Memorial Day Weekend in Pensacola Beach — Last Minute Spots Still Available
Memorial Day weekend is here and Pensacola Beach is about to hit its stride for the summer. If you’re already on the island — or planning to make the drive — we have good news: there are still spots available this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday for dolphin cruises, pontoon boat rentals, and snorkel tours. But they’re going fast. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your Memorial Day weekend on the water.
Skip the Traffic — You’re Already Here
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the Pensacola Beach bridge is going to be a parking lot this weekend. If you’re already on the beach and thinking about heading off island for the day — don’t. The best thing you can do is find a good parking spot, lock it in, and stay put. Everything you need for a memorable Memorial Day weekend is right here on the island.
Both of Frisky Mermaid’s departure locations are walkable from most of Pensacola Beach’s main areas. If you’re staying near Casino Beach or along Via de Luna, a Gopher Cart — the golf cart rides that run for tips up and down the beach — can get you to the dock without ever moving your car. Just flag one down and tell them where you’re headed.
- Shared Dolphin Cruises depart from behind Shaggy’s at 701 Pensacola Beach Blvd
- Pontoon Rentals, Private Cruises & Snorkel Tours depart from Sabine Marina behind the Sandbar at 715 Pensacola Beach Blvd
What’s Still Available This Weekend
We still have availability across three of our most popular experiences this Saturday, Sunday, and Memorial Day Monday. These spots will fill before the weekend — if you see something that works for your group, book it now.
Dolphin Cruises — From $29/person
Pensacola Bay’s resident bottlenose dolphin population doesn’t take holidays — and neither do we. Our shared dolphin cruise aboard the 52-foot Frisky Mermaid runs daily with multiple departures and room for the whole group. From $29 per adult, it’s one of the best values on the Gulf Coast and consistently the most talked-about activity on the island. All ages welcome — infants, toddlers, and children of all ages are always welcome aboard. Every passenger requires a ticket.
→ Check Dolphin Cruise Availability & Book Now
Pontoon Boat Rentals — From $295
A pontoon rental on Memorial Day weekend is about as Gulf Coast as it gets. Grab your group, head out to Sand Island, anchor in crystal-clear water, and let the holiday come to you. No crowds, no traffic, no problem. Our all-tritoon fleet runs out of Sabine Marina and comes fully loaded — GPS, maps, Bluetooth speaker, life jackets, and a full orientation before you head out. Prior boating experience required. The 6-hour rental at $395 is the sweet spot for a Memorial Day outing — enough time to make it to Sand Island, grab lunch at a waterfront spot, and cruise back at your own pace.
- 4 Hours — $295
- 6 Hours — $395 *(Most Popular)*
- 8 Hours — $495
→ Check Pontoon Rental Availability & Book Now
Snorkel Tours & Beach Excursions — From $64/person
If your group wants more than a cruise, our snorkel tours and beach excursions are the move for Memorial Day weekend. The Secluded Beach Stop tour takes you dolphin spotting through the Santa Rosa Sound, then anchors at a private beach that’s only reachable by boat — no roads, no crowds, and no one to share it with but your group. Snorkel sets included for adults. If you want the full experience, the Seas the Half Day puts Sand Island, a reef snorkel stop, and dolphin watching into one half-day on the water. All ages welcome.
- Secluded Beach Stop + Dolphin Cruise + Snorkel — From $95/person
- Seas the Half Day at Sand Island — From $125/person
→ Check Snorkel Tour Availability & Book Now
How to Get to Us Without Moving Your Car
Parking on Pensacola Beach Memorial Day weekend is a full-contact sport. Once you have a spot — keep it. Here’s how to get to us on foot or by Gopher Cart:
- Walk: Both departure locations are on or just off Pensacola Beach Blvd. If you’re staying within a mile of the main beach strip, it’s a flat, easy walk along the boulevard.
- Gopher Cart: The golf cart taxis that run up and down Pensacola Beach for tips are your best friend this weekend. Flag one down, tell them you’re heading to Shaggy’s (dolphin cruise) or the Sandbar/Sabine Marina (pontoon and snorkel), and you’ll be there in minutes with your parking spot safely locked in.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are active on the island. A short ride from anywhere on the beach to either departure location is quick and affordable.
Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before your departure time — especially for pontoon rentals which require a pre-departure safety orientation. For dolphin cruises and snorkel tours, 20 to 30 minutes early is plenty.
A Few Things to Know Before You Book
- All ages welcome on dolphin cruises and snorkel tours — every passenger including infants requires a ticket
- Pontoon rentals require the driver to be 25 or older with prior boating experience
- Florida SB606 requires a boating safety card for anyone born after January 1, 1988 operating a rental vessel
- We monitor weather closely — if conditions require a reschedule we’ll contact you directly
- Dogs are welcome on pontoon rentals and private cruises — let us know when booking
Don’t Wait — These Spots Will Fill
Memorial Day weekend availability is limited and the remaining spots across all three experiences will be gone before Saturday morning. If you’re already on the island or heading down this weekend, booking now is the move. Frisky Mermaid is Pensacola Beach’s highest-rated water activity operator — 3,000+ five-star reviews and a crew that’s been making Gulf Coast memories since 2018.
Call us at (850) 910-0635 or book directly online. We’ll see you on the water.