Tristán de Luna:

Tristán de Luna: The Forgotten Founder of America’s First European Settlement in Pensacola

When most people think of the first European settlement in the United States, they name Jamestown or St. Augustine — but history tells a different story. In 1559, a Spanish conquistador named Tristán de Luna y Arellano landed in what is now Pensacola, Florida, and established a short-lived colony that predates both by decades.

Here at Pensacola Pontoons, we don’t just rent boats — we help you explore the living history of our beautiful coastline. And there’s no story more foundational than that of Tristán de Luna.

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Who Was Tristán de Luna?

Tristán de Luna was a Spanish nobleman and explorer sent by the Viceroy of New Spain to establish a permanent settlement along the Gulf Coast. His expedition, consisting of over 1,500 soldiers, settlers, and enslaved people, set sail from Veracruz and arrived in Pensacola Bay in August 1559.

He called the new settlement Santa María de Ochuse, marking what many historians argue was the first European colony in the continental United States.

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Disaster Strikes in Pensacola Bay

Shortly after Luna’s arrival, a massive hurricane devastated the fleet and destroyed most of their supplies. The colonists endured disease, starvation, and political struggles over the next two years. By 1561, the settlement was abandoned, and Tristán de Luna’s expedition was written off as a failure.

But while the colony didn’t last, its historical significance is monumental — and the very waters where it all happened are still here for you to explore today.

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Historical Sites You Can Visit by Boat

While much of Luna’s original colony has yet to be fully excavated, Pensacola Bay is rich with history — both above and below the surface. With a boat from Pensacola Pontoons, you can visit:

• Archaeological zones along the bay’s shoreline

• Scenic spots like Sand Island and Fort Pickens, where you can imagine the view that greeted the Spanish explorers nearly 500 years ago

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Learn From the Water with Pensacola Pontoons

Our modern pontoons are the perfect way to explore the history of Tristán de Luna’s expedition. Each of our boats features:

• Room for up to 11 passengers

• Comfortable shade with a bimini top

• Bluetooth sound systems

• Smooth Suzuki 115 HP engines

Bring your family, your curiosity, and a cooler — and cruise through centuries of Florida history.

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The Legacy of Tristán de Luna Lives On

Though his colony didn’t survive, Tristán de Luna’s name lives on in Pensacola’s streets, schools, and festivals. In fact, many locals celebrate his journey each year with reenactments and educational events.

So whether you’re a history buff or just want to see where it all began, a day out on the bay is a journey back in time — and it all starts with Pensacola Pontoons.

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Book your boat rental today, and set sail through the same waters where European history in America first dropped anchor.