Panama City Marina is a publicly owned municipal facility located along historic Harrison Avenue in the heart of downtown Panama City, Florida. After sustaining significant damage from Hurricane Michael, the marina is currently the focus of a major multi-million dollar revitalization project. Once reconstruction is complete, it will serve as a 200-slip gateway to St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, offering expanded public access and modern maritime amenities.
Location and Contact
The marina is the centerpiece of Panama City’s downtown waterfront, providing a direct link between the city’s commercial center and the waters of St. Andrews Bay.
- Address: 1 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401.
- Official Website: https://www.panamacity.gov/665/Marinas
- Phone: +1 (850) 872-7272 (General City/Marina Info).
- VHF Radio: Monitors Channel 16.
- Approach: Located on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), one block from the downtown core.
While much of the dockage infrastructure is being rebuilt, the site remains a popular “T-Dock” location for public fishing, walking, and community events.
Panama City Marina
Table of Contents
Public Status and Reconstruction Status
Panama City Marina is a city-owned commercial public facility. It is managed by the City of Panama City, with ongoing negotiations regarding professional private management (City Marina Partners – CMP).
- Reconstruction Plan: As of late 2025, the City Commission has authorized bidding for the first 50 wet slips (Phase 1) using FEMA-related funding.
- Future Capacity: The final plan aims for a 200-slip marina with fixed docks and modern utilities.
- Public Access Commitment: Both the City and potential partners have stated a firm commitment to maintaining public access to the docks and shoreline for all residents and visitors.
Boaters currently using the site as a launch point or for fishing should stay tuned to City Commission updates, as construction is expected to advance through 2026.youtube
Slip Rates and Anticipated Pricing
Based on recent market analysis and city projections, the reopened marina will feature competitive rates for the Panhandle region.
- Estimated Monthly Rate (Phase 1): Projections for 2026 place the average lease rate at approximately $20.60 per foot.
- Transient Daily Rate (Historical/Goal): Previously, the marina charged $1.50 per foot per day (including electricity and cable), though this is expected to increase to market rates of roughly $2.00–$2.50 per foot upon reopening.
- Waiting List: There is already a reported waiting list for slips in the newly reconstructed facility, reflecting high local demand.
Transient slips are planned to be available throughout the year once the docks are officially commissioned.
Amenities and Planned Facilities
The revitalization project includes a total overhaul of the marina’s upland and dockside services.
Maritime Infrastructure
- 200 Wet Slips: Planned fixed-dock configuration for various vessel sizes.
- Fuel Facilities: A new fuel dock with a ship store is a core component of the Phase 1 and 2 plans.
- Power & Utilities: All slips will feature 110/220V power, water, and likely cable/WiFi hookups.
- Boat Ramp: Improved public boat ramps are included in the expanded design.
Boater Comforts
- Showers and Laundry: A new facility with clean showers and guest laundry is planned.
- Security: The city intends to maintain nighttime security guard services for the docks.
- Public Promenade: A new waterfront promenade will circle the marina perimeter for pedestrians.
- Amphitheater: Draft renderings include an expanded amphitheater for concerts and special events on the T-Dock.
Navigation and Approach
Panama City Marina is one of the most accessible points on the Florida Panhandle for cruisers navigating the Intracoastal Waterway.
- Waterway: St. Andrews Bay (directly off the Gulf of Mexico).
- Approach: Boaters should follow the well-marked channels into the St. Andrews Bay and turn toward the downtown Panama City skyline.
- Shelter: The marina basin is protected by a west basin breakwater, providing a safe harbor from bay chop.
As the facility is in an active reconstruction zone, boaters are advised to contact the City or monitor VHF 16 for any temporary hazards or restricted zones near the T-Dock.
Nearby Downtown Attractions
The marina’s location at 1 Harrison Avenue puts visitors in the center of Panama City’s cultural and dining scene.
- Harrison’s Kitchen: A popular on-site restaurant overlooking the water.
- Historic Downtown: Walking distance to numerous galleries, coffee shops, and the Panama City Center for the Arts.
- Public Library: The Bay County Public Library is located just steps from the marina basin.
- Retail: Boutique shops and bookstores line Harrison Avenue, providing ample provisioning and shopping opportunities.
Bicycles are traditionally available for daily usage, allowing cruisers to explore the historic St. Andrews district or the beach areas further west.
Key Specifications Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Public Status | Public Municipal Marina (City-Owned) |
| Location | 1 Harrison Avenue, Downtown Panama City, FL |
| Planned Capacity | 200 Wet Slips (Fixed Docks) |
| Current Project | Phase 1 (First 50 Slips) Bidding in Progress |
| Est. Monthly Rate | ~$20.60 per foot (2026 projection) |
| Historical Rate | $1.50 per foot per day (Pre-Hurricane) |
| Facilities | Fuel Dock, Ship Store, Showers, Laundry |
| Public Perks | Amphitheater, T-Dock Fishing, Promenade |
| Security | Nighttime Guard Service |
| Contact | +1 (850) 872-7272 / panamacity.gov |
Why Choose Panama City Marina?
Panama City Marina is poised to be the premier public gateway for the Florida Panhandle.
- Modern Infrastructure: The “ground-up” reconstruction means the new facility will feature the most modern dockage and utility systems in the region.
- Downtown Integration: No other local marina offers such immediate access to the shops, restaurants, and cultural life of Harrison Avenue.
- Bay Access: Located directly on St. Andrews Bay, it provides one of the quickest routes to offshore fishing and the emerald waters of the Gulf.
- Public Focus: As a city-owned facility, the emphasis remains on community access, fishing, and hosting large-scale public events.
- Safe Harbor: The planned breakwater and inland location provide significant protection from wind and wave action compared to open-bay moorings.
For cruisers on the ICW or local residents seeking a modern, central home for their vessel, Panama City Marina offers an unmatched location in the heart of the “New” Panama City.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Panama City Marina private?
No. It is a public municipal marina owned by the City of Panama City and open to all boaters and visitors.
Is the marina open for boats right now?
The marina is currently in a reconstruction phase. While the T-Dock is open for walking and events, new permanent slips are currently being bid for construction.
How many slips will the new marina have?
The completed master plan calls for a 200-slip marina with fixed docks.
How much will a slip cost?
Market projections for 2026 suggest an average monthly rate of around $20.60 per foot, with transient daily rates expected to align with market standards.
Does the marina have fuel?
Yes, a new fuel facility and ship store are included in the reconstruction project plans.
Can I fish at the marina?
Yes. The T-Dock is a historically popular spot for public fishing and remains a focus of the city’s public access commitment.
Is there a waiting list for the new slips?
Yes. There is a reported waiting list for the new slips. Interested boaters should contact the City of Panama City to be added.
Where is the marina located?
It is located at 1 Harrison Avenue, at the foot of the main downtown commercial street in Panama City.
Contact Information
Panama City Marina (Downtown)
1 Harrison Avenue
Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: +1 (850) 872-7272
Website: https://www.panamacity.gov
VHF Radio: Channel 16
Management: City of Panama City
