Frisky Boat Tours
715 Pensacola Beach Blvd Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 910-0635
Insider Tips for Watching a Blue Angels Practice
Wondering about the best ways to catch the Blue Angels at their practices? Look no further, everything you need to know is below to grab the best spot for the show.
Many visitors come to Pensacola for its beautiful scenery, but some of the area’s most stunning sights are not on land or in the water. Look up! They are in the air. It’s the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the world-renowned flight demonstration squadron that calls Naval Air Station Pensacola home.
Locals and visitors can catch sight of the beloved Blues as they take to the skies throughout the year. In addition to two local airshows, held annually in July and November, the Blue Angels practice in Pensacola every Tuesday and Wednesday from late March through November. Typically, practice shows begin at 10:30 a.m. and last just under an hour.The practice performances offer a convenient option for spectators of all ages to enjoy the aerial feats and roaring engines of the Blue Angels. What could be better than catching all the thrills of a regular performance without having to brave the crowds of an airshow weekend?
There are many places to watch a Blue Angels practice. Here are a few suggestions below.
Public Visitation to NAS Pensacola Areas of public interest daily through West Gate
All U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals 18 and older must have a Real identification card or passport and enter NAS Pensacola through the installation’s West Gate at the south end of Blue Angel Parkway.
Foreign Nationals are authorized access to NAS Pensacola but must be escorted by a U.S. citizen with proper identification.
Fort Pickens
Fort Pickens is located at the end of Santa Rosa Island (adjacent to Pensacola Beach) and is situated directly across Pensacola Bay from NAS Pensacola, where the Blue Angels take off for practice performances. Pay the admission fee at the gate of Fort Pickens and bring beach chairs to set up in the sand for a spectacular view. You can also watch from the historic fort – climb to the top and enjoy learning about the history of this structure, which dates to pre-Civil War era. Hike and bike trails, cook out on one of the grills or even camp overnight (with reservations, of course).
If you plan on enjoying a practice from Fort Pickens, please remember there may be traffic at times as you enter the park, so be sure to plan accordingly, go early, and pack your patience.
On a boat
It is a sensory delight to watch a Blue Angels practice from a boat. You have cool water splashing below, plus the jaw-dropping maneuvers and humming of jet engines above. Besides, a boat excursion is a fun activity you might choose to enjoy in Pensacola anyway, so why not get more bang for your buck with a Blues cruise?
Many charter boat services in the area offer specialty Blue Angels excursions. Check out charter options below! This can be a fun activity for the whole family. Bring your sunscreen, a cooler and have your cameras ready. You might see dolphins during your cruise as well.
Enjoy a Blue Angels Practice from a boat
Explore these charters and book in advance to secure your spot.
Sand Island Boat Rentals and Tours
655 Pensacola Beach Blvd, Pensacola Beach Marina Pensacola, FL 32561 (850) 776-7716
Pensacola Bay City Ferry
750 S. Commendencia Street Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 466-3379
Salt H20 Therapy
Pensacola - Pensacola Beach - Perdido Key (850) 291-3380
Jolly Sailing and Dolphin Cruise
655 Pensacola Beach Blvd., 715 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 723-6142
Chase-N-Fins / Aquatic Charters
655 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 492-6337
Pensacola Beach Boat Charters
715 Pensacola Beach Blvd Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 405-7964
Entertainer Fishing Charters
13506 Perdido Key Dr. Perdido Key Dr., FL 32507 (850) 934-1613
Premier Dolphin Cruises
400 Quietwater Beach Road Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 898-9002
At the naval base
Traditionally, crowds have gathered at Naval Air Station Pensacola to watch Blue Angels practices. The naval base continues to be an outstanding option for taking in a practice show, with some important limitations to note.
Important Visitor Information
A clear bag policy is in effect for the Museum and the Museum Flight Line. Learn more about the National Naval Aviation Museum and Flightline Bag and Beverage Policy. A REAL ID-compliant form of identification will be required for access to NAS Pensacola.
If you meet these criteria to visit the base, allow extra time for traffic and security checkpoints at the entrance gate. Once on base, follow signs to the National Naval Aviation Museum, which hosts visitors on the flight line behind the museum to view Blue Angels practices. The Tuesday and Wednesday practice demonstrations are typically scheduled for 10:30 a.m., and gates will open at 9:30 a.m. All visitors ages 16 and over will be required to show ID to access the museum flight line. Sunscreen and hearing protection (for noise sensitive spectators) are recommended. Bleacher seating can accommodate up to 500 guests, and chairs are available to purchase for day-use. Concessions and merchandise are available, as well.
So, what makes watching a Blue Angels practice at the museum special? Frequently, retired military personnel who volunteer at the museum will narrate the show, explaining many of the aerial maneuvers and sharing stories of interest. Following Wednesday practices, members of the Blue Angels often visit the museum to meet the public and sign autographs. For Blue Angels fans, this is the ultimate way to experience a practice performance and afterwards you can enjoy the military aircraft displays and flight simulators at the museum.
Get a visual of where to watch a Blue Angels Practice
Wherever you go in Pensacola to watch a Blue Angels practice, enjoy the show!
