Last Updated: November 2025 | by Deandra Holcomb

Experience Holiday Magic Like Never Before – Shell Yeah!

Picture this: warm ocean breezes kissing your face, dolphins tail-flipping in sparkling turquoise waters, and your pod gathered on deck as the sun paints cotton candy skies. This isn’t just another holiday season – it’s a splash-worthy Pensacola Beach adventure aboard the Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Cruise!

Forget crowded malls and stressful celebrations. This year, make waves of memories on the water with dolphin cruises, pontoon boat rentals, sunset tours, and exclusive holiday events from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.

Your Sea-Sational Pensacola Beach Holiday Experience:

• Thanksgiving Day Cruises – Skip the dishes, gobble on over and hit the water for some fin-tastic family time
• Lead the Lighted Boat Parade – Hop on to escort Santa & Mermaid Claus on Friday, December 5th (it’s mermazing!)
• Surfin’ Santa Beach Parade – Catch the beach’s most beloved tradition! Our 2FRISKY float with the #MermaidCrew will escort Mermaid Claus just in front of Santa on Sunday, December 7th 🏄
• Alcohol-Free New Year’s Eve Cruise – Ring in 2026 with the best fireworks view on the Gulf Coast at the 3rd annual Sober Cruise!
• 2026 Polar Bear Plunge – Need an exhilarating rush to help kick off your new year? January 1, 2026. 2 p.m. is the official plunge! BRRRR!
• Picture-Perfect Moments – Snap holiday cards with mermaid-pink sunsets that your friends will actually want to display

Ready to trade snow for sand and sleigh rides for dolphin sightings? Come cruise with us! Let’s dive into everything the Frisky Mermaid crew and Pensacola Beach has planned for your holiday season!

What Makes Pensacola Beach “Shell-ebration-Worthy” During the Holidays?

Pensacola Beach transforms into a mer-magical waterfront wonderland from Thanksgiving through New Year. Unlike those crowded shopping centers (yawn), celebrating on the water offers ocean magic you can’t find anywhere else:

• Dolphin sightings year-round – Our bottlenose buddies are active in Santa Rosa Sound during fall and winter. We’re talking a 99+% success rate!
• Uncrowded holiday experiences – Enjoy festive vibes without the traffic nightmares or parking hassles. More saltwater, less stress!
• Photo-worthy sunset views – November and December sunsets create cotton candy skies and golden-hour magic. Your holiday cards just got a major glow-up!
• Unique Gulf Coast traditions – Thanksgiving on the beach and our December Lighted Boat Parade (sponsored by the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce and SRIA) are exclusive to coastal merfolk!
• Family-friendly fun – From merbabies to grandparents, everyone’s welcome in our pod!
• Perfect before or after-lunch activity – Many families cruise before or after dining at beachfront restaurants.

Location: 715 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach, FL – We’re docked, dazzled and ready to host your holiday magic!

Thanksgiving Day Dolphin Cruises: Gobble On Over! 🦃

Are You Open on Thanksgiving Day? Ab-shell-utely!

You bet! Frisky Mermaid operates special Thanksgiving Day cruises, making it easy for families to create new traditions on Pensacola Beach. Our morning and afternoon cruises are perfectly timed for before or after-lunch adventures – no to turkey comas, yes to having a tail of a time.

Why Book with Frisky Mermaid on Thanksgiving?

Let Us Count the Waves…

Thanksgiving on Pensacola Beach offers a refreshing splash of fun compared to traditional celebrations. Here’s why families are making waves with us:

Skip the Kitchen Stress 🍽️

Many families choose to dine at Pensacola Beach restaurants instead of sweating over a hot stove. Cruise before or after your meal – it’s the perfect way to walk off that turkey, soak up family time, and avoid post-meal cleanup. Now that’s something to be thankful for!

Beautiful November Weather 🌅

November in Pensacola Beach averages a delightful 65-72°F – ideal for being on the water! The fall weather is comfortable, breezes are gentle, and the Gulf sparkles like a mermaid’s dream in that golden afternoon light.

