Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier

With binoculars alone, this site offers a fare of Laughing Gulls and Forster’s Terns comparable to other area beach sites. However, with a spotting scope and an onshore wind, this 0.25-mile pier can be a seabird lover’s dream, offering a elevated stable site away from the beach. Scan the waters for wintering Common Loons and Northern Gannets between October and March. However, when the wind is strong and/or a storm is working its way across the Gulf of Mexico, rare seabirds like Bridled Tern, Wilson’s Storm-petrel and Sooty Shearwater have been spotted from the pier. Respect severe weather, but certainly don’t let a little rain or sea spray discourage you!