Things to Do FAQ — Must Do Pensacola

Which dolphin cruise in Pensacola is best?

For most first time visitors, Must Do Pensacola recommends the Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Cruise from Frisky Mermaid as one of the best all around dolphin cruises in Pensacola because it combines traditional dolphin watching, sightseeing and broad appeal for families, couples and groups.

Travelers looking for a lower priced traditional dolphin cruise should also consider Chase N Fins. Premier Dolphin Cruises is a strong choice for a sunset catamaran experience, while Radical Rides offers a jet ski dolphin tour for visitors who want something more adventurous.

What is the best dolphin cruise for families in Pensacola?

A traditional dolphin sightseeing cruise is usually the best Pensacola dolphin tour for families because children and adults can enjoy the same experience without operating equipment or participating in a strenuous activity. Frisky Mermaid and Chase N Fins both offer family friendly dolphin sightseeing experiences around Pensacola Beach.

Families wanting a smaller group experience can choose a small group dolphin tour. Families with older teenagers who want more adventure may prefer a guided jet ski dolphin tour.

What is the best sunset cruise in Pensacola?

Premier Dolphin Cruises' Sunset Dolphin Cruise on a Catamaran is one of Must Do Pensacola's top choices for a sunset cruise in Pensacola Beach. It combines a spacious catamaran ride, dolphin watching and sunset views over the Pensacola Beach area.

Sunset cruises are particularly good for couples, families and adult groups looking for a relaxed evening activity. Private charters are another option when privacy or a special occasion is more important than price.

Where can I rent a pontoon boat in Pensacola Beach?

Pontoon boats can be rented from watersports operators around Pensacola Beach. Must Do Pensacola currently lists a bookable pontoon boat rental from Frisky Mermaid and compares pontoon rentals with other Pensacola Beach watersports in its local watersports guide.

Pontoon rentals are best for families and groups who want several hours on the water with more freedom than a scheduled boat tour. They are commonly used for cruising Santa Rosa Sound, swimming, relaxing and exploring the protected waters around Pensacola Beach.

Rental requirements, boating certification rules, fuel policies, passenger limits and permitted operating areas depend on the operator.

Where can I rent jet skis near Pensacola?

Pensacola Beach is one of the best places near Pensacola to rent jet skis. Current local operators include Key Sailing and Radical Rides, and Must Do Pensacola lists bookable Pensacola Beach jet ski options in its watersports guide.

A standard jet ski rental is best for visitors who primarily want speed and time riding on the water. Radical Rides also offers a guided jet ski dolphin tour for visitors who want to combine riding with sightseeing and searching for dolphins.

Florida boating requirements can apply to jet ski operators depending on age, so drivers should check certification and identification requirements before arriving.

What are the best water activities in Pensacola Beach?

The best water activities in Pensacola Beach include dolphin cruises, jet ski rentals, pontoon boat rentals, parasailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, snorkeling, fishing, surf lessons and glow kayaking after dark.

Dolphin cruises are one of the easiest choices for first time visitors and families. Jet skis are better for speed and adventure. Pontoon boats work well for groups. Parasailing provides aerial views of Pensacola Beach, while kayaking and paddleboarding are good choices when the water is calm.

What are the best things to do on the water in Pensacola?

Some of the best things to do on the water in Pensacola are dolphin cruises, sunset cruises, pontoon boat rentals, jet skis, parasailing, sailing, fishing charters, snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Choose a dolphin cruise for wildlife and sightseeing, a sunset cruise for a relaxed evening, a pontoon rental for a group day, a jet ski for speed, parasailing for views, or kayaking and paddleboarding for a quieter activity.

Pensacola Bay, Santa Rosa Sound and the waterways surrounding Pensacola Beach give visitors several different ways to experience the area from the water rather than only from the beach.

Can you recommend a Pensacola Beach activity for a family of four?

For most families of four visiting Pensacola Beach, a dolphin sightseeing cruise is one of the best activities to book. It works for a wide range of ages, lets the whole family participate together and can easily be combined with a regular beach day.

Families wanting more independence can rent a pontoon boat. Families with older children may also enjoy parasailing, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding or a glow kayaking experience after dark.

What should we book in advance when visiting Pensacola?

During spring break, summer, holiday weekends and major Pensacola events, visitors should book limited capacity activities in advance. Sunset cruises, dolphin cruises, private boat charters, pontoon rentals, Blue Angels cruises, parasailing and specialty tours are among the activities most worth reserving before arrival.

Fixed departure times create less flexibility than activities such as visiting the beach or exploring downtown. If a particular tour or water activity is important to your vacation, reserve that activity first and build the rest of your itinerary around it.

What activities sell out in Pensacola during summer?

Pensacola activities most likely to sell out during summer are experiences with limited boats, equipment or departure times, including sunset cruises, private boat charters, pontoon rentals, Blue Angels cruises, popular dolphin cruise times, parasailing and specialty evening activities.

Weekend departures and desirable morning or sunset times can fill faster, especially during good weather. Major event weekends such as Blue Angels events can create additional demand for boat tours and watersports around Pensacola Beach.

What is the best boat tour in Pensacola?

For most first time visitors, a dolphin and scenic sightseeing cruise is one of the best boat tours in Pensacola because it combines wildlife, views of the local waterways and time on the water in a single easy experience.

Must Do Pensacola recommends Frisky Mermaid's Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Cruise as a strong all around option. Travelers can also choose sunset cruises, private charters, sailing trips and Blue Angels viewing cruises depending on the type of experience they want.

What is the best way to see dolphins in Pensacola?

The best way to look for wild dolphins in Pensacola is to take a dedicated dolphin sightseeing cruise with a local captain who regularly operates in Pensacola Bay, Pensacola Pass and Santa Rosa Sound.

Dolphins may also be seen from beaches, pontoons, jet skis, sailboats and other boat tours, but a dedicated dolphin cruise makes dolphin watching the primary purpose of the trip. That makes it a better choice when seeing dolphins is an important part of your Pensacola vacation.

Bottlenose dolphins are the dolphin species most commonly seen in the coastal and inshore waters around Pensacola.

What can you do in Pensacola besides going to the beach?

Pensacola offers many things to do besides sitting on the beach, including dolphin cruises, boat tours, Fort Pickens, the National Naval Aviation Museum, Blue Angels experiences, Downtown Pensacola, local restaurants, festivals, live music, fishing, watersports, historic attractions and nighttime activities.

A first time visitor can combine Pensacola Beach with a dolphin cruise or other water activity, explore Fort Pickens, spend an evening in Downtown Pensacola and plan around a local festival, sporting event or Blue Angels activity when available.

Must Do Pensacola's local guides and event calendar are designed to help visitors find current activities beyond a traditional beach day.