Located on the eastern side of Panama City Beach at St. Andrews Pass, the rock jetty at St. Andrews State Park separates exposed Gulf water from a more protected swimming area inside the pass. The jetty was originally built to protect the shipping channel and now also functions as an artificial reef, supporting fish, rays, sponges, corals and other marine life.[a] Visitors come here for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and shore fishing, but conditions around the rocks and pass can change with tide, surf and weather.
Geography And Structure
The jetty is built from large rock structures placed beside the shipping channel. On the protected side, the park has a shallow saltwater swimming area commonly known as the “kiddie pool.” Florida State Parks describes this area as having clear, shallow water, while the outer side of the jetty is exposed more directly to Gulf waves and moving water.[b]
Underwater, the rocks provide hard surfaces and crevices that marine species can use for shelter and feeding. The official park snorkeling information lists rays, angelfish, redfish, sheepshead and octopus, along with several species of coral and sponges around the jetty.[a]
Why Visitors Use The Jetty Area
- Protected-side swimming: Water behind the jetty is often shallower and calmer than the exposed Gulf side, depending on current conditions.
- Marine life: The rock structure acts as artificial reef habitat and gives snorkelers plenty to observe.
- Several activities in one area: Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing are all listed park activities around the jetty.
- Open coastal views: The jetty area provides broad views across the pass, beach and surrounding water.
Activities
Swimming And Snorkeling
The protected swimming area behind the jetty is popular with visitors who want shallower water, while snorkeling is possible in either designated swimming area. The rock jetty itself attracts marine life and is one of the park’s main snorkeling locations.
Bring a mask, snorkel and fins or rent snorkeling equipment from the park concession when available. Visibility depends on wind, waves, suspended sand and recent weather, so clear water should never be assumed before entering.
Scuba Diving
Florida State Parks permits scuba diving along the jetty rocks in both the inlet lagoon and the Gulf-side area. The rocks provide habitat for fish and other marine life, but diving here comes with specific park rules.[e]
- Dive within the limits of your certification.
- A dive party must include at least two divers.
- A diver-down flag must be displayed.
- Dives must be completed at least one hour before sunset.
- Do not disturb fossils, artifacts, aquatic plants or the jetty rocks.
- Spearfishing is not permitted within state park boundaries.
The jetty sits beside an active pass, so divers and snorkelers should remain aware of boat traffic and avoid moving beyond the area that matches their experience and current water conditions.
Shore Fishing
The jetty rocks provide year-round fishing access. Florida State Parks lists catches around the park that include Spanish mackerel, redfish, flounder, sea trout, bonito, cobia and bluefish.[e] Lure and bait choice varies with the species, season and movement of water through the pass.
Florida saltwater fishing rules apply, but licensing is not as simple as saying every visitor age 16 or older needs the same license. Residency, exemptions and the way you fish can affect the requirement. Check current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission licensing and harvest rules before fishing, especially if you plan to target sharks from the jetty.
When Conditions Are Better For A Visit
There is no season when the jetty is guaranteed to have clear, flat water. Lower wind and lighter surf can improve snorkeling visibility, while storms and stronger wave action can stir sand into the water. Conditions on the exposed side can also differ noticeably from the protected swimming area during the same visit.
Before getting in, check the day’s beach-warning flags rather than relying on the season or how calm the water looked during a previous trip. Panama City Beach notes that Gulf conditions are constantly changing.[d]
Water And Jetty Safety
- No lifeguard coverage: Do not enter the water expecting a lifeguard to be watching the St. Andrews swimming area.
- Beach flags: Check the current warning flag before swimming, snorkeling or entering the surf.
- Currents: Water moving through St. Andrews Pass can behave differently from the protected pool behind the jetty.
- Footwear: Wear water shoes or other footwear with good traction around rock surfaces.
- Changing conditions: A protected location can still be affected by tide, wind, surf and weather.
- Marine life: Observe animals without touching, feeding or chasing them.
- Diving: Follow the park’s buddy, certification and diver-down-flag rules.
Access And Amenities
The jetty use area can be reached from inside St. Andrews State Park, with parking and beach access nearby. Current park amenities include restrooms with changing areas, picnic facilities and elevated boardwalk access to the beach and jetty overlook. Outdoor shower facilities are located at the park’s day-use parking areas.[e]
The Jetty Store connects directly with the beach and inlet-lagoon area and currently offers food, drinks, beach chairs, umbrellas and other visitor items. Snorkeling equipment is also available through park concession operations.[e]
Photography
- Lower-angle light: Early and late daylight can reduce harsh reflections from the water and rocks.
- Polarizing filter: A circular polarizer can reduce surface glare when photographing shallow water and submerged rock.
- Jetty overlook: The elevated overlook provides a different perspective without requiring visitors to walk onto uneven rocks.
- Water conditions: Keep photography equipment well back from breaking waves and wet rock surfaces.
Mistakes To Avoid
- Assuming the protected side is hazard-free because it looks calm.
- Expecting a lifeguard to be present during summer.
- Ignoring the beach-warning flags before entering the water.
- Walking on wet jetty rocks in unsuitable footwear.
- Snorkeling or diving farther out without accounting for current, boat traffic and changing conditions.
- Touching coral, marine animals or other underwater habitat.
- Scuba diving without the required buddy and diver-down flag.
FAQ
Are lifeguards on duty at the St. Andrews State Park jetty?
No. Official Panama City Beach visitor information states that no lifeguard is on duty at St. Andrews State Park. Check beach flags and current water conditions before entering.
Is the water behind the jetty always calm?
No. The protected swimming area is often shallower and calmer than the exposed Gulf side, but tide, current, wind, surf and weather can change conditions.
Can you snorkel at the St. Andrews jetty?
Yes. Florida State Parks lists the rock jetty as one of the park’s snorkeling areas. Marine life recorded around the structure includes rays, angelfish, redfish, sheepshead, octopus, coral and sponges.
Can you scuba dive along the jetty?
Yes, but park diving rules apply. Divers must stay within their certification limits, dive with at least one other diver, display a diver-down flag and complete dives at least one hour before sunset.
Are there showers near the jetty area?
Florida State Parks lists outdoor shower facilities at each day-use parking area. These are rinse facilities rather than campground bathhouses.
Sources
- [a] Florida State Parks — Snorkeling at St. Andrews State Park: Describes the jetty’s original shipping-channel purpose, artificial-reef role and marine life commonly observed around the rocks. (Official Florida State Parks source.) Florida State Parks Snorkeling Information
- [b] Florida State Parks — Beaches at St. Andrews: Describes the protected “kiddie pool” lagoon and its shallow-water setting. (Official Florida State Parks source.) Beaches at St. Andrews
- [c] Visit Panama City Beach — Public Parks in PCB: States that no lifeguard is on duty at St. Andrews State Park and identifies the protected area near the jetties. (Official destination organization for Panama City Beach.) Panama City Beach Public Parks
- [d] Visit Panama City Beach — Beach Safety: Provides the current beach-warning flag system and advises visitors that Gulf conditions change continuously. (Official Panama City Beach visitor safety source.) Panama City Beach Safety Information
- [e] Florida State Parks — St. Andrews Experiences & Amenities: Current source for snorkeling, scuba-diving rules, fishing, shower facilities, restrooms, jetty access and concession amenities. (Official Florida State Parks source.) St. Andrews Experiences & Amenities
