You’ll Never Forget Seeing Dolphins at Play
Dolphins are undeniably captivating. These intelligent, majestic creatures are always a spectacle to see, their playful and happy nature is contagious.
Itinerary: On The Water For A Few Days In Pensacola
Pensacola has countless water activities and experiences for people of all ages to enjoy. Explore this itinerary for everything you need to know about planning the perfect weekend on the water.
Day 1: Pensacola Beach
Morning:
Breakfast at the Native Café: 8:00 – 9:00 AM | Start your day off right with a delicious hearty breakfast at the Native Café. This waterfront dining spot has everything from omelets to pancakes to shrimp and grits. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the most important meal of the day right on Pensacola Beach.
Dolphin Cruise: 9:30 – 11:00 AM | After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing cruise in the Gulf and witness playful dolphins and other marine life in their natural habitat. There are several companies in Pensacola that offer dolphin tours - Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours, Jolly Sailing & Dolphin Cruise, Condor Sailing Adventures, Key Sailing, Chase-N-Fins / Aquatic Charters, Salt H20 Therapy, and Pensacola Beach Boat Charters.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Rent a paddle board and explore the calm waters of the Santa Rosa Sound. It’s a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Many local businesses offer paddle board rentals, such as Key Sailing, Laguna’s Adventure Park, Radical Rides, Swell Ride, and Lazy Days.
Afternoon:
Lunch at Flounder’s: 1:30 – 2:30 PM | Enjoy a casual lunch at Flounder’s Chowder House with a variety of options on their menu to choose from. From fresh seafood dishes to burgers to tacos, there is something on their menu for everyone.
Parasailing Adventure: 4:00 – 5:30 PM | Ready to soar through the Pensacola skies? Get a bird’s eye view of Pensacola Beach as you soar high above the emerald waters. Parasailing over Pensacola Beach offers an exhilarating way to see the beautiful coastline. Check out Radical Rides, Key Sailing, and Laguna's for your parasail adventure.
Evening:
Sunset Sailing Tour: 6:30 – 8:30 PM | Time to sit back, relax, and enjoy beautiful views on a peaceful sunset sailing tour. Condor Sailing is a great option if you are looking to relax on board and watch the sunset over the horizon, painting the sky with stunning colors.
Dinner at The Grand Marlin: 9:00 PM | End your exciting day on the water with an outstanding dinner at The Grand Marlin. Enjoy fresh seafood and steak with this relaxing dinner overlooking the beautiful Santa Rosa Sound.
Experience Water Activities
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Paddling
There’s something so peaceful about paddling a vessel in the Pensacola Bay Area and enjoying all that nature has to offer. With rivers, bayous, bays and the Gulf surrounding us — there are many diverse ecosystems and coastal habitats to explore. The Pensacola Bay Area also marks the beginning of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, so it’s no wonder many enjoy paddling our destination.
Boating
Since Don Tristan de Luna first discovered the naturally deep waters of Pensacola Bay, our waterways have been a source of enjoyment and opportunity to those visiting this pristine Gulf Coast destination. The Pensacola area is the perfect getaway for boating; from a peaceful sunset sail to a deep sea fishing adventure.
Water Tours
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Water Sports & Beach Rentals
Are you looking for an adventure on the water? Explore Pensacola's beaches with our water sports rentals! From jet skis to paddleboards, kayaks to sailing, we have everything you need to get on the water for fun water experiences.
Day 2: Perdido Key
Morning:
Breakfast at Legends Bar & Grille: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Begin your second day at a local favorite located in Perdido Key for brunch. Legends Bar & Grille serves up a delicious breakfast. From country fried steak to build-your-own omelets and more, it's the perfect way to start the day.
Kayaking the Bayous: 9:45 AM – 11:00 AM | After breakfast, head over to Big Lagoon State Park and rent a kayak to explore the bayous and waterways of Pensacola. Be sure to keep an eye out for local wildlife, including birds and fish.
Swimming Adventure: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Hit the Gulf and go for a swim! With Johnson Beach on Gulf Islands National Seashore as well as many other public beach access locations across Perdido Key, there are lots of beautiful beaches to enjoy a swim at. Make sure to beware of flag conditions at the beach and always exercise safety when entering the water.
Afternoon:
Lunch at the Flora-Bama Ole River Grill: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Enjoy a tasty lunch with a fun, family-friendly atmosphere at the Flora-Bama Ole River Grill. With a variety of seafood and tons of delicious American dishes, it is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat after spending a morning enjoying the waters of Perdido Key.
Jet Ski Adventure at Flora-Bama: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM | You can do more than grab a delicious bite to eat at the Flora-Bama – you can hit the water too! Flora-Bama Marina and Watersports offers jet ski rentals and other exciting water activities to enjoy. Feel the thrill of speeding across that beautiful Perdido Key Water on a jet ski.
Evening:
Dinner at The Jellyfish Restaurant and Bar: 5:45 - 7:30 PM | Finish off your adventure-packed day with a dining experience at The Jellyfish Restaurant and Bar. With lots of variety and plenty of tasty food on the menu, this is a great place to enjoy your final dining experience in Pensacola.
Sunset on the Water: 7:45 - 8:30 PM | To relax and unwind from your exciting day on the water, enjoy a beautiful sunset along the coastline at Perdido Key. With sugar white sands and clear waters, a sunset at Perdido Key’s beaches is sure to be gorgeous. There are several public beach access points across Perdido Key and Pensacola to use to watch the sunset that you can find listed here.
Drinks at the Flora-Bama Lounge, Package, & Oyster Bar: 8:45 PM | There's nothing better than finishing off the day with a bushwacker! Head over to the famously known Flora-Bama Lounge, Package, & Oyster Bar to end the day with live music and drinks.
Experience Water Activities
5 Places to Paddle in Pensacola
For over 30 years, I've enjoyed the coastal waters of the Pensacola Bay Area. In that time, I've discovered so many beautiful areas to enjoy the water for kayaking.
Jet Set and Ski in Pensacola
For those adrenaline junkies look no further than a jet ski adventure. Something is thrilling about gliding across the bay at high speeds, wind in your hair, and surrounded by natural beauty. Pensacola has plenty of jet ski options; from rentals to guided dolphin tours. It's like taking a motorcycle tour of paradise, but on the water.
Public Beach Access
With miles of beaches along our coastline, there are many beach areas to enjoy. Browse our beach access finder to discover your next adventure.
Discover The Best Ways to Experience a Pensacola Sunset
What better place than Pensacola to watch a sunset? One of the most breathtaking sights in this city is its stunning sunsets. As the sun slowly descends below the horizon, it paints the sky with a magnificent array of colors leaving onlookers mesmerized.
Water Sports & Beach Rentals
Are you looking for an adventure on the water? Explore Pensacola's beaches with our water sports rentals! From jet skis to paddleboards, kayaks to sailing, we have everything you need to get on the water for fun water experiences.
Tips For A Great Experience:
Reservations: Plan ahead and pack your patience! Many activities and restaurants may require reservations, especially during peak seasons. Book in advance to ensure availability.
Sun Protection: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Hydration: Stay hydrated throughout the day, especially during outdoor activities.
Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for water activities.
Water Safety: Make sure to learn the beach flag system before you hit the Gulf! Check out the graphic below.
