Museum of Man in the Sea, Panama City Beach, Florida at MuseumsUSA.org

Updated: 4/12/2025

Museum of Man in the Sea

Panama City Beach, Florida

The Man in the Sea Museum is located at 17314 Panama City Beach PKWY, FL. It has exhibits and documents related to the history of diving.

Some of these exhibits include U.S. Navy SEALAB I, Military Diving Equipment, Underwater Submersibles, and Assorted Underwater Masks and Helmets.

Many of the exhibits are hands-on.

The Man in the Sea Museum is dedicated to preserving, educating, and inspiring the public through the history and advancement of underwater exploration. By showcasing the evolution of diving technology, honoring the pioneers of military and civilian diving, and promoting ocean conservation, we aim to celebrate humanity’s achievements beneath the sea.

Our mission is to provide a comprehensive, interactive experience that highlights the vital role divers have played in shaping scientific discovery, environmental stewardship, and the ongoing exploration of our planet's oceans.

Since 1982, the Man in the Sea Museum has played a crucial role in preserving the history of diving and underwater exploration, offering a unique educational experience for visitors of all ages. Through its collections and exhibits, the museum highlights the bravery, ingenuity, and perseverance of divers who have ventured into the deep sea to explore, discover, and protect the world beneath the waves.

The museum's exhibits are vast and varied, offering an in-depth look at the evolution of diving technology and underwater exploration:

SEALAB Exhibit: A central exhibit to the museum, the SEALAB Exhibit honors the groundbreaking SEALAB programs from the 1960s and 1970s. This exhibit showcases models, equipment, and photographs from the SEALAB I, II, and III missions, the world’s first underwater habitats, designed to support human life underwater for extended periods. The exhibit features real artifacts from the missions, including diving suits, tools, and a replica of the SEALAB I habitat.

Early Diving Equipment: The museum boasts an extensive collection of historic diving equipment, ranging from early diving bells and helmets to the first fully self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA). Notable pieces include the Mark V diving helmet, which was used by the U.S. Navy for underwater operations, and the Aqualung, the first commercially successful scuba diving regulator.

Interactive Displays and Simulations" The museum features interactive exhibits designed to give visitors a hands-on experience of underwater exploration. These include simulations of deep-sea diving environments and opportunities to try on vintage diving gear, allowing visitors to understand the challenges faced by early divers.

Ocean Conservation: The museum is also committed to raising awareness about ocean conservation and environmental issues related to the underwater world. This section includes information on current efforts to protect marine ecosystems and the role divers play in underwater research and conservation.

The museum hosts a variety of special events, including lectures, film screenings, and workshops, often focusing on specific areas of diving history or marine science. One of the museum’s most notable events was the 60th Anniversary of the SEALAB Program, celebrated in June 2024, which brought together former SEALAB aquanauts, family members, and industry leaders to reflect on the program’s impact.

Additionally, the museum offers educational programs for students, divers, and enthusiasts, including dive training, presentations from diving professionals, and guided tours of the exhibits.

5,000 SQFT Building with small room for lectures with about 60 personnel

Private Non-Profit

Access: Students, Members

Appointment required: False

Gift Shop

Online Gift Shop

Event Rental

Steve@maninthesea.org

maninthesea.org

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Adults: $10
Military: $6
Children (6-17): $6
Furst Responders: $6
Veterans: $7.50

Steve@maninthesea.org

Brian@maninthesea.org

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