Visit Pensacola serves as the official destination marketing organization for Escambia County, encompassing the vibrant communities of Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, and Perdido Key in Florida. With a rich history dating back to 1559 as America’s First Settlement, the area boasts nearly 40 miles of sugar-white sand beaches and emerald Gulf waters, making it a premier coastal destination. The organization leverages decades of experience to promote tourism as a key economic driver, supporting local hospitality through strategic marketing, community collaboration, and visitor engagement. Its unique blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural offerings distinguishes the Pensacola Bay Area as a compelling travel choice. The destination offers a diverse range of activities and services tailored to various interests and age groups. Visitors can enjoy guided tours that explore Pensacola’s cultural heritage, art scene, and natural environment, including sailing and dolphin-watching excursions on the water. Perdido Key provides a tranquil island experience with access to state parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and outdoor adventures such as fishing charters, kayak rentals, and beachcombing. The area also features family-friendly attractions, shopping districts, and a vibrant culinary scene highlighting fresh seafood and waterfront dining. Whether seeking relaxation or active exploration, guests find a welcoming atmosphere and well-supported amenities that enhance their stay.
Located in Pensacola, Florida, MBT Divers is a comprehensive scuba diving center known for its professional training programs and extensive gear offerings. With a strong reputation for producing knowledgeable and confident divers, the business caters to a wide range of experience levels, from beginners seeking Open Water Certification to advanced technical divers. What sets MBT Divers apart is its flexible, fun-focused training approach and its partnership with top local charter boats, ensuring safe and enjoyable diving experiences. The shop also serves as an exclusive dealer for leading scuba brands, providing quality equipment and expert service in a convenient, well-equipped location. MBT Divers offers a variety of services including scuba certification courses, equipment sales, rentals, and professional gear maintenance. Their training includes e-Learning options for initial coursework, accommodating busy schedules. Customers can access dive charters operated by Coast Guard licensed captains to explore Pensacola’s prime dive sites. The service department prioritizes diver safety with fast, reliable repairs and annual equipment servicing. Additionally, MBT Divers supports spearfishing and lionfish hunting enthusiasts with specialized gear and customized packages, making it a versatile destination for all scuba-related needs.
Florida Dive Pros is Pensacola’s premier dive shop, serving Florida Panhandle divers and the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze communities since 1988. They specialize in award-winning SCUBA training, retail, equipment services, rentals, gas fills, and facilitating dive charters through local operators to Pensacola's wrecks, reefs, and dive sites.
Located in Pensacola, Florida, this family-owned business has been providing unique pontoon boat rentals since 2015. Founded by local native Tina Dove, who brings extensive experience in the fishing charter industry, the company offers exclusive double-decker pontoon boats equipped with waterslides, Tiki Hut themes, restrooms, and propane grills—amenities not commonly found on the Gulf Coast. Operating from Bayou Chico, the business ensures easy access without the traffic and parking challenges previously encountered at Pensacola Beach. Their fleet includes both large party boats and smaller Bentley Navigator series vessels, catering to a variety of group sizes and preferences. The company specializes in a range of water activities including dolphin watching, swimming, snorkeling, fishing excursions, and island hopping to nearby destinations such as Dead Mans Island, White Island, and Robertson Island (Sand Island). They also accommodate special events like birthdays, reunions, and bachelor or bachelorette parties. With knowledgeable staff and well-maintained boats managed by operations manager Paul Dove, customers can expect a comfortable and enjoyable experience exploring the scenic waters of Pensacola. The authorized boating area provides ample opportunity for adventure while ensuring safety and compliance with local regulations.
Emerald Ocean Dive Charters is a Pensacola, Florida-based dive charter company specializing in exploring some of the Gulf of Mexico’s premier underwater sites. Founded in 2017 by Captain David Forrester, a lifelong local and experienced diver, the company operates the Stacie Nicole, a 28-foot Grady White Sailfish outfitted specifically for diving. The vessel features ample space, custom tank racks, and advanced safety equipment including GPS systems, marine radios, and emergency oxygen. With a knowledgeable crew and experienced dive masters always on board, Emerald Ocean Dive Charters prioritizes safety and comfort while providing access to hundreds of nearby dive sites suitable for all skill levels. The charter offers a variety of diving experiences, including recreational and technical dives to the USS Oriskany, the world’s largest artificial reef located 24 miles south of Pensacola. Divers can also participate in lionfish hunting trips, which combine adventure with reef conservation efforts. The company caters to divers ranging from beginners to advanced technical divers, ensuring personalized guidance and support throughout each excursion. Whether exploring historic shipwrecks or engaging in spearfishing, guests enjoy a well-equipped, safe, and immersive underwater experience in the vibrant waters of the Gulf.
Explore specific ocean adventures and services available in Pensacola