure across a greater number of reefs.”
Artificial reefs represent a long-term investment in both ecological resilience and visitor experiences, creating habitat, food sources and potential spawning grounds for fish and invertebrates while expanding opportunities for offshore recreation. By strategically expanding its reef network, Panama City Beach is supporting healthier marine ecosystems, distributing recreational activity across a broader system and helping sustain world-class diving and fishing opportunities for future generations.
A distinguishing feature of Panama City Beach’s artificial reef program is its dedicated Coastal Resources team, which oversees reef construction, long-term monitoring and environmental stewardship. By collecting ecological and structural data over time, the team evaluates reef performance, informs future artificial reef development and helps ensure these underwater ecosystems continue to thrive.
Since assuming responsibility for Bay County’s artificial reef program in June 2025, Visit Panama City Beach has completed three new public reef sites, including the Black Pearl pirate ship reef and RESTORE Rubble 9 and 10. This fall’s deployments mark the program’s next chapter.
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