Dive in and try new things this summer!
By Kelly MacLeod | Photo provided
Summer has begun, the kids are out of school, the days are longer, and locals are ready to enjoy all that Pensacola has to offer. If you love the water, you are in the right place!
The pristine white-sand beaches and clear emerald waters make our beloved home the perfect destination to dive into aquatic adventures. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills or serene paddleboarding sessions, Pensacola has something for everyone. And, don’t forget, we have the benefit of beautiful woods and rivers, too! Here are a few fun water sports to try in Pensacola:
Jet Skiing
Feel the rush of the wind as you zip across the waters on a jet ski. Radical Rides has been around since 1992 and offers a large fleet of jet skis on Pensacola Beach. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, you are sure to have an exhilarating experience. Key Sailing, another Pensacola Beach favorite for over 50 years, also offers jet ski rentals at Key Sailing Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach Ski and Sail.
Parasailing
For those looking to soar above the water, parasailing is another must-try. Imagine gliding hundreds of feet in the air, taking in panoramic views of the coastline. Radical Rides and Key Sailing both offer parasail experiences with options for single, double or triple flights, allowing you to choose your adventure.
Paddleboarding and Kayaking
From Bayou Texar to Little Sabine to Santa Rosa Sound, there are many locations to rent a paddleboard or kayak to get some exercise while enjoying the marine life. Many local vendors provide rentals and even guided eco-tours, allowing you to learn about our local marine life and, of course, water safety. Pensacola’s calm waters make it a prime location for paddleboarding and kayaking, and Little Sabine Bay is particularly popular for these activities due to its sheltered waters. Several local companies offer rentals and lessons, making it accessible for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Some rental options:
Bayview Outdoor Pursuits Center: Owned by the City of Pensacola and located at Bayview Park in East Hill, the Pursuit Center has both paddleboard and kayak rentals at affordable rates. Bayou Texar is a great place for both beginners and more experienced paddlers. There are also some youth camps and excursions as well instructional camps. Find more information at cityofpensacola.com.
Glow Paddle: For a unique nighttime experience, Glow Paddle offers clear-bottom kayaks and paddleboards illuminated with LED lights. Operating in both Pensacola Beach and Navarre, it’s a magical way to explore the waters after dark, is suitable for all ages and provides a memorable twist to traditional paddling. Visit glowpaddle.com for more information, pricing and to book.
Snorkeling
While Pensacola isn’t exactly known for its snorkeling, there are some local reefs where you can see sea turtles and some colorful fish.
Discover the underwater world of Pensacola by snorkeling at one of the local reefs. The Park East Snorkel Reef, located on Pensacola Beach, is a popular spot where you can encounter various marine life, including sea turtles and colorful fish. It’s an accessible activity suitable for all ages.
Renting/Chartering a Boat
Do you have some boating experience and want a boat for the day to take out your family? There are a few options to choose from: Frisky Mermaid (friskyboattours.com), Key Sailing (keysailing.com), Gulf Coast Pontoon Rental (gulfcoastpontoonrental.com), for example, and you can find more with handy-dandy Google.
Do you prefer to take the opportunity to relax on board with your friends and family? Check out the many charter options in the area. Visit Pensacola can help you find one of the many reputable and safe options locally. The Bella team recently had a great time going out with Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Cruises, and another fun option with personalized service is Salt H2O Therapy (salth20therapy.com). Captain Mike promises an experience “like no other” on a customized tritoon that offers a smooth, stable ride while enjoying the plush seating and food provisioning of your choice (options are listed on the booking page).
“I bring everything — noodles, snorkel gear, pop-up umbrella, chairs, cooler with ice and food from your favorite restaurant is all going to be on board waiting for you,” said owner Captain Mike Pedersen. “There is a grill if you want to prepare your own food, so we can stop and pick up fish and shrimp from Joe Pattis so you can grill. We also offer eco-tours and paddleboards.”
Salt H20 Therapy also offers Go Boat rentals. Go Boats are small, round boats made from rugged PVC and have a 5-mph engine. They are great for fishing or just meandering around the local waters. They are very maneuverable and can go in more shallow places than other larger boats.
Surfing
Are you really ready to dive in and try something new? Then surfing is a must. There’s nothing like catching that perfect, emerald-green wave and riding it into shore. Pensacola doesn’t always have perfect surf conditions, but when there is a storm brewing in the Gulf, you will see many, many surfers out taking advantage of the good vibes.
Surfing isn’t really something you can just go out and do on your own, or watch some YouTube videos and think you’re ready to paddle out. You really need lessons to learn the technique and, most importantly, the safety aspects of the sport. Luckily, there are some really good local options. Innerlight Surf Shop (innerlightsurf.com), Gulf Coast Surf School (gulfcoastsurfschool.com), Pensacola Surfing School (pensacolasurfingschool.com) and Waterboyz (waterboyz.com) all offer lessons and camps.
Scuba Diving
Pensacola has better diving than some might realize. Visit Pensacola says that we have average water temperatures of 75 to 80 degrees and diving levels that vary from 50 feet to 200 feet. You can find lessons and rentals at Dive Pros (florida-divepros.com), Viking Diving (vikingdivingpensacola.com) and MBT Divers (mbtdivers.com). There are underwater wrecks and artificial reefs that offer great underwater experiences. Think about it: breathing under water! That’s pretty cool.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Experience
Stay Hydrated: The Florida sun can be intense. Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protect your skin without harming marine life by choosing environmentally friendly sunscreen.
Wear Appropriate Gear: Always use life jackets and other safety equipment provided by rental companies.
Respect Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from marine animals and avoid disturbing their natural behavior.
Follow Local Regulations: Adhere to all posted signs and guidelines to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
