Most marinas in Panama City and St. Andrews were destroyed during Hurricane Michael leaving little option for dockage. See Updates. Our thanks to AGLCA Loopers Dwight Pierce, Eric Lambert, Jack Nickerson and Larry McCullough for sharing their recent anchoring experiences in the area. Location details for the anchorings are very general and as you will see on the chart, there are no Cruisers Net  anchorages marked, but if you are adventuresome, as were these Loopers, anchoring is possible near Panama City. 

I went in pass from gulf and went East in the bay apx 2 miles behind shell island and anchored about 100 yards off island. Depths seemed to match my Navionics pretty good. We draft 5’ 4”. Dinghy to shell island and walk beach. Very beautiful beach. We did have a north wind leaving us exposed but it was not too bad at anchor.
Dwight Pierce

When we went through Panama City back in June we anchored in Pearl Bayou whic was recommended by several fellow loopers. The Anchorage is very protected, in fact we arrived just before a rough thunderstorm with very strong winds and were glad to be in this protected area. The depths were 10’-15’ in the bayou. An easy dinghy ride to shore got us to a park that is actually part of Tyndal AFB. Unfortunately, there is not much within a walkable distance to this anchorage. We were fortunate to have a cousin who is stationed at Tyndal to pick us up and drive us around town.
Eric Lambert

Panana City is one of the topics we cover at docktails each night. Pirates Cove and Lighthouse (one call covers both) & CSS Yacht Basin have been taking transits. St Andrew,s Marina has fuel only no slips. We recommend Pearl Bayou as the almost perfect anchorage. 360 deg protection, plenty of depth, room for 20 boats, good access to shore for dogs and well marked entrance. 56 miles for our slip to Pearl. 3 easy travel days here to Carrabelle.
Jack Nickerson

I agree with Aquaholic, Pearl Bayou is a great anchorage. We were there last month and could not have asked for a better spot after a long day. Plenty of water and even with 4 other boats we had plenty of swing room. Great holding in very sticky mud. Bonus of seeing a few F-35 buzzing overhead but all quiet after a beautiful sunset.
Larry McCullough

AREA SPONSORING MARINAS – Neither able to offer dockage

Click Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Panama City Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Panama City Marina

Click Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For St. Andrews Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Andrews Marina