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PANAMA CITY — The bay behind Destination Panama City soon will become the permanent home of artificial snorkeling reefs.  

Jennifer Vigil, president and CEO of the city’s tourism agency Destination Panama City, who is spearheading the effort, said the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and Corps of Engineers permitting processes are underway. 

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“In the process of preparing these applications, they required an underwater survey. In late May, local company Tusco completed the underwater survey of the area just off the shoreline here in front of the new visitor’s center. Now, the bottom survey report is being completed,” she said. “There are no showstoppers.” 

The entire process can take up to 24 months, Vigil noted. However, it will give time to raise funds to build and deploy the reefs, which can cost between $5,000 to $10,000 each. She expects two or three reefs to be deployed in St. Andrew Bay, just off the shoreline behind the welcome center, 101 W. Beach Drive. 

“The idea is, now that we know what the existing conditions are, we will put in a structure that will rehabilitate the area and bring it back in the realm of productivity in terms of aquaculture,” Vigil said. “We’re pretty confident in our path forward right now.” 

One design Vigil is considering features a three-tier pole. The reefs would be deployed at no more than 6 feet below the surface, making is accessible to an everyday swimmer.  

“You don’t need scuba gear, you can go down with your snorkel. It’s truly for everyone,” she said. “I’m just super happy that it will be one more public amenity that is accessible to a greater number of citizens.” 

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