Bridge Span 1
The Hathaway Bridge, originally constructed in 1929, consists of 14 spans that were once part of the old bridge connecting Panama City to Panama City Beach. These spans were intentionally submerged in the months of April and May in 1988. The sinking of Span #1 took place on April 29, 1988.
Divers exploring this underwater site will encounter a stunning variety of Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean fish species, including stingrays, snapper, triggerfish, hogfish, and the possibility of spotting sandbar, blacknose, and bonnethead sharks.
With a visibility of 9m and a maximum depth of 21m, this dive site is suitable for beginners. Located in Florida, United States, it offers convenient access for divers seeking an exciting underwater adventure in the waters of the United States.
Divers exploring this underwater site will encounter a stunning variety of Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean fish species, including stingrays, snapper, triggerfish, hogfish, and the possibility of spotting sandbar, blacknose, and bonnethead sharks.
With a visibility of 9m and a maximum depth of 21m, this dive site is suitable for beginners. Located in Florida, United States, it offers convenient access for divers seeking an exciting underwater adventure in the waters of the United States.
Diving Conditions Score for Bridge Span 1
7.3
GoodGood diving conditions!
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Bridge Span 1
Depth
21m
Visibility
9m
Experience Level
beginner
Weather Conditions for Bridge Span 1
Wave Height
0.84m
Wind Speed
25.2 m/s
Water Temp
28.6°C
Visibility
16.5km
Cloud Cover
0%
Wave Period
4.35s
Air Temperature
28.6°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for Bridge Span 1
Alpha
Dive Score Chart for Bridge Span 1
Best time to dive: 6:00 with score 7.324166666666667/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.94m, Wind 29.6 m/s.Best night dive time: 0:00 with score 6.993333333333333/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Sunrise at Bridge Span 1: 06:00
Sunset at Bridge Span 1: 18:00
Optimal diving conditions at Bridge Span 1 are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Best Overall
6:00Score: 7.3/10
Waves: 0.94m (4.3s), Wind: 29.6 m/s
Safest Overall
17:00Score: 7.3/10
Waves: 0.88m (4.65s), Wind: 29.6 m/s
Best Night
0:00Score: 7.0/10
Waves: 0.84m, Wind: 25.2 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Bridge Span 1Alpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Bridge Span 1
The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.
Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Seasonal DiveScore Chart
This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Best Season for Bridge Span 1
Winter
Avg. Score: 8.4/10
Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.
Best Months for Bridge Span 1
January
Score: 8.5
February
Score: 8.4
December
Score: 8.4
Ideal Conditions for Bridge Span 1
Water Temp
26.7°C / 80.1°F
August
Visibility
12.0m / 39.4ft
May
Wave Height
2.1m / 6.9ft
February
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Bridge Span 1
Bridge Span 1 shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with June being the warmest month (27.6°C) and January the coldest (9.4°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in February with average wave heights of 2.1m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in February with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during February to April, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.
Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 23, 2026
Note: This dive site is not a verified dive site. Please dive with caution. This dive site might have incorrect information by the community.
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