This dive site, "The Black Bart," is a popular artificial reef located off the coast of Panama City Beach, Florida. Sunk in 1993, this former offshore oilfield supply vessel offers an excellent wreck diving experience, particularly for newer divers. The wreck is largely intact, allowing divers to explore the wheelhouse at 12 meters (40 feet), investigate the main deck at 20 meters (66 feet), and venture into the open cargo holds reaching 24 meters (80 feet), providing clear navigational points.
The Black Bart teems with marine life, attracting a diverse array of species. Divers can expect to encounter nurse and reef sharks, with the possibility of spotting majestic eagle rays and various sea turtles. The wreck is also home to a multitude of fish, including vibrant snapper, angelfish, grunts, and grouper, alongside numerous anemones that add to the site's rich biodiversity.
The Black Bart offers year-round diving opportunities, with warmer waters typically from late spring to early fall providing the most comfortable conditions. Its relatively shallow maximum depth and excellent structure make it an ideal training ground for aspiring wreck divers and a rewarding experience for those looking to explore an artificial reef ecosystem. Freedivers capable of reaching 12-24 meters will also find compelling features to explore.
