Swimming in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach, FL, United States
Best Swim Spots in Panama City Beach
Ranked by community ratings. Check real-time conditions before heading out.
Russell-Fields City Pier, Panama City Beach
The beach at Russell-Fields City Pier is where IRONMAN Florida swims its two-loop, 2.4-mile course around the pier each November, which makes it the natural rehearsal spot for Panhandle triathletes. The pier gives you an easy sighting line out and back. Conditions swing from smooth to choppy with the wind; check the flags first, since a double red closes the water with a $500 fine.
St. Andrews State Park Jetty Lagoon
Next to the Jetty Store at St. Andrews State Park, the inlet lagoon sits inside the rock jetties at the pass into St. Andrews Bay, and the rocks draw enough fish that swimmers bring a mask. For open Gulf water, the surf beach is on the other side of the Jetty Store. Entry is $8 per vehicle, with outdoor showers and restrooms at the day-use parking areas.
Open Water Swimming in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach offers 2 open water swimming locations across Ocean environments. Whether you are a beginner looking for a calm, sheltered swim or an experienced open water swimmer seeking a challenge, there are options for every level.
Before heading out to any swim spot in Panama City Beach, check current water conditions on SwimPass. Our SwimScore combines real-time weather, marine data, tides, and water quality into a single 0-100 rating so you can make an informed decision in seconds.
Ocean swimmers in Panama City Beach should pay attention to tide schedules and swell forecasts. Swimming around slack tide typically offers the calmest conditions. Check our guide to reading water conditions for tips on interpreting local marine forecasts.
New to open water swimming? Start with our safety guide and first swim guide before heading to any new spot.
Swimming Guides
Prepare for your swim in Panama City Beach with these guides.
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