Five ways to dive into the New Year with Pensacola area polar bear plunges

From Staff Reports
·3 min read

After record cold temperatures over the Christmas holiday, it's warming up just in time for the annual slew of polar bear plunges across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

Temperatures are expected to hit 74 degrees on New Year's Day. Don't expect warm water, however, as several weeks of frigid temperatures have cooled the Gulf of Mexico waters. Here are a few options if you want to ring in the new year in your swimming suit.

Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip

Start the new year by taking a plunge into the Gulf of Mexico. Groups and families gather in costume, swimsuits and wet suits to feel the salt water on their face. Those who fully submerge in the Gulf will get a free draft beer and a free New Year's lunch of ham, black-eyed peas, greens and cornbread. For more info, visit florabama.com.

  • When: Noon

  • Where: Flora-Bama Lounge & Package, 17401 Perdido Key Drive.

New Year's Eve in Pensacola: Parties, dinners and everything in between

Polar Bear Plunge on Pensacola Beach

Head to Pensacola Beach and plunge headfirst into the Santa Rosa Sound at the annual Polar Bear Plunge for an exhilarating rush to kick off your new year. Hosted by Paradise Bar & Grill, hundreds of dippers and spectators — many dressed in costume — flock to the beach to participate in this long-established tradition. Registration begins at noon and the fee is $15. Participants will receive a Polar Bear Plunge T-shirt or a $10 registration donation to participate without the T-shirt and $5 Cub Club for grades five and under.

  • When: 2 p.m.

  • Where: Paradise Bar & Grill

Flounder's Polar Plunge

Everyone is invited to take part in Flounder's Polar Plunge at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Participants get one free beer, free black-eyed peas and cornbread and a free t-shirts to the first 200 participants.

  • When: 1:30 p.m.

  • Where: Flounders on Pensacola Beach

Flounder's is also hosting a Pro/Am Beach Volleyball Tournament with coed open quads (two men and two women) on Sunday starting at 11 a.m. The day prior, a men's/women's doubles open will be held starting at 7:30 a.m., followed by a players party at 6 p.m. Saturday with drink and food specials and music. Sign up for the volleyball tournament at avpamerica.com/org/breezebeachvolleyball.

5th Annual Pirate Plunge

The 5th Annual Pirate Plunge at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier will benefit Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge and Set Free Refuge. The Plunge starts at noon on New Year’s Day.

The Rowdies Rock will perform at the 'After Plunge Party' until 3 p.m. Raffle items benefiting both charities will be awarded to winners. A 50/50 raffle will also be awarded.

For more info, visit www.navarrepirateplunge.com

  • When: Noon

  • Where: Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, 8579 Gulf Blvd. on Navarre Beach

Penguin Plunge 'N Paddle

This 14th annual Penguin Plunge 'N Paddle benefits Healing Paws For Warriors. Participants start the New Year by dashing or paddle boarding from the beach at Juana's into the Santa Rosa Sound in Navarre. Registered participants get food, drink and a long sleeve shirt (while supply lasts, so register early!). Plus live music and raffles!

  • When: Noon

  • Where: Jauna's Pagodas and Sailors Grill, 1451 Navarre Beach Causeway in Navarre

Register:Penguin Plunge 'N Paddle

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola Navarre Perdido Key polar bear plunges on New Years Day 2023