There is no better way to see Pensacola than from the water. The Pensacola Bay City Ferry connects Downtown Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, and Fort Pickens at Gulf Islands National Seashore on two catamaran vessels that are comfortable, air-conditioned, and genuinely fun to be on.
TL;DR Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
🐬Save on Pensacola Attractions, Museums, and Waterparks!
Pensacola Bay City Ferry
Whether you are hopping between destinations for the day, watching the Blue Angels practice from the bay, or settling in for a sunset cruise, this is one of those Pensacola experiences worth building your whole trip around.
The ferry returned to service running a new route order: Downtown Pensacola → Pensacola Beach → Fort Pickens. Tickets can be purchased online, through the mobile app, or at the landing before departure.
Boarding
The Pensacola Bay City Ferry departs from three locations. The main boarding point is the Downtown Ferry Landing at 750 S. Commendencia Street in Pensacola.
To get onto the Pensacola Ferry, there is a short ramp from the dock to the ship. It is fairly smooth with arm rails on both sides.
There is a Pensacola Ferry Employee who will check your ticket before you walk down the gangway to the ferry boat.
Inside Seating
Both vessels, the Turtle Runner and Pelican Perch, feature a climate-controlled interior cabin with seating and table tops. This is where you want to be on a hot summer afternoon or a cooler evening cruise.
Onboard snacks and alcoholic beverages including imported and domestic beer, wines, soft drinks, and water are available for purchase inside.
Top Deck Outdoor Seating
The top deck seating has rows of benches with backs, including benches along the side of the ferry boat. There are areas where you can walk over and be in the full sunshine for a view from the front of the ferry.
Make sure to bring your camera. Keep an eye out for dolphins, they are spotted on the water regularly. The upper deck is particularly spectacular during a sunset cruise when the sky over the bay turns every shade of orange and pink.
Ferry Service
The hop-on/hop-off ferry service is the backbone of what the Pensacola Bay City Ferry does. It runs between three destinations - Downtown Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, and Fort Pickens - in that order, with your ticket allowing travel in either direction between all three endpoints throughout the day.
Start downtown, cross the bay to Pensacola Beach for a few hours on the sand and Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, then continue to Fort Pickens to walk the Civil War-era fortifications and explore the Gulf Islands National Seashore before heading back. No driving, no bridge traffic, no parking shuffle between stops.
Blue Angels Practice Cruises
The Blue Angels are based at Naval Air Station Pensacola and come home for practice sessions from March through November. Watching them from the water on a Blue Angels Practice Cruise is one of the most unique ways to see them perform.
The Pensacola Bay City Ferry follows the Blue Angels schedule, check the calendar on the website for specific Blue Angels cruises.
We absolutely love watching the Blues fly from the Ferry boat. It is a great opportunity to not have think about parking or how to get on base.
Sunset Cruises
The Sunset Cruise puts you out on the water right as the sky starts to change, with views of the bay, the bridges, and the coastline stretching out in every direction.
This is one of the best date night options in Pensacola and a great way to end a full day of exploring the area. Check the current schedule on the website as departure times shift with the season.
Additional Cruise Options
Live Music Sunset Cruise - Offered in partnership with Jazz Pensacola, this cruise adds live music to the sunset experience on the water.
Blue Angel Air Show Cruise - Separate from the practice cruises, the Air Show Cruise coincides with the full Blue Angels air shows and is one of the most in-demand tickets the ferry offers. Book early.
Fireworks Viewing Cruise - A great option around Fourth of July and other fireworks events in the area. Check the calendar for scheduled dates.
Why you will love the Pensacola Bay City Ferry
- Each vessel accommodates up to 100 people
- Climate-controlled interior cabin with seating and table tops
- Covered upper deck with panoramic views of Pensacola Bay
- Onboard snacks and alcoholic beverages available for purchase
- Restrooms on board
- Blue Angels Practice Cruises from March through November
- Sunset cruises, live music cruises, fireworks cruises, and air show cruises
- Free parking at the Downtown Ferry Landing
- Dolphins spotted regularly from the water
Things to know when planning a visit to
Primary Address - Downtown Ferry Landing, 750 S. Commendencia Street, Pensacola, FL 32502
Pensacola Beach Boarding - 400 Quietwater Beach Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Fort Pickens Boarding - 1400 Fort Pickens Road Building 16, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Phone - 850-466-3379
Hours - Hours and schedules vary by season and cruise type. Check the current schedule at pensacolabaycityferry.com/calendar before your visit. Please confirm with the ferry to ensure that hours and schedules have not changed.
