Did you know that Jaws 2 was filmed on Navarre Beach in 1977? According to Google and Facebook (what better reference source than those for accuracy😊), the reason was “the warm weather and the water’s depth being appropriate for the shark platform.” There is a new documentary coming out about the filming of the movie titled Back In The Water. The following is a link to an article in the Pensacola News Journal about the documentary: https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/navarre/2022/02/03/jaws-2-documentary-back-water-highlights-navarre-beach-florida-residents/9258897002/
So what is it about the water on Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach that is so special? Clarity—so clear you can see the seashells in the sand. Temperature—the water in the Gulf warms up by May and stays enjoyable until October. Variety—there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Swimming/Floating:
Before heading out to the beach it is always best to check out the local Lifeguard’s Facebook pages to get an update on the conditions.
Navarre Beach Lifeguards: https://www.facebook.com/navarrebeachlifeguards
Pensacola Beach Lifeguards: https://www.facebook.com/PensacolaBeachLifeguards
Floats and Inflatables are available for purchase at grocery and drug stores and souvenir shops. You may want to purchase an electric air pump if you select a really big float (Yes, the big pink flamingo will take a lot of air to fully inflate. )
Also know what the different flags mean and follow the warnings: https://floridadep.gov/rcp/fcmp/content/beach-warning-flag-program
Water Parks:
Navarre Park (8513 Navarre Parkway—Northwest corner of Hwy 98 and Navarre Beach Causeway) reopens on Saturday, April 30th. Improvements include an interactive splash pad, expanded boardwalk, and more.
Navarre Family Watersports: (8671 Navarre Parkway—beside Dewey Destin’s) offers a Water Obstacle Course for all ages.
Snorkeling/Diving:
On Navarre Beach, there are several sites in the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary. There are also snorkeling sites on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. The best source for information about Snorkeling and Diving sites is the Visit Pensacola website.
As for equipment, there are 2 Dive Shops located on Hwy 98 between Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach (Shark Quest and Bay Breeze). Basic snorkeling equipment can be found at most souvenir shops and Walmart stores.
Boards and Kayaks:
Skimboards and Boogie boards can be found almost everywhere. The better-quality ones are going to be online (purchase before heading to the beach), but if you just want something to keep your 10-year-old son busy at the beach, a skimboard from Walmart should be fine!
Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP), Surf Boards, and Kayaks are available for rent at several different locations on Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach. Again, please check the conditions before heading out. You will see many of the local surfers out on RED flag days but they are experienced in these waters and visitors should consider their ability before attempting on a RED flag day. Also, the Santa Rosa Sound (water area between the mainland and Santa Rosa Island—Navarre Beach/Pensacola Beach) is often a better location for SUPS and Kayaks and many of the rental providers will deliver and pick up the equipment for you.
Check out some Surfing Stories on the Pensacola Beach website.
Motorized Vehicles:
Both Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach have lots of providers for renting Wave Runners/Jet Skis as well as Pontoon Boats and Craig Cats. Before making a reservation at one of the local providers, check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission for more information about Boater Safety requirements: https://myfwc.com/boating/regulations/
Fishing Charters and Dolphin Cruises:
The best source for reputable charters is Visit Pensacola with over 21 different charter companies’ information listed. I have personally used Coastal Life Charters (Capt Mike is a fellow Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce member and specializes in family-style fishing adventures (not so much about how much fish you catch as being an enjoyable experience for all family members.)
For more travel tips, be sure to check out previous Blog articles (Traveling with Toddlers, Road Tripping to Navarre, and Rainy Day activities to name a few.)
And of course, check out the Grocery Concierge Offerings Page to learn about our Sunset Beach Picnics, and Wine and Beer Tastings to enjoy in your vacation beach rental.