Dolphins Love Thanksgiving Too! 🐬

Bottlenose dolphins are super active during November. Cooler water temps bring abundant fish, which means excellent dolphin encounters. Our Thanksgiving cruises maintain our impressive 98% dolphin sighting success rate. These playful pals are basically showing off for the holidays!

Quality Family Time 💙

Instead of football, reruns or napping, create meaningful memories with your mer-squad. Dolphin cruises encourage conversation, laughter, and shared wonder – the true spirit of Thanksgiving. Trust us, these are the moments you’ll treasure!

Thanksgiving Day Cruise Schedule

Morning Cruise ☀️

• Departure: 9:30 AM
• Duration: 1.5-2 hours
• Perfect for: Early birds, families with young merbabies
• What to expect: Energetic dolphins, calm waters, morning Gulf mer-magic

Midday Cruise 🌊

• Departure: 11:30 AM
• Duration: 1.5-2 hours
• Perfect for: Before-lunch cruisers, visitors from out of town
• What to expect: Prime dolphin action, gorgeous temps, sea-sational views

Afternoon Cruise ⭐

• Departure: 1:30 PM
• Duration: 1.5-2 hours
• Perfect for: After-lunch fun, romantic couples, photographers hunting that golden shot
• What to expect: Golden hour lighting, stunning views, dolphins dancing in the afternoon sun

Want to be the Captain of your own vessel?  Rent a Pontoon Boat!

• Want more privacy for your family celebration? Rent a pontoon boat from the Frisky Mermaid for Thanksgiving Day!
• Why families love Thanksgiving pontoon boat rentals: – Bring your own food and drinks (pack leftovers!) – Create your own schedule and route – Private family time away from crowds – Kids can move around freely – Perfect for extended family gatherings (up to 10 people) – Take family photos with Pensacola Beach backdrop. You can even bring your furry first mate!
• What to Bring: – Thanksgiving leftovers and snacks – Beverages (coolers allowed) – Camera for family photos – Warm layers (November can be breezy) – Bluetooth speaker for music (boats have sound systems).

•      Book Your Thanksgiving Cruise Early!

• Thanksgiving Day cruises are extremely popular and typically sell out 1-2 weeks in advance. Many families make this an annual tradition, trust us, you’ll be hooked.
• Reserve now: – 📞 Phone: (850) 910-0635 –
• 🌐 Online: friskyboattours.com
• Thanksgiving Booking Tips: Book the sunset cruise at least 2 weeks in advance 2. Make restaurant reservations 3-4 weeks ahead
• Bring layers – temperatures can drop after sunset. Don’t forget cameras – November sunsets are dolphin-ately spectacular!

Pensacola Beach Holiday Events – Fun for the Whole Pod!

Pro Tip from Your Frisky Crew: Book early! Thanksgiving cruises are popular and fill up fast. And don’t forget – we’re all about supporting local!

Visit the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk where local organizations host hot chocolate stands every Saturday and Sunday in December from 10 AM-3 PM while Santa visits. Kilwins makes it extra special on November 28th for the tree lighting! 🎄

🎄Pensacola Beach Lighted Boat Parade 2025 – Be Santa’s Escort on Friday, December 5!

Ready to lead one of Pensacola Beach’s most mer-magical traditions? The annual Lighted Boat Parade, sponsored by the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce and SRIA, is a sea-sational spectacle, and Frisky Mermaid offers front-row seats, or should we say, front-boat positions!

Pre-Parade Kids Party at Shaggy’s!

Leading up to parade departure, Shaggy’s hosts crafts and cookie decorating for kids with Santa and Mermaid Claus available for photos. It’s the perfect way to kick off this mermazing evening!

What Makes the Lighted Boat Parade So Special?

This isn’t your average holiday parade. Imagine dozens of boats decked out in twinkling lights, cruising through Santa Rosa Sound with Santa Claus AND Mermaid Claus aboard the lead vessel. And guess who gets to escort them? That’s right – you can!