Accessibility - The vessels are equipped with accessible features. Confirm specific accessibility needs by contacting the ferry directly at (850) 466-3379 before your visit.
Plus Size Seating -
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual and comfortable. Sun protection is recommended for the upper deck - sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat go a long way, especially on midday ferry runs. Bring a light layer for evening cruises as it cools down on the water after sunset.
Pets - Confirm current pet policy directly with the ferry before your visit.
Parking - Free parking at the Downtown Ferry Landing, 750 S. Commendencia Street. Parking vouchers provided for cruises returning after 8:00 PM Thursday through Saturday. Public parking at Pensacola Beach fills quickly in peak season - arrive early or consider rideshare. Free parking at the Fort Pickens Ferry Plaza and Pier.
Children - Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All passengers including small children who ride free are required to have a ticket.
Fort Pickens - A separate entrance fee is required to visit Fort Pickens, paid by credit card only. No concessions are available inside the park.
Pensacola Restaurants and Attractions nearby
National Naval Aviation Museum - One of the largest aviation museums in the world and home base for the Blue Angels. Free admission. After Wednesday Blue Angels practices, the team holds autograph and photo sessions here.
Blue Angels Practice Schedule - Everything you need to know about watching the Blue Angels practice in Pensacola, including dates, times, and best viewing spots.
Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum - One of the oldest lighthouses in Florida with tours available to the top.
Big Lagoon State Park - A beautiful state park near Pensacola Beach with hiking, paddling, and stunning views of the bay.
Pensacola Beach Boardwalk - Beachfront restaurants, bars, and entertainment steps from the Pensacola Beach ferry stop.
Casino Beach Bar and Grille - A great stop for food and drinks right at Pensacola Beach after your ferry ride.
Piazza Pizza and Beach Bodega - A casual Pensacola Beach favorite worth knowing about.
Blue Dolphin Cruises - Another great way to get out on the water in Pensacola with dolphin sightings on nearly every trip.
Pensacola Dog Beach - A dog-friendly stretch of beach in Pensacola Beach worth knowing if you are traveling with a pet.
McGuire's Irish Pub - A Pensacola institution with great food, cold drinks, and a truly unique atmosphere.
Maynard's Donuts and Coffee - A local Pensacola donut shop perfect for a pre-ferry morning stop.
BagelHeads - A Pensacola breakfast and lunch favorite close to downtown.
Craft Gourmet Bakery and Commissary - Pensacola bakery with cupcakes and baked goods worth a stop before or after your cruise.
Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park - A peaceful Pensacola nature preserve with boardwalk trails through a pitcher plant savanna.
Innerarity Point Park - A quiet waterfront park in Pensacola with a dock and beautiful water views.
Additional Florida Gulf Coast Articles
Florida Gulf Coast Lighthouses - A guide to the lighthouses along the Florida Gulf Coast including Pensacola.
Big Lagoon State Park - Hiking, paddling, and stunning sunsets near Pensacola Beach.
RV Camping on the Gulf Coast - The best RV parks and campgrounds along the Gulf Coast of Florida and Alabama.
Pensacola Tours and Attractions
Seville Stroll Food Tour - Sample the great tastes of the Florida panhandle as you explore the historic area and taste local restaurants.
Hop On Hop Off Tour of Pensacola - Explore Downtown Pensacola on this great tour.
Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola - Check out this guided, ghost-themed bus tour of Pensacola. Visit the historic downtown district, plus the Seville Quarter, Sanders Beach, North Hill, and a cemetery, of course.
North Hill Historic Home Tour of Pensacola - Visit the upscale North Hill neighborhood and discover historic houses that helped establish the city.
Downtown Pensacola Segway Tour - A guide will lead you on a fun Segway tour of Downtown Pensacola, including the Old Christ Church, Plaza De Luna Memorial Monument, and Plaza Ferdinand VII.
Check out all of the epic Pensacola Tours that are available.
Pensacola Hotel and Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations.
Springhill Suites Pensacola - Enjoy comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, free self parking, and easy access to Pensacola.
Holiday Inn Express Pensacola - Fantastic family-friendly hotel
Lily Hall - Great boutique hotel in Downtown Pensacola.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, Sanibel and Captiva Island, and more.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
Check out our Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok pages for more great ideas for the Gulf Coast.
Leave a Reply