Dolphin Cruise
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, 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
Paddling
From the trailhead of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail in Perdido Key to the waterways off Pensacola Beach, the area’s diverse waters…
Boating
Explore the waters of the Pensacola Bay area with a boating experience that’s right for you. From pontoon rentals and sunset sails to fishing charters and…
Water Tours
Water Sports & Beach Rentals
Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, and Perdido Key offer countless ways to enjoy water sports along the Gulf. Visitors can rent paddleboards, kayaks, jet skis, and…
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…
Jet Set and Ski in Pensacola
For those who consider themselves to be adrenaline junkies, look no further than a jet ski adventure. Something is thrilling about gliding across the bay at…
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…
Water Sports & Beach Rentals
Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, and Perdido Key offer countless ways to enjoy water sports along the Gulf. Visitors can rent paddleboards, kayaks, jet skis, and…
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.
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There’s a highway here where the traffic is always moving, and the drivers often wave at each other — using their entire arm!
It’s called the Intracoastal Waterway — the ICW — and if you are visiting the Pensacola Bay Area by boat, it’s a mostly protected waterway that connects you to so many wonderful places to dine, swim and immerse yourself in Pensacola’s coastal delights.
And yes, it’s true, burgers and bushwhackers seem to taste better when you get there by boat.
It’s called the Intracoastal Waterway — the ICW — and if you are visiting the Pensacola Bay Area by boat, it’s a mostly protected waterway that connects you to so many wonderful places to dine, swim and immerse yourself in Pensacola’s coastal delights.
And yes, it’s true, burgers and bushwhackers seem to taste better when you get there by boat.
