Soaking up the sun and beachcombing the sugar-white sands of Pensacola Beach are perfect ways to relax and enjoy your vacation. But there’s much more of the Gulf Coast to explore and plenty of things to do in Pensacola. If you’re looking to get under the sea and find some great locations to snorkel, Jolly Sailing can take you there!
The best of Pensacola Beach snorkeling can be found in various locations on Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound. Grass beds harboring marine life, the Igloos, which consist of artificial reef structures in Santa Rosa Sound, a rock ballast pile off the Naval Live Oaks, and Sabine Island, made almost entirely of ballast stones, make for some unique snorkeling spots in the Pensacola area. All of our snorkeling locations are in waist to chest-deep water. We will visit one or two spots depending on conditions, at the Captain’s discretion, accounting for tides and conditions.
For the beginner to the advanced snorkeler, there is plenty to see in the waters of the Pensacola Gulf Coast. While we do not have natural coral reefs as in the Caribbean and the Florida Keys, we do have our own special ecosystem, with a lively diversity of fish and marine life. On our Pensacola Beach snorkel trips, we encounter a variety of species. Instruction by seasoned professionals and the use of clean, professional-quality gear is included in all snorkeling excursions. Snorkeling tours are 2 to 2 1/2 hours long, and may take place by sailboat or powerboat. Longer private combo trips, such as sail and snorkel, snorkel and dolphin cruise, or snorkel, dolphin cruise and beach stop are also available.
*Please note that snorkeling trips are offered seasonally, depending on water conditions and temperature. The typical season is May through October. Basic swimming skills are required. Age 6 and up.