Panama City Dive Charters and Panama City Spearfishing Charters are based out of the Bay Point Marina. Their boat is a custom made 36' Newton dive boat the Steel Slinger. She is USCG inspected for 30 regular passengers or 23 divers but they will not run with more than 15 to insure comfort and space for everyone. They pride themselves on their "big boat" comfort and personal "small boat" service. Group rates are available. They are also the only boat to run dedicated spearfishing trips regularly in the area. Capt Pat can be reached via email patrickmgreen@gmail.com or by cell 850-624-2084.






Better Bottom Time charters runs a 30' Island Hopper inspected for 14 divers out of Sun Harbor Marina. Capt John is also highly flexible with dive sites and runs out of his way frequently to make sure everyone sees what they want to see, or more to the point... don't see the same site over and over again. Capt John's Cell # is 850-628-DIVE



Wreck Raider is an excellent 6 pack charter. Capt Rod's 28' Parker is hands down the fastest dive charter in Bay County. He can get you to those offshore sites and back again as quickly as conditions dictate. Despite his quick boat his is one of the more laid back operators in town and although speed is an option you won't feel any pressure to hurry from him or his crew. 850-249-DIVE


It is generally frowned upon to bring a massive gear bag full of a complete dive shop onboard. They take up too much space and on boats every pound takes away from the performance of the vessel.

Similarly, most boats have a large cooler and provide drinks and snacks for their customers. If you have drinks and snacks or your own they should go in the boat cooler do not bring your own.

When the Captain and crew are addressing the boat, listen! They know far more about diving off their boat than you do and more divers are hurt trying to climb dive ladders in a manner contrary to instructions than by all the angry bullsharks and barracudas in the world.

Dive planning should take place on the boat, once divers are in the water they are subject to wave action making communication hard and anxiety much worse.

The only way to get to the wreck is to follow the line from the boat down to the site, and the only way back to the boat is to slowly ascend the line. Please note the spot on the wreck the line is attached to as you will have to come back to that spot. If you find a line at another spot its going to the wrong boat. Divers ascending the wrong line are expected to buy their new friends on the other boat a 6 pack!

Bananas are considered bad luck on boats and mariners are a superstitious lot. Please ingest your potassium with your breakfast while on shore.

Gloves and knives are a must due to fishing line and rusty metal. Likewise 2 lights are required gear on night dives while chemical lights (glow sticks) and safety sausages and whistles are always a good idea for saltwater dives.

It is customary to tip the divemaster/deckhand 15-20% of the trip cost (not rental gear and air) provided they worked for it, just like in a restaurant.