Trace the history of underwater exploration with a visit to the Museum of Man in the Sea. Pick up insights into the early days of deep-sea diving and see how technology has helped in the quest to investigate life under the sea.
One of the most popular highlights of the museum is the collection of old mini-subs and vessels, which are situated outside the main building. Look over the bright red canister that is U.S. Navy SEALAB-1, the world’s first underwater living facility. In 1964, four men spent 10 days inside the container while it was sitting on the ocean floor off the coast of Bermuda. See the U.S. Navy Deep Dive System MK1, an underwater base, built in 1968 to provide pressurized living quarters for divers working at great depths. View submarine modules and pods, once used for underwater studies.
Go over to the Techdiver, which picked up an unexploded nuclear bomb from the sea floor off the coast of Spain. The plane carrying the weapon crashed while attempting to refuel in mid-air in 1966.
Inside the museum is an assortment of old diving suits and helmets, pieces of naval of equipment and more vehicles. Check out the armored diving suit from 1913 that let divers work at a depth of 400 feet (121.9 meters). Watch videos of how early diving equipment was used. Examine sunken treasure recovered from shipwrecks dating back to the 16th century.
Climb inside the Beaver. This deep submersible vehicle used to take scientists down to the ocean floor, up to 2,000 feet (609.6 meters) below the surface. Lower yourself into a vintage submarine and explore its interior.
Museum of Man in the Sea is situated at Panama City Beach Parkway, a short walking distance from the local trolley bus route. For drivers, there are plenty of free parking spaces. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday and admission charges apply. There are discounts for senior citizens and children under the age of seven get in for free.
