Nature & Wildlife

A Nature and Wildlife Guide To The Pensacola Bay Area

Pensacola and Perdido Key beaches stretch through miles of unspoiled shoreline. Visitors won’t have to travel far to see the unique wildlife that calls the Gulf Coast home.

Best Places To See Wildlife

Northwest Florida is alive with wildlife, and Pensacola is one of the best places to experience it. Many local parks and preserves are part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, where birders can spot ospreys, bald eagles, herons, and migrating songbirds throughout the year. Dolphins are another favorite sight—you’ll often see them along the beaches of Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key, or you can join a dolphin tour for a closer look. Inland, places like the Edward Ball Nature Trail offer chances to see turtles, alligators, and wading birds. At the same time, the bays and Gulf waters reveal crabs, rays, and a variety of marine life. For even more opportunities, explore Big Lagoon State Park, known for its marshes, lagoons, and abundant birdlife, or head to the vast Gulf Islands National Seashore, where protected beaches and coastal habitats support everything from nesting sea turtles to shorebirds. Whether you’re exploring on foot, by kayak, or on the water, you’ll discover that the Pensacola area is teeming with opportunities to connect with nature.

Ready to dive deeper? Explore the sections below to learn more about dolphins, birds, sea turtles, and other wildlife you can encounter in the Pensacola area.

Birding

Pensacola is a gateway to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, with diverse habitats that attract everything from ospreys and bald eagles to shorebirds and colorful migratory songbirds—making it a year-round birdwatcher’s paradise.

Dolphins

Seeing dolphins is a highlight for families visiting Pensacola. Join a dolphin tour for the best chance to spot them up close, or watch from the shoreline of Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key.

Sea Turtles

Sea turtles are elusive but unforgettable. Visitors may glimpse them from the Pensacola Beach Pier, while snorkeling reefs, or during nesting season from May through autumn, when hatchlings emerge under the night sky.

Responsible Wildlife Viewing

Help protect Pensacola’s wildlife while making memories. Simple actions—like giving animals space, staying on trails, and keeping beaches clear—ensure safe encounters for you and the animals, preserving these experiences for future generations.

Where to See Wildlife in Parks & Preserves

From coastal dunes to marshes and lagoons, Pensacola’s state and national parks are havens for wildlife. Explore Big Lagoon State Park, the Gulf Islands National Seashore and more for birding, sea turtles, and other native species.

Birding in the Pensacola Bay Area

WHERE TO SEE BIRDS

Pensacola is the official gateway to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, with ten locations that offer birding opportunities along the Atlantic Flyway. Start at Big Lagoon State Park, where salt marshes, pine flatwoods, and shallow lagoons attract more than 23 species of migratory birds and songbirds. You can also visit sites within the Gulf Islands National Seashore—such as Fort Pickens or Johnson Beach—to spot shorebirds, osprey, great blue herons, eagles, pelicans, and even piping plovers amid sweeping coastal habitats. Each location brings its own magic—just bring your binoculars and get ready to be amazed.

SEASONAL BIRDING AT A GLANCE

All year round, visitors will enjoy viewing gulls, herons, ospreys, and shorebirds at many locations throughout the area.

Spring - Migratory arrivals with colorful songbirds and dawn choruses
Summer - Nesting shorebirds (least terns, plovers, skimmers)
Fall - Southbound migrants and transitional species
Winter - Wintering waterfowl, loons, gannets; rare seabirds at piers

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WHERE TO SEE DOLPHINS

Watching dolphins in their natural habitat is one of the most popular family-friendly experiences in Pensacola and a favorite activity for visitors of all ages. Whether you want a guided excursion or see them from the beach, there are plenty of ways to enjoy these playful marine mammals in the Pensacola area.

Dolphin Cruise

A guided dolphin tour is the best way to get up close with Pensacola’s resident pods. Families can enjoy a relaxing boat ride while learning about local marine life, with a high chance of seeing dolphins swimming, leaping, and playing alongside the vessel.

Beach Sightings

If you’d rather keep your toes in the sand, you can often see dolphins right from the shoreline. Look for them cruising the surf off Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME & SEASON TO SEE DOLPHINS

You can see dolphins in the Pensacola Bay Area year-round, both from the shoreline and on tours. However, it’s important to note that some tour operators adjust their schedules seasonally, so please check availability before booking.

Local Insights

Mornings – With calmer water and fewer boats, this is the ideal time to watch for dolphins.
Sunset Cruises – A popular choice for families, combining dolphin watching with a beautiful Gulf Coast sunset.
From Shore – Early mornings near spots like Fort Pickens or the Pensacola Beach Pier often provide rewarding views.

Dolphins are out all the time... people prefer the morning tours because there is less boat traffic so you automatically have better visibility.

