Intracoastal Waterway – Perdido Key – Florida-Alabama Border
Full-Service Marina – Wet & Dry Storage – Sunset Grille Restaurant – Fishing Charters
Located Between Pensacola Pass & Perdido Pass – Direct Gulf Access – Family-Owned Southern Hospitality
Perdido Key Marina, operating as Holiday Harbor Marina & Sunset Grille, represents a hidden gem on Florida’s westernmost barrier island. Positioned at 13583 Perdido Key Drive in Pensacola, Florida, this family-owned and operated marina occupies approximately 5 acres of pristine waterfront property on the north shore of Perdido Key, where the calm waters of the Intracoastal Waterway provide protected access to both Perdido Pass (Alabama) and Pensacola Pass (Florida). This strategic location places boaters at the crossroads of two states and two Gulf inlets, offering unparalleled flexibility for cruising, fishing, and exploring the Emerald Coast.
Positioned at coordinates N 30° 18.899′ / W 087° 25.498′, Holiday Harbor Marina sits in one of the most tranquil and unspoiled sections of the Florida Panhandle. Unlike the high-rise condominiums and crowded beaches of nearby destinations, Perdido Key retains an “Old Florida” character—miles of white sand beaches, tiny undiscovered islands, and waters teeming with marine life. The marina serves as a full-service facility offering wet and dry boat storage (including two fully enclosed climate-controlled buildings), a fuel dock dispensing ValvTect marine fuel, professional boat maintenance services, and the beloved Sunset Grille restaurant, where waterside dining meets legendary Gulf Coast sunsets.
This facility—anchoring the northern shoreline between Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida—combines essential marina services with family-friendly hospitality, making it the ideal destination for local boaters seeking secure storage, transient cruisers navigating the Gulf ICW, anglers targeting world-class fishing grounds, and families looking for a relaxed waterfront dining experience with children’s amenities and pet-friendly policies.
Marina Overview & Location
Intracoastal Waterway – Perdido Key – Florida-Alabama Border
Holiday Harbor Marina (Perdido Key Marina)
14050 Canal-A-Way, Suite 3
Perdido Key, FL 32507, United States
Coordinates: N 30° 18.899′ / W 087° 25.498′
Contact:
Phone: (850) 492-0555
Email: [email protected]
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily; Restaurant hours vary)
VHF: Monitored Channel 16
Management:
Harbor Master Contact: Holiday Harbor Marina Office
Management Company: Family-Owned & Operated
Location:
Body of Water: Intracoastal Waterway / Perdido Bay
Perdido Pass: 10 Minutes West
Pensacola Pass: 15 Minutes East
Type: Full-Service Marina, Restaurant & Charter Hub
Perdido Key Marina
Table of Contents
A Family Tradition: Southern Hospitality on the Water
Where Everyone is Family
Holiday Harbor Marina has been serving the Perdido Key boating community for decades, building a reputation for exceptional service wrapped in genuine Southern hospitality. Unlike corporate marina chains focused on quarterly profits, this family-owned facility prioritizes long-term relationships with customers. The staff greet returning boaters by name, remember which slip your boat prefers, and treat first-time visitors like old friends.
The marina’s philosophy is simple: provide world-class facilities without sacrificing the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines Gulf Coast living. Whether you’re a local fisherman storing your center console or a Looper cruising the Great Loop, you’ll experience the same level of care and attention. This commitment to community has earned the marina a loyal following, with many slip holders staying for decades and multiple generations of families docking their boats here.
Full-Service Marina Facilities & Storage
Comprehensive Services for Every Boater
Holiday Harbor Marina distinguishes itself as Perdido Key’s largest and only full-service marina. The 5-acre complex is thoughtfully designed to accommodate every aspect of boat ownership and operation.