Parade Details:

• Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
• Boarding: 5:30 PM (Behind Shaggy’s Restaurant)
• Parade Start: 6:30 PM
• Duration: 2 hours of pure holiday magic
• Route: Loop around Little Sabine, ending at Quietwater/Soundside
• Fireworks: Sponsored by Bamboo Willies—because what’s a parade without sparkles in the sky?!

Where to Watch:

Spectators can watch the parade from Little Sabine or the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk at any of the businesses along the route. But we sea you want the best view – and that’s from the water with us for shore!

Why Book with Frisky Mermaid?

• Escort Santa & Mermaid Claus – You’ll be part of the parade, not just watching from land!
• Best views of all the decorated boats – See every twinkling light up close
• Heated indoor seating available – Stay cozy while you cruise
• Mermazing Holiday Pics – Get those holiday card shots!

After the Parade (7:30-8:30 PM): Meet up with Santa & Mermaid Claus for pictures on the Boardwalk! It’s the fin-ale to a perfect evening.

Important: This cruise sells out weeks in advance! Book early to secure your spot in Santa’s entourage.

Have Your OWN Boat? Join the Parade!

Jump in on the fun and support your local Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce! Boats of all sizes, shapes, and colors are invited to enter the parade and compete in the boat decorating contest.

How to Enter:

• Registration Deadline: Monday, November 24, at 5 PM
• Entry Fee: $35 per boat
• Awards: Compete for “Most Merry” and “Best of Show”!
• Line Up: 5 PM on Friday, December 5 at Sabine Marina
• Captain’s Meeting: Wednesday, December 3rd, 6 PM at Sandshaker Lounge

Note for Larger Boats: If you prefer not to loop through Little Sabine, follow behind the parade lineup once they reach the Bob Sikes Bridge at approximately 7:15 PM. More details at the Captain’s Meeting!

Questions? Contact the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce: www.pensacolabeachchamber.com

🎅Surfin’ Santa Beach Parade on December 7 at 2 p.m.!

Watch as Santa trades his sleigh for a surfboard and rides through Pensacola Beach. And guess what? The Frisky Mermaid #MermaidCrew will be there too!

What’s Surfin’ Santa All About?

This quirky Gulf Coast tradition features Santa donning his favorite flip flops and board shorts. It’s totally unique to our little slice of paradise, and locals absolutely love it. The parade starts at 2 PM.  This is an event you don’t want to miss!

✨Mermaid Parade Magic✨ is in the air! There will be floats and fun for everyone. We’re making waves and you can too! Look for the #MermaidCrew on our 2FRISKY boat float just before the real ⭐️ of the show – Santa himself! We’ll be casting a boatload of beach balls with FREE dolphin cruise tickets. 🎅🏻🐬

Parade Details:

• Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
• Start Time: 2:00 PM
• Route: Panferio Drive at Gowens Park → Via De Luna → Casino Beach → Gulfside Pavilion
• Don’t Miss: The Frisky Mermaid 2FRISKY float and #MermaidCrew escorting Mermaid Claus!

🎅Meet Santa on the Boardwalk in December!

Santa’s making waves on Pensacola Beach all December long! He’ll be hanging out on the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk every Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM throughout December. And guess what? Local organizations will be serving up hot chocolate to keep you warm and cozy!

Santa Schedule:

• When: Every Saturday & Sunday in December, 10 AM – 3 PM
• Where: Pensacola Beach Boardwalk
• Hot Chocolate: Nonprofit organizations serve it up on Saturdays & Sundays, 10 AM – 3 PM
• Special Event: Kilwins hosts hot chocolate on November 28th during the tree lighting ceremony!

🎇New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise on December 31 – Ring in 2026 the Frisky Way!

Looking for a family-friendly, alcohol-free way to ring in the New Year? The Frisky Mermaid’s 3rd Annual Sober Cruise has got you covered! Our New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise offers the best seats on the Gulf Coast for the spectacular midnight show, without the hassle of crowded viewing areas or designated drivers.

