Bay County Artificial Reefs (Panama City Beach)
Bay County Artificial Reefs are concrete, pyramid-shaped structures placed in the Gulf of Mexico off Panama City Beach, Florida, by Bay County with UF-IFAS Extension. WJHG reported in March 2025 that 10 new structures were deployed, and officials said those deployments were too far offshore to be good for diving. The sources reviewed do not include an official list of dive sites for Panama City Beach, so check before you go with Bay County or UF-IFAS Extension.
Should you go to Bay County Artificial Reefs (Panama City Beach) today?
Better pick another day
- Wind up to 20 mph on the water.
- Moderate rip current risk.
- Dry daytime forecast.
- Up to 70°F.
- Mon 19Breezy, up to 15 mph
- Tue 20Light wind, up to 10 mph
- Wed 21Light wind, up to 10 mph
- Thu 22Light wind, up to 10 mph
- Fri 23Light wind, up to 10 mph
Weather at Bay County Artificial Reefs (Panama City Beach), today
| Time | Sky | Temp | Wind | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 am | Sunny | 55°F | ENE 15 mph | 0% |
| 9 am | Sunny | 59°F | NE 20 mph | 0% |
| 11 am | Sunny | 64°F | NE 15 mph | 0% |
| 1 pm | Sunny | 68°F | NE 15 mph | 0% |
| 3 pm | Sunny | 69°F | NE 15 mph | 0% |
| 5 pm | Sunny | 69°F | NE 15 mph | 0% |
Tides
| Tide | Time | Height |
|---|---|---|
| High | Sun 2:18 am | 1.8 ft |
| Low | Sun 2:27 pm | 0.3 ft |
| High | Mon 3:14 am | 1.7 ft |
| Low | Mon 2:57 pm | 0.4 ft |
Beach and surf
| Rip Current Risk | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Surf Height | Around 1 foot |
| Water Temperature | 78 degrees |
| UV Index | High |
Daylight
| Sunrise | 6:46 am |
|---|---|
| Sunset | 6:09 pm |
| Question visitors ask | What are the best dive sites and wrecks off Panama City Beach? |
|---|---|
| County | Bay County |
What are the artificial reefs off Panama City Beach?
The Bay County Artificial Reefs are concrete structures with embedded limestone, shaped like pyramids with holes that let fish swim through and that sea turtles can pass through. Bay County and UF-IFAS Extension deployed 10 more structures in March 2025, according to a WJHG report dated March 19, 2025. The reefs were paid for with recovery funds from the 2010 BP oil spill and are one part of a larger reef complex across several Florida Panhandle counties.
The reefs were placed because the area has sandy bottom with little hard structure, so they add habitat for fish and other wildlife.
Can you dive the Bay County artificial reefs?
WJHG reported that officials said the 2025 deployments they saw were too far off the coast to be good for diving. The same article said the planned sinking of the SS United States, a ship off the Florida Panhandle, would create a dive site for novice and experienced divers alike.
According to a captain with Big Blue Dive Boat quoted by WJHG, the ship was planned to rest in 180 feet of water with its top at about 50 feet. The sources do not give a sinking date, so check before you go.
What fishing and shellfish rules apply in Bay County?
Bay County is closed to scalloping, shellfish, and oysters, according to the Panama City Beach visitor site. The same page lists daily fishing licenses at the Russell-Fields (City) Pier for $7.00 and at the M.B. Miller (County) Pier for $6.00, with pier walking fees of $3.00 at both piers.
The pier rates are stated as subject to change, so call the Russell-Fields Pier at (850) 233-5080 or the M.B. Miller Pier at (850) 236-3035 before you go.
Bay County Artificial Reefs (Panama City Beach): questions visitors ask
What are the best dive sites and wrecks off Panama City Beach?
The sources reviewed do not include an official ranked list of dive sites off Panama City Beach. The 2025 Bay County pyramid reefs were described by officials as too far offshore for diving, and the SS United States is planned as a future dive site.
Can you dive the new Bay County artificial reefs?
According to WJHG, officials said the deployments they saw were too far off the coast to be good for diving. Check before you go with Bay County or UF-IFAS Extension about current access.
What are the Bay County artificial reefs made of?
WJHG reported that the reefs are made of concrete with embedded limestone to resemble the natural limestone on the sea floor. The shape includes holes that let fish and sea turtles move through.
Who paid for the new Bay County reefs?
WJHG reported that the funding came from recovery funds following the 2010 BP oil spill. The article does not give a dollar amount.
Can you harvest scallops, shellfish or oysters in Bay County?
No. The Panama City Beach visitor site states that Bay County is closed to scalloping, shellfish, and oysters.
How much is a daily fishing license at the Russell-Fields Pier?
The Panama City Beach visitor site lists a daily fishing license at the Russell-Fields (City) Pier for $7.00. The site says rates are subject to change, so call (850) 233-5080 to confirm.
Where is the SS United States planned to be sunk?
WJHG quoted a captain with Big Blue Dive Boat saying the ship was planned to be sunk in 180 feet of water, with its top at about 50 feet. The article does not give a date, so check before you go.
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