Facility Highlights:
- Wet Slips: Protected docking for vessels up to 65+ feet
- Dry Storage: Two fully enclosed, climate-controlled storage buildings
- Fuel Dock: High-speed pumps dispensing ValvTect Diesel and Gasoline
- Maintenance Services: Professional mechanics, bottom cleaning, detailing
- Ship’s Store: Marine supplies, bait, tackle, ice, snacks
- Restrooms & Showers: Clean, modern facilities with hot water
- Laundry: Coin-operated machines for long-term guests
- Pump-Out Station: Convenient holding tank service
- BoatUS Discounts: Members receive fuel discounts
- Freedom Boat Club: World’s largest members-only boating club location
Wet Slips & Transient Docking
Protected Dockage on the ICW
The marina offers a mix of permanent and transient wet slips along well-maintained fixed docks with floating finger piers. The protected location on the Intracoastal Waterway ensures calm conditions even when the Gulf is rough.
- Slip Count: Approximately 50+ wet slips in various configurations
- Maximum Vessel Length: Up to 65+ feet (larger vessels by arrangement)
- Electrical Service: 30 AMP and 50 AMP connections at each slip
- Water: Potable water hookups for all slips
- Cable TV & Wi-Fi: Unique amenity—cable television and high-speed Wi-Fi at slips
- Depth: Dockside depths range from 6 to 10 feet depending on location and tide
- Reservations: Transient reservations are welcomed and encouraged (call ahead)
- Rates: Competitive nightly, weekly, and monthly rates (contact for current pricing)
The inclusion of cable TV and Wi-Fi at the slips is a standout feature rarely found at marinas of this size, making it ideal for liveaboards and extended-stay cruisers who want to stream entertainment or work remotely from their boat.
Dry Storage: Climate-Controlled Protection
Two Enclosed Buildings
For boats under 30 feet, Holiday Harbor Marina operates two fully enclosed, climate-controlled dry storage buildings. This premium storage option protects your vessel from the brutal Florida sun, salt air, and afternoon thunderstorms.
- Capacity: Hundreds of boats in organized rack systems
- Valet Launch Service: Call ahead, and the marina staff will have your boat in the water and fueled when you arrive
- Wash-Down Service: Upon return, boats are rinsed with fresh water before being returned to the rack
- Security: Enclosed buildings with limited access and 24-hour surveillance
- Rates: Monthly rates vary by boat size (contact marina for quotes)
Dry storage customers appreciate the convenience of not owning a trailer, the security of indoor storage, and the preservation of their boat’s gelcoat and upholstery.
Navigation & Approach: Two Passes, Endless Options
Strategic Position Between Alabama & Florida
Holiday Harbor Marina’s location on the Intracoastal Waterway offers boaters exceptional flexibility. You can access the Gulf of Mexico via two different passes, depending on weather, destination, and personal preference.
The Approach:
From the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), the marina is located on the north shore of Perdido Key, approximately halfway between the two passes. The channel is well-marked with daybeacons and offers safe navigation for vessels with drafts up to 5-6 feet.
Perdido Pass (West):
Located approximately 10 minutes by boat to the west, Perdido Pass connects Perdido Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. The pass is marked by twin jetties and offers a federally maintained channel. The pass opens into Orange Beach, Alabama, providing access to the western Panhandle and Gulf Shores region.
Pensacola Pass (East):
Approximately 15 minutes by boat to the east, Pensacola Pass offers a deeper, wider inlet with excellent all-weather capabilities. This pass connects to Pensacola Bay and the city of Pensacola.
Draft & Depth:
The marina basin maintains depths of 6-10 feet, suitable for most recreational vessels. The ICW channel typically holds 7-9 feet, but boaters should consult current charts and tide tables, especially during extreme low tides.
Sunset Grille: Waterfront Dining at Its Finest
The Best Sunsets on the Key
One of the marina’s most beloved features is the Sunset Grille, an on-site restaurant that has become a destination in itself. Perched over the water with panoramic views of the bay, the restaurant offers a full menu featuring fresh Gulf seafood, steaks, burgers, and Southern comfort food.
Dining Experience:
- Waterside Seating: Indoor and outdoor seating with stunning sunset views
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Family-friendly, casual dress code
- Full Bar: Beer, wine, cocktails, and frozen tropical drinks
- Fresh Seafood Daily: Grouper, Snapper, Shrimp, Oysters sourced locally
- Boat-Up Dining: Boaters can dock at the restaurant’s dedicated slips
- Pet-Friendly: Well-behaved dogs welcome on the outdoor deck
- Children’s Playground: Boating-themed play area keeps kids entertained
The Sunsets:
The restaurant is aptly named. As the sun descends over the bay, the sky explodes in hues of orange, pink, and purple, reflecting off the calm water. Many locals make it a ritual to arrive for dinner an hour before sunset, securing a table on the deck to watch nature’s nightly show. It’s not uncommon for the entire restaurant to pause and applaud as the sun slips below the horizon—a tradition that captures the spirit of this special place.
