Tacos and Tanlines
Heather Hayes: Owner and CEO of a unique floating food boat
By Cynthia Reeves / Photos by Kate Treick Photography
It all started with a vision board, a can-do attitude, a love of local waterways and, of course, good food, sun and fun. Heather Hayes admits she has always marched to her own drumbeat — in a very untraditional sense. So coming up with an innovative, out-of-the-box restaurant idea fits her vibe.
“I really want to do something that makes me happy.”
Now, happy is operating a 32-foot floating commercial kitchen —The Wet Taco. The waterborne food truck serves boaters and beachgoers on the intercoastal waterways along Pensacola Beach, Navarre and Perdido Key.
Most of the time, she is set up behind the Sneaky Tiki on Pensacola Beach. Customers paddle up, swim up or float over for tacos and homemade mango salsa. Giant rafts that hold six or eight people are set up for a unique dining experience.
Hayes has always been a self-starter, unafraid of hard work.
“It’s that entrepreneurial mindset where you just don’t want to answer to anybody else.”
She already had her real estate license for 10 years and operated two Airbnbs, but on New Year’s Eve 2024, she and her then-fiancé, Daniel Watts, set out to start a dream business. They mapped it out as part of their annual vision board. The two wasted no time. Within a month, the couple was married; a few months later they found their boat in New Jersey and brought it down. By June 2025, they were up and running.
“Daniel’s been a chef for 25 years here in town. He’s kind of done in the kitchen, running a restaurant for somebody else. I said, ‘Let’s sit down and really think about it. We have this time right now, so let’s take advantage of our situation and figure out something really fun that we want to do.’”
The business is perfect for two beach lovers.
“Being out on the water every day — I mean, we have an amazing office view.”
The duo works well together. Watts took Hayes’ idea for a logo that was a bit risqué, but bold, bright, sunny and easy to spot. Together they crafted a menu that is simple but rich with complex flavors and homemade ingredients.
Everything is made from scratch. The most popular items are the brisket tacos and chicken quesadillas. This year, they are adding items, so look out for a fresh ceviche taco.
Summer, with warmer weather, is The Wet Taco’s bread-and-butter time, but Hayes also offers catering for private events with a buffet-style setup during the off-season.
She encourages beach goers to check out the floating restaurant and promises it serves more than just yummy food.
“This boat just feeds our souls in a way!”
The Wet Taco
Where: On the water behind 17 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday
Info: 850-586-1311; thewettaco850@gmail.com; find posts, updates and locations on their Facebook, Instagram and TikTok
