This dive site, Bridge Span 12, is one of 14 artificial reef sections formed from the old Hathaway Bridge, originally built in 1929. These spans, which once connected Panama City to Panama City Beach, were intentionally sunk in 1988 to create a thriving underwater habitat. Divers can explore the structural remnants of the bridge spans, offering interesting topography and foundational elements for marine growth and navigation around the submerged structures.
The site is teeming with typical Gulf of Mexico Caribbean fish species. Divers can expect to encounter stingrays, various snapper, triggerfish, and hogfish. There is also the exciting possibility of spotting different shark species, including sandbar, blacknose, and bonnethead sharks, making it a vibrant ecosystem rich in marine life.
The best time to visit this site is generally during warmer months when water temperatures are comfortable and visibility is often at its best, though exact seasonality isn't explicitly provided. With a maximum depth of 22 meters and an average of 11 meters, it's suitable for divers of all levels, including freedivers, offering ample bottom time and exploration of this unique artificial reef.
