MAN IN THE SEA MUSEUM

By  Mike Miller March 19, 2025

Man in the Sea Museum in Panama City Beach, Florida is considered the oldest diving museum in the world.

Operated by the nonprofit Institute of Diving, it contains items from as far back as the 1500s. It's a museum rather than a historical site itself in the traditional sense.

It’s fun for visitors of all ages and showcases the evolution of diving technology in humanity’s quest to explore the mysteries of the ocean.    

Established in 1982, Man in the Sea Museum preserves and celebrates the milestones of underwater exploration.

It highlights pivotal moments in diving history, from ancient breath-holding techniques to the advanced underwater habitats of modern times.

Key exhibits include early diving helmets, military diving equipment, and even a one-person submarine.

The museum houses SEALAB I, a prototype underwater habitat developed by the U.S. Navy in the 1960s.

It allowed a crew of four aquanauts to live and work underwater for eleven days off the coast of Bermuda.

Visitors can see treasures from sunken ships dating to the 1500s, as well as the U.S. Navy Deep Dive System Mark 1.

The museum also explores the contributions of the U.S. Navy and NASA in advancing underwater technology.

Man in the Sea Museum is located at 17314 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, FL 32413, a short drive from Panama City proper.

It's open Wednesday and Thursday from 10 AM to 4 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM, and closed Sunday to Tuesday.

Admission is affordable, making it a great family-friendly activity. Visitors are encouraged to take their time exploring the exhibits, both indoors and outdoors.

Interactive displays, like hands-on diving equipment, let guests engage with the history of diving in an immersive way.

A sense of curiosity is all you need to enjoy this unique museum.

• One of the oldest artifacts on display is a wooden diving bell from the 1700s, showcasing early attempts at underwater exploration.  

• The outdoor exhibits include a collection of submarines and diving vessels, perfect for photo opportunities.  

• The museum regularly hosts special events, including lectures and diving demos, to deepen visitors' understanding of underwater exploration. 

MAN IN THE SEA MUSEUM WEBSITE

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