You know instantly that you’ve hit the wreck-diving jackpot as soon as you giant-stride into the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico off Pensacola, Florida. Almost without fail, there’s a dense curtain of baitfish, snapper, cobia and amberjacks swirling about—all before you reach the superstructure of the vessel. And then of course, there’s the heart-quickening payoff as you descend deeper and the outline of a ship begins to take shape.

As exciting as the wreck diving is, Pensacola offers vacationing divers so much more. Our diver’s guide to this coastal city in Northwest Florida and the barrier islands of Santa Rosa and Perdido Key includes everything you need to plan a dive vacation here. For many, it’s a close-to-home road trip, but for those who need a flight to get here, we promise that the diving is world-class and worth it. Here, you’ll learn what locals already treasure: a vibrant city and beach with an unpretentious, “come as you are” vibe. With so much to discover and love, Pensacola is in a class by itself.

The Way to Beach

It’s hard to find a diver who doesn’t love a beach vacation with award-winning diving just offshore. Pensacola and the region’s barrier islands do not disappoint—their stunning seashores stretch for miles. The essence of Pensacola’s beachy lifestyle is captured by the tourism slogan “The Way to Beach.” The phrase is more than a catchy slogan; it’s a recipe for the beach-and-dive getaway of your dreams. Yes, the beaches are gorgeous strands of sand, but “the way to beach” means something deeper—it is a way to experience everything this region offers. During a dive vacation that means you can arrive looking for Zen-like simplicity or eager to embark on a thrill-seeking adventure—or putting together an itinerary that is a little of both. The sugary-white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters offer endless choices that match your vacation personality—from tranquil, nature-filled enclaves to fun-in-the-sun playgrounds.

The glorious Gulf Islands National Seashore is federally protected—development is prohibited—and encompasses pristine seashore, wetlands and parks that run from Santa Rosa Island to the state of Mississippi. This national treasure boasts unspoiled beauty and places of historical significance. The four sections of the national seashore near Pensacola are Fort Barrancas, Fort Pickens, Perdido Key and Naval Live Oaks.

If you prefer solitude, it’s easy to find a secluded spot, plant an umbrella and soak up the beauty. Park East, about 7 miles east of Pensacola Beach, offers public beach access without the crowds. Dig your toes in the sand, read a book, take a beach walk, standup paddleboard, kayak, or when conditions are calm, swim out and snorkel on the reef that’s in 12- to 15-foot depths just 500 feet from the beach. Park East has public restrooms, showers and parking, but no lifeguards.

If you’re part of a fun-loving group that includes kids, Johnson Beach is a terrific choice. This designated recreational area in Perdido Key provides lifeguards, restrooms, picnic tables and a pavilion, boat ramp and a parking lot. Ocean lovers can swim or try water-based recreational activities such as standup paddleboarding. There’s also a half-mile bike/pedestrian trail where hikers have views of the Gulf of Mexico to the south and Big Lagoon to the north. Big Lagoon, located on the bay side, is part of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Serene, spacious and sparkling, the beaches on Santa Rosa Island and Perdido Key are hidden gems that you will find irresistible.

The Way to Nature

It’s no surprise that we divers are nature lovers—after all, we are in heaven underwater when we have encounters with loggerhead sea turtles, amberjacks, red snappers, cobia, angelfish, butterflyfish and gobies (to name just a few marine creatures found on Pensacola dive sites). But on Pensacola’s barrier islands, you’re also surrounded by magnificent coastal and marsh habitats while you’re topside. Look for the nests of ospreys and great blue herons in the treetops. When you’re on the beach, keep an eye out for dolphins and take care not to disturb the nesting and hatching ground for shorebirds, such as black skimmers and tiny least terns, and sea turtles, including loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley and green sea turtles.

You can take a leisurely stroll on Edward Ball Nature Trail, just northeast of downtown Pensacola at the University of West Florida. This half-mile boardwalk trail is through Thompson’s Bayou, a striking hardwood swamp. If you want a longer hike, other trails on campus range from 1.75 miles to 12 miles. These trails wind through creek beds and wooded inclines. and in some places, and you can see the transition from wooded uplands to the coastal habitat. This is a favorite place for songbird-watching. You may see (or hear) summer tanagers, great crested flycatchers and dark-eyed juncos. Look for wading herons below the boardwalk. If there are any geocaching enthusiasts in your group, the university has more than 20 geocaches hidden around the campus. Use a GPS device or smartphone app to find the coordinates of hidden containers—it’s a fun treasure hunt!

Big Lagoon State Park is tucked away along the Gulf Beach Highway and offers visitors 705 acres of natural coastal beauty and recreation. It is the gateway location for the Great Florida Birding Trail. You’ll find estuarine tidal marsh, flatwoods and a number of threatened and endangered species, such as the gopher tortoise, snowy plover and least tern. There’s a three-story observation tower that permits you to take in a breathtaking vista and 5 miles of hiking trails. Bicycling is popular along the 2.5-mile-long paved main park drive. It is also the place where kayakers can begin or end a 1,515-mile sea journey on the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail.

The unique coastal habitats that the barrier islands support yield unending natural treasures for you to discover.

The Way to Adventure

It would be easier to list what’s not available to those who are passionate about adventure sports and activities. Pensacola is one giant outdoor playground. You can explore historical and nature trails by walking or hiking, go freshwater and saltwater paddling, book a deep-sea fishing charter, or try surfing, sailing, kayaking and camping.

Cyclists will love the scenic Pensacola to Gulf Breeze Trail paved oath or the 40-mile South Santa Rosa Loop Trail, which takes you past views of the Intracoastal Waterway, and through forests and neighborhoods. Kayakers will love explore Big Sabine Bay in Santa Rosa Sound, a wetlands sanctuary with marshes and creeks to explore. Big Sabine Bay involves some logistics to get to, so if you’re looking for an easier entry and exit spot, try Big Lagoon State Park, which has a designated kayak launch.

Families will love all the amusement venues, including go-karts, goofy golf, water slides, ziplining adventures, indoor skate and trampoline parks.

However you spend your surface intervals, this is paradise for anyone who loves being outdoors and there is something for everyone!

The Way to Dive Vacation

As the sun sets on the final evening of your Pensacola dive vacation, we know that you will leave with a deep appreciation for this gem on the coast in Northwest Florida.

Pensacola’s “Way to Beach” experience is available to divers year-round. VisitPensacola.com is a great resource to plan your trip and discover even more reasons why Pensacola is the way to beach.

Contact Information

Visit Pensacola

visitpensacola.com

DIVE PROS

florida-divepros.com

MBT DIVERS

mbtdivers.com

NIUHI DIVE CHARTERS

niuhidivecharters.com