Things to Do in Navarre Beach
Navarre is a sleepy beach town, about a 40-minute drive east of Pensacola. If you’re wondering where exactly is Navarre, FL, we’ve got you covered. Located on the mainland of the Florida Panhandle, Navarre also extends onto a barrier island, using the Navarre Beach Causeway, called the Navarre Beach Marina Park. The city’s shores feature emerald waters and white sand that are characteristic of Gulf Coast beaches. In a most fitting fashion, many things to do here are focused on activities that take advantage of Navarre’s outdoor beauty and indigenous animals.
Navarre Beach/Gulf Breeze Zoo
Located about a 10-minute drive west of Navarre is the Gulf Breeze Zoo, a 50-acre (20.2-hectare) zoo, perfect for all animal lovers. This zoo may be small compared to others, but it is well maintained and has a large variety of animals. The zoo has big cats, reptiles, savannah animals, birds, gorillas, rhinos, hippos, a petting area, and more.
The zoo’s closing hours vary, depending on the time of year, but it always opens at 9 am. From January to February, and from October to December, the zoo closes at 4 pm. And from March 1st to September 30th, the zoo closes at 5 pm. Admission prices vary greatly depending on the age of the guest, and what kind of pass is purchased. There are also discounts available for military members and groups, so consulting the ticket prices on the zoo’s website is a good idea. The zoo is host to many events, such as birthday parties, as well as Halloween and holiday season special events.
Phone: (850) 932-2229
Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center is located right off of Gulf Avenue when you get to Navarre Beach Marina Park’s barrier island. As its name suggests, the center specializes in the health of sea turtles, but they also are invested in the well-being of tortoises, crab, and other marine life. Guests have fun interacting with the variety of sea animals they would not normally get to see at a traditional zoo. The facility is especially great for children to learn about the importance of conservation and what humans can do to help and improve the lives of sea turtles and other marine life.
The facility is open from Tuesday through Friday, from 12 pm to 4 pm, and Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is 5 USD per person, military and seniors over the age of 65 are 4 USD.
Phone: (850) 684-3347
Panhandle Butterfly House
For a relaxing encounter with nature, the Panhandle Butterfly House is the place to go. This facility is home to native species of Florida butterflies that soar through the open exhibit, feeding on plants and colorful flowers. Caterpillars can also be seen as they venture on their journey from squishy little larvae to beautiful butterflies. The butterfly house is open from Thursdays to Saturdays, from 10 am to 3 pm, from May to August, and also holds a special event in October, to celebrate the migration of Monarch butterflies that occurs during that time.
Guided tours of the facility are available when scheduled 10 days in advance, for a minimum of 10 people. There is a minimum donation of 2 USD per person that is suggested when visiting the facility.
Phone: (850) 623- 3868
Pensacola Beach Dolphin Cruise
See one of nature’s most graceful creatures in action, on an open-air catamaran, during the Pensacola Beach Dolphin Cruise. This two-hour cruise will take you through the clear waters of the Gulf, while playful dolphins swim and leap beside you. Admission to the cruise starts at 27 USD for adults and 15 USD for children, ages 4 through 12. Children 3 years and younger have free admission. Cruises require at least 12 guests to set sail, so, should that requirement not be met, your cruise will be canceled or rescheduled.
Dolphin cruises take place in the morning, mid-day, and evening. The company also holds cruises that feature the Blue Angles air show, and 4th of July Fireworks shows. The catamaran has bathroom facilities, as well as a bar and food items for sale.
Phone: (850) 393-7783
Navarre Beach Marine Science Station
The Navarre Beach Marine Science Station is located right off Gulf Boulevard when you arrive at Navarre Beach Marine Park. This former ranger station was turned into an environmental center in 2008 by some marine science students that wanted to help the community better learn about their environment, around them. Today, the center is the consistent host to thousands of students and regular community members that come to learn about Pensacola’s local marine life.
Guests can enjoy interactive activities that are also highly educational and inspiring. The center also hosts summer camps, birthdays, and guided beach tours. They have everything you need to enjoy some fascinating marine science.
Phone: (850) 261-2141
Sage Paddle Company
Sage Paddle Company specializes in Kayaks, Stand Up Paddle Boards, Scooters and Bike Rentals on Navarre and Pensacola Beach. Reserving a paddle board rental from us is simple, we provide free drop off and delivery right to the beach or your vacation home. Sage Paddle Company now has over 150 paddle boards, kayaks, scooters and bike rentals.
Phone: (850) 396-3044