Snorkeling

Exploring the underwater world of Pensacola by snorkeling.

Pensacola is home to the most beautiful emerald green coastline, so get out there and explore it! What better way to do so than grabbing your snorkel and hitting the water. With several reefs, beautiful emerald green water and tons of wildlife to check out, Pensacola is a hidden gem for snorkeling.

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Rent Snorkel Gear

Easily rent snorkel gear and dive into clear Gulf waters. Local shops provide masks, fins, and snorkels, making it simple to explore reefs, marine life, and popular snorkeling spots along the shoreline.

Snorkel Tours

Before snorkeling in Pensacola, review water safety tips. Always swim with a buddy, check beach flag conditions, and watch currents. Following basic safety practices ensures a fun, worry-free experience exploring the Gulf’s underwater world.

Water Safety Tips

Book a guided snorkeling tour in Pensacola for expert instruction and local insights. Tours provide gear, transportation, and access to top snorkeling reefs and sites, perfect for beginners and families seeking a memorable underwater adventure.

Where To Snorkel

Pensacola Beach Reefs

Pensacola Beach is home to three different snorkel reefs. The first Snorkel reef is on the sound side, located at Park West. This is a phenomenal spot to snorkel as there is plenty of parking and a great beach to relax on once you're done.

The second snorkel reef is located on the Gulf side located at Park East. This reef features about a dozen cylinders at a depth of around 10 feet.

The third reef is also on the Gulf side, located at Casino Beach. This reef was constructed in the summer of 2020 and is about 600-700 feet offshore.

Perdido Key Reef

The Perdido Key Snorkeling Reef is located straight out from the Perdido Key Beach Access #1. There are two range markers at the end of the walkway at Public Beach Access #1 to line up with the reef itself when you head out. The modules are located approximately 300 feet from the shore at a depth of around 10 feet.

Water Safety Tips

If you are going in the water, know how to swim. There are not lifeguards present at the snorkeling reefs. Be sure to be aware of the current flag conditions. It's also important to keep in mind that dangerous marine life, rip currents, and boat traffic can all pose a threat to swimmers and snorkelers. Being aware of your surroundings and staying vigilant can help prevent accidents and keep you safe.

Don't forget you must have a diver flag even if you are snorkeling! Safety first.

Current flag colors and surf conditions are also accessible online at pensacolabeachlifeguards.com. In case of emergency, notify a lifeguard or call 911.

Overall, remember to always prioritize your safety when enjoying water activities and to take precautions to ensure a fun and safe experience.

Where to Rent Snorkel Gear

MBT Divers, Inc.

3920 Barrancas Ave. Pensacola, FL 32507 (850) 455-7702

Dive Pros

7203 Hwy 98 W Pensacola, FL 32506 (850) 456-8845

Viking Diving-YMCA Scuba

3009 Barrancas Avenue Pensacola, FL 32507 (850) 916-3483

Snorkeling Tours

Frisky Boat Tours

715 Pensacola Beach Blvd Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 910-0635

Jolly Sailing and Dolphin Cruise

655 Pensacola Beach Blvd., 715 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (850) 723-6142

Salt H20 Therapy

Pensacola - Pensacola Beach - Perdido Key (850) 291-3380

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 invite you to slow down and explore at your own pace. Whether you’re renting a kayak for a family outing or launching a stand-up paddleboard, the Pensacola Bay area offers countless ways to experience bayous, rivers, estuaries, and the open Gulf.

Surfing

What would a beach vacation be without a surfing experience? The beautiful clear water, sugar-white beaches and the sunshine are the only ingredients needed for a fun-filled surfing or paddleboarding lesson.

Surfer on a blue surfboard riding the waves in Pensacola, Florida.

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 dolphin cruises, local outfitters make it easy to get on the water and enjoy the Gulf.

Sailing

Brightly colored sails dot the horizon and catamarans skim effortlessly across the rippling waters on Perdido Bay, Santa Rosa Sound, and Pensacola Bay.

Diving in Pensacola

Pensacola is a hidden secret if you want to scuba dive in the northwest Florida panhandle. We hear it all the time, “I didn’t realize the diving was so good in Pensacola!”. Let us tell you a little secret; it is so good!