Pensacola is well-known for its white sands and crystal waters, but this area is also home to a tremendous amount of wildlife. From the marshes to the beaches themselves, you can see marine birds, sea turtles, dolphins, and underwater wildlife during your visit to this shore. If you are a nature lover, these are the locations you will want to add to your vacation.
1. Park West
The south side of Park West is one of the top snorkel reefs in the area. It has plenty of parking and a comfortable beach, but the true attraction is what you will see under the water. A full reef is home to a wide range of fish, and you may spot a turtle, too. This area is 7 to 10 feet deep and is protected waters, so the waves are never too strong. Grab your snorkel gear and take to the water!
2. Big Lagoon State Park
Big Lagoon State Park sits on the northern shore of Big Lagoon, and this location is full of birds year-round. The shallow bays and open woodlands are excellent location for spotting birds. Visiting during the spring or fall migration seasons brings the widest variety. In addition, the bay area offers crabbing and shell-spotting opportunities. The park is on County Road 292A, just 10 miles to the southwest of the city. The park is filled with boardwalk walkways to provide excellent viewing without the sand.
3. Casino Beach
Home to one of the area’s snorkeling three reefs, Casino Beach is an ideal place for snorkeling. It’s also home to Pensacola Beach Pier, which offers an excellent chance to see water wildlife without getting wet. The pier stretches into the Gulf over 1,400 feet, giving opportunities to see water birds as well as under sea wildlife. Watch as the terns and gulls dive for fish, and keep your eyes peeled for the occasional turtle or shark that ventures close to the pier.
4. Project GreenShores
Project GreenShores is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. It features carefully restored oyster reefs and salt marshes, and it’s a nesting ground for several species of birds. Find great viewing from the foot of the Pensacola Bay Bridge. After seeing the wildlife in this area, head to the west of the bridge and enter across from Veterans Memorial Park. where you will find the Hawkshaw Lagoon to potentially spot additional species.
5. Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is a nesting area for seat turtles. If you want to try to spot them, try visiting during the evening hours, and use a red flashlight to protect the turtles and keep them from getting disoriented. Nesting season is May through October, with spring and fall being more active than the middle of the summer. Make plans to visit the beach at night several times during your stay to get the best possible chance. Beach access is available at Park West Sound Side near Fort Pickens Road or Pensacola Beach Access via Via De Luna. If visiting with your dogs, head for Beach Access #28B in Via de Luna for the dog park and dog-friendly beach.
6. Johnson Beach
Johnson Beach is part of Gulf Island National Seashore. This swimming beach is also home to many marine birds, and you may get a chance to see a turtle in season. Five different species of turtle call this area home, so it’s an excellent spot to give you a chance to see one. This beach is also popular with snorkelers because of its excellent selection fo wildlife. The boardwalk nature trail is the best spot for viewing wildlife. If you’re visiting in April through September, keep in mind that the beach will close if it reaches capacity, so come early.
7. Fort Pickens
Originally constructed as a fort to protect the Florida seaboard in the Pensacola Bay region, today Fort Pickens is a popular beach and wildlife viewing site. Rangers regularly host discussions and hikes to increase your chances of seeing wildlife while you explore the area. It’s not uncommon to see bald eagles, blue herons, and osprey here, and dolphins often frolic off the shoreline. If you want to see underwater wildlife, head to the Fort Pickens Jetties on the sound side of the park where the clear waters make for ideal scuba diving and snorkeling.
As you plan your next Pensacola trip, pencil in some time to spend enjoying the nature of the area. With each of these locations in mind, you will be sure to see some interesting wildlife you can’t see anywhere else.
