Things to do in Pensacola Beach, Florida (FL): The Best Dolphin & Whale Watching

August 31, 2021 Roseanne Arnett

“Life’s a Beach” all right on Pensacola Beach where building sandcastles, body surfing and beachcombing are popular pastimes. Away from the sands, there are several don’t miss sights for the entire family, including the National Aviation Museum, which features 150 vintage aircraft, flight simulators and an IMAX Theatre, Fort Pickens, an historic military fort built in 1829, and the Pensacola Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on the Gulf Coast and also the tallest, standing 151 feet tall on a 40 foot bluff. To immerse yourself in the history of Pensacola, stroll the historic village, a pedestrian-friendly area with furnished historic homes, unique museums and the Colonial Archeological Trail. For the white dimpled ball set, try teeing up at Lost Key Golf Club, a target golf set up designed by Arnold Palmer and Marcus Pointe Golf club, an Earl Stone design. Don’t forget, there’s also great deep-sea fishing and other water activities like sailing, kayaking, diving and snorkeling to be actively pursued on Pensacola Beach.
Restaurants in Pensacola Beach

1. Chase-N-Fins

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5.0 based on 939 reviews

Chase-N-Fins

Come aboard Chase-N-Fins, a spacious 50 foot long Navy liberty ship that has been customized for relaxing scenic tours! On the two hour tour you will enjoy beautiful views from Pensacola Bay as we cruise the calm inland waters looking for dolphins. We stop along the way to view wild dolphins playing in their natural environment. Often, the naturally curious dolphins will swim right beside the boat! Our crew is well educated about the dolphins and will be happy to tell you about the dolphins as you watch them. In addition to dolphins, you will get a unique water view of local landmarks such as Ft. Pickens, Pensacola Lighthouse, and Naval Air Station Pensacola. Bathrooms are available on the boat. We offer water bottles for sale for $1.00 a bottle, and you are welcome to bring small coolers with drinks and snacks. (no glass please!) We also offer Blue Angels cruises and private tours!

2. Jolly Sailing & Dolphin Cruise

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5.0 based on 559 reviews

Jolly Sailing & Dolphin Cruise

Choose your own adventure! Sailing, dolphin cruises, sightseeing tours, snorkeling, sunset cruises, private dinner cruises, custom adventure excursions. Our fleet includes JollyDayz, a classic 34' Pearson sailing yacht, Jolly'Ventures, a 26' powerboat tritoon, Jolly Mon, a 27' custom sailboat, all with daily cruises leaving from Sabine Marina; and Jolly Dolphin, a 42' 28 passenger power vessel, daily cruises departing from Pensacola Beach Marina. Private or shared trips. Plenty of seating in sun and shade. Safe, comfortable, and fun for all ages. Complimentary beverages (water and soda) included with all trips. Guests age 21+ may bring alcoholic beverages aboard. Use of snorkel gear, along with instruction, included with snorkeling tours. Special occasion trips such as party cruises, dinner cruises, wedding/rehearsal cruises, family reunions, church/civic/school groups, corporate excursions available. Come enjoy a memorable cruise with Jolly Sailing!

3. Condor Sailing Adventures

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5.0 based on 304 reviews

Condor Sailing Adventures

This is no ordinary sailboat cruise! Join Captain Kirk for the fun, relaxing experience of a lifetime aboard our world-class 40 ft. Condor racing trimaran, Dare II. Where No leaning = No seasickness. *Rare: only 21 Condors ever built! *Always uncrowded - max 6 guests *Comfy seats on spacious side decks *Fun for couples, families, grandparents! *Relax and dangle your feet in the water *Daily 2-Hour cruises at 11am, 2pm, Sunset, and Blue Angels Practice Cruises *Price: Daytime $85/person, Sunset $95/person *Kids 12/under are $25 off *Perfect for birthdays and anniversaries! *restroom onboard

4. Dolphin Express

Excellent
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5.0 based on 210 reviews

Dolphin Express

Dolphin Express Charters is a family oriented cruise aboard our spacious 50' retired Navy Launch Vessle.Dolphin Express Charters specializes in daily Dolphin Tours but also offer Sunset Cruises private trips for holiday weekends special events and Blue Angel Shows.Dolphin Express is a family owned and operated business so call Captain Jeff Lacour to make your reservations.

5. Travelin' Light Sailing

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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Travelin' Light Sailing

Located in Pensacola Beach, Travelin' Light Sailing will take you on an experience to remember. Whether you are a full time resident or on the ultimate vacation, you'll want to join us for a cruise aboard Sailing Vessel Sapphire. We look forward to welcoming you on board!

6. Marlin Hunter Fishing Charter

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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Marlin Hunter Fishing Charter

We provide private fishing charters on a 32 ft Cape Horn. Trips are customized to you needs. We can do everything from a 2 hour cruise to look at dolphins to 24 hour adventure to catch tunas and Marlin. I am a local who knows the ins and outs of the area. We are conveniently located within a couple of miles of all the hotels on the beach. We have a fast boat that can get to wherever the bite is. I love nothing more than showing people our fishery. I think ranks up there in diversity with anywhere in the US. Give us a chance to make a custom trip for you.

7. Wave Cutter Charters

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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Wave Cutter Charters

Wave Cutter charters is a one stop shop for all your fun on the water from dolphin cruises to deep sea fishing . We can accommodate 6 fishermen for 6,8,10,12 or overnight trips. We will bottom drop, and troll to find you the trophy fish you are looking for. The Wave Cutter vessel is 48 ft so there is plenty of room for fishing and is air conditioned in case you need to go inside and cool off. Give us a call and get your trip on the book. THANK YOU

8. Ho2 Pensacola Dolphin Tours, Pontoons & More!

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5.0 based on 95 reviews

Ho2 Pensacola Dolphin Tours, Pontoons & More!

Private and semi-private scenic bay & dolphin tours. Offering rentals for: Pontoon Boats and Tritoon Boats. Kid & Pet Friendly. Our goal is to provide safe, eco-friendly and fun entertainment to visiting guests and residents. View dolphins, marine life, birds and maybe even the US Navy Blue Angels.

9. Next Generation Fishing Charters

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5.0 based on 22 reviews

Next Generation Fishing Charters

I am captain Austin Lewis, born and raised fishing in Pensacola Florida. I have been fishing these waters for over 20 years. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and our newly made memories with you! We offer 4,5,6, and 8 hour fishing trips. We target numerous different types of fish, the great thing about a private fishing trip is that you get to customize your trip! Whether it is catch and release or fillet and grease, lets go rip some lips! We look forward to hearing from you! 850-516-0071

10. Key Sailing

Excellent
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4.5 based on 429 reviews

Key Sailing

Key Sailing is located on the beautiful sugar white sandy beaches of Northwest Florida. Located in the heart of Pensacola Beach at the Boardwalk convenient to public beaches and shopping. Established in 1974 for the water-sport enthusiast, Key Sailing is, and remains, the premier facility for dolphin cruises, paddle-boarding, sailboat rentals, parasailing, waverunners, kayaks, pontoon boat rentals, jet skis, sunset cruises, and much more!

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