Two Gulf Islands, One Perfect Day
Pensacola isn’t just famous for sugar‑white beaches and Blue Angels flyovers—it also hides two spectacular, boat‑access‑only spots: Fort McRee on Perdido Key and the ever‑shifting Sand Island at Pensacola Pass. The quickest way to reach both in the same day is a short, scenic cruise aboard a rental from Pensacola Pontoons. You’ll dodge traffic, anchor on your own stretch of sand, and step into 180 years of coastal history. Pensacola Pontoons
Why Fort McRee Belongs on Your Bucket List
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Civil‑War Frontier: Completed in 1839, Fort McRee joined Forts Pickens and Barrancas to guard Pensacola Bay. It saw heavy bombardment in 1861; Confederate troops abandoned the fort the next spring. National Park Service
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Nature vs. Masonry: Because the site is exposed to storms and constant Gulf erosion, only scattered foundations remain—making it a surreal blend of brick ruins, dunes, and sea oats. Wikipedia
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Rare Access: The National Park Service protects the area, but there are no roads, docks, or visitor centers—a boat (or a long walk across soft sand) is your only ticket in. National Park Service
Sand Island: Pensacola’s Favorite Boater’s Playground
Just inside Pensacola Pass, Sand Island is a man‑made spoil island rebuilt again and again by channel dredging. Locals raft up here for shallow, emerald water and soft sand that feels like talcum powder. Pups are welcome, and the island’s north side offers a calm, kid‑friendly lagoon. PensacolaBeach.comReddit
What makes Sand Island special?
| Highlight | Why It Matters for Visitors |
|---|---|
| 360° views of Fort Pickens, Fort McRee & Gulf | Perfect backdrops for photos & drone shots |
| Snorkel‑ready grass flats | Spot juvenile snapper, seahorses & the occasional sea turtle |
| Front‑row seat to Blue Angels practices (flight path dependent) | Drop anchor and watch the diamond formation roar overhead on select weekday mornings* |
*Practices are subject to change; check the U.S. Navy schedule before you go. https://www.facebook.com/BlueAngelsPracticeInfo
Getting There the Easy Way: Rent a Pontoon from Pensacola Pontoons
1. Pickup at our convenient location at 715 Pensacola Beach Boulevard, Pensacola Beach Florida, 32561
Note: This is a secure marina with a locked gate. Please call (850) 602-4551 when you arrive at the parking lot so we can open the gate and help you load the boat.
OR
2. For full day rentals We can deliver to your private dock. If you own or have rented a house on the water, we will deliver the boat right to your dock. Some locations may have a delivery fee, please call us for details. Tell us where you want the boat and we will get it delivered!!
Packing List & Responsible Boating Tips
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Reef‑safe sunscreen & wide‑brim hat
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Collapsible beach canopy (no shade structures on either island)
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Cooler with water + ice; take every scrap of trash back with you
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Dog life jacket & leash
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Handheld VHF or cell phone in dry bag
Leave No Trace: Sand Island and Fort McRee are part of Gulf Islands National Seashore—remove nothing but shells already vacant, and respect shorebird nesting ropes in spring. National Park Service
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a history buff, shell hunter, or wannabe pilot mesmerized by the Blue Angels, pairing Fort McRee with Sand Island makes for a flawless Pensacola day. Book a pontoon, plot your GPS to 30.321 N, 87.306 W, and discover why locals say the best beaches here can’t be reached by car.
Ready to cast off? Head to Pensacola Pontoons and reserve your ride—summer weekends fill fast.
Boat Rentals
If you would like to rent a boat to go make memories with your family just give us a call at 850-602-4551 or book online. Please Keep in mind that you can NOT keep bay scallops in our waters.
Rental Requirements!
To rent one of our Tritoons there are a few requirements that you must meet. The person renting and driving the boat must be at least 27 years old and have boating experience. If you have no experience please call us to book. Anyone born 01/01/1988 or after MUST have a Boater’s License to operate a vessel in the State of Florida. If the driver was born in 1987 or prior they only need a VALID state or government-issued photo ID. If they have a valid Boater’s License from their home state it will be honored, don’t forget to bring it with you. If you would like to book one of our beautiful tritoons just give us a call 850-602-4551 or Book Online.
Boundaries
Here at Pensacola Pontoons we offer a large 24 mile long boundary area to play in. Follow this link to check out our interactive boundary map. There are so many great places to visit while on the water in the Pensacola area. To the west, you have Fort Pickens, Fort McRee and Sand island. To the east, you have the Gulf Island National Seashore and Big Sabine. In between, there are lots of good food and drink stops on Pensacola Beach and miles of open white sand beaches for you to enjoy along the way!
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