Why Choose an Alcohol-Free New Year’s Eve Cruise?

We sea you, families and designated drivers! Not everyone wants a boozy bash to celebrate the new year. Our alcohol-free cruise provides a safe, fun, and absolutely mermazing alternative where everyone – from merbabies to grandparents – can enjoy the festivities together.

New Year’s Eve Cruise Details:

• Date: Tuesday, December 31, 2025
• Boarding: 11:30 PM (Behind Shaggy’s Restaurant)
• Departure: 11:45 PM
• Fireworks: Midnight (duh!)
• Return: Approximately 12:30 AM

What to Expect:

• Front-row seats for Pensacola Beach’s spectacular fireworks display.
• Heated indoor seating available – Stay toasty while counting down!
• Complimentary sparkling cider toast at midnight – Cheers to 2026!
• No need for designated drivers – We’ll get you there and back safely.
• Skip crowded parking and viewing areas – We’ve got your perfect spot on the water
• Family-friendly atmosphere – Safe fun for all ages

Important: This cruise books out weeks in advance – reserve early to secure your spot for the best New Year’s celebration on the Gulf Coast!

🐻‍❄️ New Year’s Day – Polar Plunge 2026

Need an exhilarating rush to help kick off your new year? Head to Pensacola Beach and plunge into the Santa Rosa Sound at the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Attendees partake in social festivities from 12pm-2:30 pm.

●       Date – January 1, 2026

●       Time – 12:00 – 2:30 p.m.

●       2pm is the official plunge time where all participants will jump into the Santa Rosa Sound together!  BRRRR!

• Location: 21 Via De Luna Drive

Frequently Asked Questions for Frisky Mermaid:

What time should we eat Thanksgiving lunch to make a cruise?

Flexible timing: With cruises at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM, you can cruise before OR after your feast! Many families enjoy the 9:30 AM cruise, then head to lunch around noon. Others prefer lunch first, then hop aboard the 1:30 PM cruise. Many families find this schedule fin-tastic—you avoid cooking stress, enjoy waterfront dining, and still catch dolphins and gorgeous views. Best of both worlds!

Can you see dolphins in December?

Shell yeah! Bottlenose dolphins are year-round residents of Santa Rosa Sound and the Gulf of America.  December sightings are super common – we maintain our impressive 99+% success rate on Frisky Mermaid tours. Dolphins are actually more active during cooler months when fish populations are abundant. These playful pals don’t hibernate!

What should I wear on a November/December boat tour?

Thanksgiving/November (avg 65-72°F):

• Light jacket or long-sleeve shirt
• Long pants or jeans
• Closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles (safety first, matey!)
• Sunglasses and hat (the sun’s still strong!)
• Optional: Light sweater for afternoon cruises

December (avg 50-65°F):

• Layers (temps can range!)
• Jacket or sweater
• Long pants
• Closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles
• Sunglasses and hat (water glare is real!)
• Optional: Gloves for early morning or evening tours

Forgot to pack? No worries! We’ve got long-sleeve shirts and sweatshirts available for purchase onboard.

Pro tip from the crew: Bring an extra layer! It feels 5-10 degrees cooler on the water due to wind chill. Better to have it and not need it!

How long are the dolphin cruises?

Standard dolphin cruises are 1.5 to 2 hours of pure fun with fins and grins! Private charters can be customized from 1.5 to 4 hours depending on your preferences and itinerary.

Is there parking near the departure location?

Yes! There’s free public parking available:

• Casino Beach Parking (near the Beach Ball Water Tower)
• Free public parking across from Shaggy’s Restaurant

Important: Do NOT park in Shaggy’s parking lot or you will be towed!

During peak holiday weekends (especially Lighted Boat Parade and Thanksgiving), arrive 30 minutes to 45 minutes early to secure parking and meet the #MermaidCrew just before departure time, behind Shaggy’s.

Can I bring food and drinks on the boat?

