Panama City Dive Center Inc.

Located at 4823 Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach, Panama City Dive Center has been a fixture of the local diving community for over four decades. Originally founded by Mike Gomez and Jerry McLendon, the centre has maintained its reputation for excellence through a transition to new ownership in 2018.

The shop serves as a gateway to what is arguably the top diving destination in the Gulf of Mexico. The area is defined by an incredible density of offshore wrecks and artificial reefs, providing a diverse playground for both recreational enthusiasts and professional divers.

The centre operates with a family-oriented atmosphere, maintaining a 'Mom and Pop' feel despite its long-standing regional recognition. The current owners, Jason and Ashley Barrow, carry forward the legacy established by the founders in 1983.

They provide a full spectrum of professional services, including equipment repair, air and Nitrox fills, and a wide range of training. For those looking to advance their careers, the centre offers pathways through to Divemaster, Instructor, and even Course Director levels.

Training is available through NAUI, PADI, and SSI, covering every stage of a diver's progression. Beginners can start with Open Water Diver or the NAUI Basic Level Scuba Certification, while those looking to deepen their experience can pursue Advanced Open Water, Deep Diver, or Night/Limited Visibility Diver courses.

For professional aspirants, the centre offers a comprehensive training ladder including Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and Instructor programmes. They also host specialised training such as Force Blue Scientific Diver, Public Safety Diving, and Search and Recovery Diver, alongside technical skills like Drysuit Diver and Underwater Digital Imaging Diver.

The fleet consists of three specialised vessels to accommodate different group sizes. The Island Diver is the largest, with a capacity for 25 to 30 divers, making it ideal for larger groups or school trips.

For smaller groups, the Reef Runner carries 15 to 18 divers, while the Capt. Suba II has a capacity of 16 to 18 divers. These boats allow the centre to service a variety of dive profiles across the local offshore sites.

The shop is fully equipped for both recreational and professional needs, offering a complete range of rental kit. Whether you are a student or an experienced diver needing a spare regulator or a drysuit, the facility is set up to support you.

On-site services include equipment repair and regular cylinder refills. Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom time on the local wreck sites.

The local reefs and wrecks are home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and various species of fish such as grouper, catfish, and flounder. You will also find sea urchins, starfish, and sand dollars scattered across the seabed.

For those interested in smaller life forms, the area hosts seahorses, sea slugs, and various ornamental fish. Soft corals add colour to the structures of the many artificial reefs in the region.

Diving in Panama City Beach focuses on offshore wreck and reef exploration. The local sites vary significantly in depth, with many popular wrecks sitting between 45 and 80 feet, while deeper sites like the BJ Putnam or the Monica Lee Tugboat reach depths exceeding 100 feet.