Go Beyond the Beaches with the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail

Tallahassee –

Inviting visitors to discover the depths of the popular travel destination, the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail announces Beyond the Beaches special rates– a journey under the sea offering countless diving, snorkeling and fishing opportunities among 12 sunken shipwrecks and artificial reefs along Pensacola, Destin, Panama City and Port St. Joe. Boasting artificial reefs and varieties of sea life, the shipwrecks along the Trail preserve and promote the deep maritime history of Florida and invite adventure seekers to explore beyond the sandy white shores of the Gulf. Offering rates as low as $75 nightly, valid through December 31, 2014, Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail accommodation options include traditional beachfront hotels and condominiums for sweet, seaside slumber after deep-sea excursions.

Diver explores the USS Accokeek – one of 12 shipwrecks along the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail.

A selection of accommodation options* perfectly poised for Shipwreck Trail participants include:

Pensacola

Hilton Pensacola Beach Front
(850) 916-2999
Starting at $269 per night

Margaritaville Beach Hotel
850-916-9755
Starting at $179 per night

Destin

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
(850) 267-9500
Starting at $184 per night; includes Breakfast for two; Booking Code P4

Panama City

Carillon Beach Resort
(850) 233-7070
Starting at $129 per night

Southern Vacation Rentals
(855) 844-7356
Starting at $89 per night

Lake Town Wharf Resort
(850) 563-3000
Starting at $159 per night

Seahaven Beach Resorts
(888) 607- 0006
Starting at $79 per night

Holiday Inn Waterfront Resort
(888) 465-4329
Starting at $119 per night

Hampton Inn Panama City Beach
(850) 236- 8988
Starting at $79 per night 

Vacations Perfected
(850) 563- 7936
Starting at $75 per night

Developed by the Florida Department of State’s Bureau of Archaeological Research, in partnership with Panhandle waterfront communities, the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail offers a unique passport program highlighting discovered facts and historical data for each of the shipwrecks along the Trail. Whether exploring the largest artificial reef in the world – the USS Oriskany, (also named a Top 25 U.S. Dive Site by Scuba Diving magazine) – or marveling at the wonder of mother nature’s arrangement of two tugs situated atop one another on the FAMI Tugs – divers and snorkelers can track experiences with the official Panhandle Shipwreck Trail Passport available from participating dive shops and dive charter operators.

To explore beyond the beaches of Florida and dive deeper into its history, visit  floridapanhandledivetrail.com.

###

*All rate information is based upon availability, blackout dates apply. Taxes and gratuities not included. Contact hotels directly with accommodation booking inquiries.

About the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail

The Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail was developed by the Florida Department of State’s Bureau of Archaeology Research, in partnership with Panhandle waterfront communities, to stimulate tourism and educate residents and visitors about Florida’s maritime history. Offering memorable recreation options for saltwater enthusiasts, the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail highlights 12 shipwrecks boasting artificial reefs and varieties of sea life for diving, snorkeling and fishing along Pensacola, Destin, Panama City and Port St. Joe, Florida. Preserving the deep maritime history of Florida and inviting adventure seekers to explore beyond the sandy white shores of the Gulf, the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail Passports are available from participating dive shops and dive charter operators. The Passport highlights discovered facts and historical data for each of the shipwrecks along the Trail, along with a log and official stickers to track each dive, encouraging water lovers to “take only pictures and leave only bubbles.”

About the Florida Department of State’s Bureau of Archaeological Research

The Florida Department of State’s Bureau of Archaeological Research, within the department’s Division of Historical Resources, is entrusted with the maintenance, preservation and protection of more than 12,000 years of Florida heritage. Archaeological and historical resources on state-owned and state-controlled lands, including sovereignty submerged lands, are the direct responsibility of the bureau. The bureau is composed of the five sections: Collections and Conservation, Mission San Luis, Education and Research, Florida Public Lands Archaeology, and Underwater Archaeology. The five sections work together to ensure that Florida archaeological heritage will endure for future generations. For more information, visit flheritage.com/archaeology.