Ticketed Dolphin Cruises (Frisky Mermaid):

We’ve got nautical-themed snacks, soft drinks, and bottled water for sale onboard. You may bring an alcoholic beverage in a to-go cup or YETI (no glass bottles, please – safety first!). Coolers aren’t allowed on ticketed cruises, but souvenirs like shirts and hats are available for purchase!

Pontoon Rentals:  Absolutely! Bring your own snacks, beverages, and coolers. You can even bring your furry first mate (pets welcome).

What’s the cancellation policy?

Cancellation policies vary by activity type:

Ticketed Cruises:

• 24+ hours before departure: Reschedule or cancel (no problem!)
• Less than 24 hours: No cancellation allowed
• Trip Insurance available: Allows you to cancel or change up to 2 hours prior

Pontoon Rentals & Captained Charters:

• 72-hour cancellation policy

Weather cancellations:

• Tours canceled by our captain due to unsafe weather receive full refunds or free rescheduling
• We monitor weather closely and contact guests in advance when possible—your safety always comes first!

Do you offer private charters for holiday parties?

Yes! Private charters are perfect for:

• Corporate holiday parties (up to 49 guests on our largest vessel)
• Family reunions and celebrations
• Proposal cruises with decorations
• Anniversary celebrations
• Small wedding ceremonies

Contact us at (850) 910-0635 to discuss custom charter options, catering, special decorations, and free event planning services!

Are the boats wheelchair accessible?

No, the Frisky Mermaid vessels are not wheelchair accessible.

What makes Frisky Mermaid different from other Pensacola Beach tour companies?

What sets us apart:

• Women-owned and operated since 2019 – Girl power on the Gulf!
• Five-star ratings on Google and TripAdvisor
• Perfect for larger or smaller group sizes (never overcrowded boats)
• Educational focus on Gulf Coast marine ecosystem
• Tall “tuna tower” for optimum dolphin sightings
• 99+% dolphin sighting success rate
• Flexible booking and customer-first policies
• Active community involvement and environmental stewardship
• ALL female captain and crew options! Your little mermaids will be impressed – women can captain big boats too! 💪

Ready to Make Holiday Memories on the Water?

Don’t let this holiday season drift by without experiencing Pensacola Beach from the water! Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving with your pod, escorting Santa & Mermaid Claus in the Lighted Boat Parade, catching the Surfin’ Santa Parade with our #MermaidCrew, or ringing in 2026 with our 3rd Annual Sober Cruise, Frisky Mermaid offers mermazing memories for the whole family.

Thanksgiving (Nov 28), Lighted Boat Parade (Dec 5), Surfin’ Santa (Dec 7), and New Year’s Eve (Dec 31) dates book out fast! Water you waiting for? Reserve your spot today and join our pod for a tidal wave of fun!

Book Your Holiday Adventure TODAY!

📞 Call: (850) 910-0635

🌐 Book Online: FriskyBoatTours.com

📍 Address: 715 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Pensacola Beach, FL

📧 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

⏰ Office Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

See you on the sea!

—The Frisky Mermaid Crew 🐬

About Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Cruises & Pontoon Rentals

Frisky Mermaid is Pensacola Beach’s premier women-owned and operated dolphin tour and pontoon boat rental company. Established in 2019 by mermazing owners with decades of hospitality experience, we’ve proudly served thousands of families, couples, and adventure-seekers. With Coast Guard certified captains, impeccably maintained vessels, and a commitment to excellence, environmental education, and marine conservation, we offer exceptional experiences exploring the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Our mission is simple: Share the magic of Pensacola Beach’s dolphins, sunsets, and coastal ecosystem while providing safe, memorable, and educational experiences for all ages. You’re part of the pod!

Service Area: Pensacola Beach, Santa Rosa Sound, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Gulf Breeze, Pensacola, Milton, Pace, Navarre, Navarre Beach

Last updated: November 2025. Information subject to change. Contact Frisky Mermaid directly for most current pricing, hours, and availability. www.friskyboattours.com.