Owner | Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Cruises and Pontoon Boat Rentals

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SEA TURTLES AND WHERE TO SEE THEM

Sea turtles are a treasured sight along the beaches of Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key, and while they can be elusive, spotting one gliding just offshore always feels like a gift. Visitors sometimes catch a glimpse from the Pensacola Beach Pier, while snorkeling the artificial reefs, or paddleboarding on a calm gulf day. From May through autumn, the beaches take on an even more magical role as hatchlings emerge under the cover of night to crawl toward the Gulf—an unforgettable experience for those who witness it.

🐢 Responsible Sea Turtle Viewing Tips

Avoid lights on the beach at night – Flashlights, phone lights, and even glow toys can disorient nesting turtles and hatchlings.
Fill in sand holes and flatten sandcastles – These can trap hatchlings or block their path to the water.
Keep your distance – Never touch or approach a turtle on the beach or in the water. Observe quietly and respectfully.
Leash your pets – Dogs can disturb nesting turtles and hatchlings.
Respect marked nests – Stay outside roped or posted areas and never remove markers.
Pack it in, pack it out – Take all trash with you; litter and plastic pose serious threats to turtles.

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Responsible Wildlife Viewing

When you visit Pensacola, we hope you take home unforgettable experiences—and seeing wildlife is often one of the most special. We want those encounters to be as meaningful as they are memorable, while also protecting the animals and their habitats. By following a few simple guidelines, you’ll help ensure these experiences remain safe for both you and the wildlife—and that future generations can enjoy them, too.

Give animals space – Bring binoculars or a zoom lens so you can enjoy the view without getting too close.
Let wildlife find their own food – Feeding changes their natural behavior and can make them sick.
Stay on marked paths – Trails and boardwalks help protect fragile dunes, marshes, and nesting areas.
Share the beach with nesting animals – Fill in holes, knock down sandcastles, leash pets, and keep away from marked sea turtle and shorebird nests.
Leave no trace – Pack out everything you bring in to keep habitats clean and safe.
Be mindful on the water – Slow down boats or kayaks in areas where dolphins, turtles, or manatees may be swimming.
Enjoy the quiet – Keep noise down and move calmly so animals feel less stressed.

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Recommended Wildlife Viewing Areas

Pensacola’s state and national parks are some of the best places to connect with nature, featuring diverse landscapes—marshes, lagoons, pine forests, and sugar-white beaches—all home to a wide variety of wildlife. Big Lagoon State Park is a favorite stop on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, with opportunities to see migratory songbirds, wading birds, and even the occasional alligator. At the Gulf Islands National Seashore, you’ll find protected beaches that support nesting sea turtles, shorebirds, and an array of marine life just offshore. Beyond these, smaller local parks and trails provide equally rewarding encounters, whether you’re walking boardwalks through wetlands, paddling through estuaries, or exploring historic forts surrounded by coastal habitats. Wherever you go, these preserves showcase the rich biodiversity that makes Northwest Florida so special.

Big Lagoon State Park (Gateway)

Big Lagoon State Park is the Gateway to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. The park enjoys visits from over 23 species of migratory birds. The park includes saltwater marshes, pine flatwoods, and shallow lagoons, providing perfect conditions for birding enthusiasts. Boardwalks, trails, and a birding tower allow visitors up-close access for birding.

Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Pickens Area

Fort Pickens is located on the western tip of Santa Rosa Island and is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Birdwatchers can explore various coastal habitats, from sandy dunes to salt marshes, which provide opportunities to observe shorebirds, eagles, osprey, great blue herons, pelicans, and more.

Gulf Islands National Seashore, Johnson Beach

Johnson Beach is on the eastern side of Perdido Key. The area sits between Big Lagoon and The Gulf of Mexico, making it perfect for observing coastal birds. Birdwatchers can explore a variety of coastal habitats, ranging from sandy dunes to salt marshes, which offer plenty of opportunities to spot shorebirds, eagles, osprey, great blue herons, pelicans, and more.

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park protects over 4,000 acres of wet prairie, swamps, and bayous, offering a range of habitats for bird species. Birdwatchers can explore the park's trails and boardwalks to observe wildlife.

Perdido Key Discovery Trail

Located on Johnson Beach, the Perdido Key Discovery Trail is a 0.10-mile accessible boardwalk loop that showcases dunes, marshes, and pine habitats. This easy 15–20 minute walk is perfect for nature lovers.

Perdido Key State Park North Trail

The North Trail at Perdido Key State Park is a 1.8-mile, moderately easy hike through sandy dunes along the Intracoastal. Visitors enjoy peaceful views of Old River while exploring one of Florida’s westernmost beach State Parks.

University of West Florida: Edward Ball Nature Trail

The Edward Ball Nature Trail at the University of West Florida winds through a lush forested area, featuring a boardwalk over Thompson's Bayou, where birders can observe various species, including woodpeckers, songbirds, and waterfowl.

Big Lagoon State Park Observation Tower

Climb the three-story observation tower at Big Lagoon State Park for breathtaking views of dunes, marshes, and coastal wetlands. Spot wildlife from osprey to gopher tortoises while enjoying a panoramic look at Pensacola’s natural landscapes.