Clear waters and abundant marine life make Panama City Beach one of Florida’s premier scuba destinations. From beginner-friendly shallow reefs to advanced wreck explorations, this Gulf Coast gem delivers year-round underwater adventures.
Small-group tours stand out for their personalized instruction and safety-first approach. The half-day introductory programs are perfect for newcomers, while certified divers will appreciate the comprehensive 3-day skills courses that combine pool, shore, and boat training.
We especially love the guided reef tours for their spectacular marine encounters and expert local knowledge. The wreck expeditions consistently earn top marks for their historical insights and abundant sea life.
Check out our favorite tours that showcase the best of Panama City Beach’s underwater realm:
Good To Know
- Panama City Beach offers beginner-friendly scuba diving excursions with necessary equipment, guidance, and opportunities to see marine life.
- No prior scuba experience is required to explore the underwater wonders of Panama City Beach, with hotel pickup and personalized group sizes.
- Beginner scuba diving tours in St. Andrews State Park provide all gear, experienced instructors, and the chance to capture the experience through photos and videos.
- Panama City Beach’s scuba certification program offers a 3-day training to learn diving skills up to 60 feet, with all necessary equipment provided.
- Highly recommended scuba diving experiences in Panama City Beach have earned positive traveler endorsements and badges of excellence.
Panama City Scuba Diving Activity for Beginners
The Panama City Scuba Diving Activity for Beginners provides a hands-on introduction to the underwater world for those new to the sport. This beginner-friendly excursion is highly recommended, with 94% of travelers endorsing it. Boasting a Badge of Excellence, the activity has earned 156 positive reviews, making it a top choice for those seeking to explore the waters around Panama City Beach.
The activity includes the use of all necessary scuba equipment, along with gratuities and a parking fee of $8. The meeting point is conveniently located at Saint Andrews Park Road, with GPS coordinates of 30.125381, -85.732840. While the activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most participants, except those with back problems, heart conditions, or other serious medical concerns, who’ll need to complete a health questionnaire prior.
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience, providing flexibility. With its inclusive nature and rave reviews, this Panama City Scuba Diving Activity is an excellent opportunity for beginners to dive into the underwater wonders of the area.
Read our full review: Panama City Scuba Diving Activity for Beginners Review
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No Experience Required to Discover Scuba in Florida
Discover the underwater wonders of Panama City Beach without any prior scuba experience. The “No Experience Required to Discover Scuba in Florida” activity is the perfect introduction to the sport. Located in Panama City Beach, this scuba experience provides all the necessary equipment and an experienced instructor to guide you through the dive.
The activity includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as local taxes and gratuities, making it a hassle-free experience. Divers will meet at the dive shop, get outfitted, and then head to the state park, where they’ll explore the underwater world. A medical questionnaire is required prior to diving, and pre-existing conditions may prevent participation.
With a maximum of 6 travelers, this intimate experience is highly recommended, with 95% of previous guests endorsing it. Discover the beauty of Florida’s waters and earn your diving stripes, all without any prior experience required.
Read our full review: No Experience Required to Discover Scuba in Florida Review
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Beginner Scuba Diving Tour PCB Free Videos
Beginners can explore the underwater world of Panama City Beach with the Beginner Scuba Diving Tour. Located inside St Andrews State Park, this tour is ideal for first-time divers, providing all the necessary scuba equipment and guidance from experienced instructors. During the tour, participants can expect to see a variety of marine life, including crabs, flounders, and colorful fish.
The tour lasts an unspecified duration, but it includes the use of scuba gear, as well as pictures and videos to capture the experience. With a maximum of 8 travelers, the small group size ensures personalized attention from the instructor, who’s been praised for their excellent, informative, and patient teaching style.
While the tour isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions, it’s accessible to most travelers. Guests should note the $8 parking fee and that the tour returns to the original meeting point. The Beginner Scuba Diving Tour offers a safe and enjoyable introduction to the underwater wonders of Panama City Beach.
Read our full review: Beginner Scuba Diving Tour PCB Free Videos Review
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Scuba Certification
For those interested in exploring the underwater world, the 3-day scuba certification training at Panama City Beach offers the opportunity to learn to scuba dive up to 60 feet. The training starts at the Dive Shop, where divers will receive all the necessary equipment. Throughout the course, they’ll visit different sites for pool, shore, and boat training, allowing them to practice their newfound skills in various environments.
While the scuba certification is open to most travelers, it’s not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, such as back problems, heart issues, or pregnancy. Plus, participants should have moderate physical fitness. Before the training begins, divers must complete a medical questionnaire, and a doctor’s approval may be required.
The maximum group size is 6 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a safe learning experience. With 62 reviews and a 100% traveler recommendation, the Panama City Diving program has earned a badge of excellence, making it a top choice for those eager to discover the underwater wonders of Panama City Beach.
Read our full review: Scuba Certification Review
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The Sum Up
Panama City Beach offers excellent scuba diving experiences for beginners. With no prior experience required, visitors can easily discover the underwater world of Florida’s Emerald Coast. Beginner-friendly tours and free instructional videos provide a hassle-free introduction to scuba diving. Those seeking certification can also find reputable programs in the area. Whether a first-time diver or an experienced enthusiast, Panama City Beach has something to suit every scuba enthusiast’s needs.