Fishing Charters & Water Adventures
World-Class Fishing Minutes Away
Perdido Key’s location between two passes makes it a premier fishing destination. Holiday Harbor Marina serves as the home port for several professional fishing charter operations.
Charter Options:
- Inshore Fishing: Target Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Sheepshead in the protected bays and grass flats (4-6 hour trips)
- Nearshore Fishing: Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Bonito, and Sharks in the surf zone (6-8 hour trips)
- Offshore Fishing: Red Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, Tuna, and Mahi in the deep Gulf (8-12 hour trips)
- Overnight Trips: Extended charters targeting Swordfish and deepwater species
What’s Included:
All charters include rods, reels, tackle, bait, fishing licenses, ice, and professional fish cleaning. Guests bring food, drinks, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing.
Booking:
The marina office can connect guests with captains or provide contact information for local charter services.
Fuel Dock & Boater Services
ValvTect Marine Fuel
Holiday Harbor Marina operates a professional fuel dock accessible to marina guests and transient boaters.
- Fuel Types: ValvTech Marine Diesel and ValvTech Ethanol-Free Gasoline (Rec-90)
- High-Speed Pumps: Designed for quick fueling, minimizing wait times
- Pump-Out Station: Convenient holding tank disposal included with fuel purchase or for a small fee
- BoatUS Discounts: Members receive discounted fuel pricing
- Ice & Supplies: Bagged ice, cold drinks, and essential provisions available
Additional Services:
- Bottom Cleaning: Professional diver services to clean hulls and running gear
- Detailing: Topside washing, waxing, and polishing
- Mechanical Services: Engine diagnostics, repairs, and routine maintenance
- Haul-Out: Arrangements can be made for travel lift services at nearby yards
- Winterization: Seasonal services for boats remaining in storage
Marina Specifications Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 14050 Canal-A-Way #3, Perdido Key, FL 32507 |
| Waterway | Intracoastal Waterway / Perdido Bay |
| Coordinates | N 30° 18.899′ / W 087° 25.498′ |
| Total Slips | 50+ Wet Slips; Dry Storage for 200+ boats |
| Vessel Capacity | Up to 65+ feet (wet slips); Up to 30 ft (dry storage) |
| Depth | Dockside: 6-10 ft; ICW Channel: 7-9 ft |
| Dock Type | Fixed pilings with floating fingers |
| Power | 30 AMP & 50 AMP (Metered) |
| Amenities | Cable TV & Wi-Fi at slips; Restrooms; Showers; Laundry |
| Fuel | ValvTect Diesel & Ethanol-Free Gas; BoatUS discounts |
| Dry Storage | Two fully enclosed climate-controlled buildings |
| Dining | Sunset Grille (On-site waterfront restaurant) |
| Services | Pump-out, Bottom cleaning, Detailing, Mechanical repairs |
| Proximity | 10 min to Perdido Pass; 15 min to Pensacola Pass |
| Freedom Boat Club | Members-only club location |
| Pet Policy | Pet-friendly facility and restaurant |
| VHF | Channel 16 |
| Payment | Credit Cards (Visa, MC, Amex, Disc), Cash, Checks |
Why Choose Perdido Key Marina?
Tranquility, Service, and Spectacular Sunsets
Unspoiled Location:
Perdido Key is Florida’s best-kept secret. Without the high-rise development of neighboring beaches, it retains an authentic, laid-back charm. Docking here means escaping the crowds while still having access to world-class amenities.
Two-Pass Advantage:
Having quick access to both Perdido Pass and Pensacola Pass gives you options. If one pass has rough seas or strong currents, you can use the other. This flexibility is invaluable for serious cruisers and fishermen.
Full-Service Convenience:
From fuel to food, mechanical services to dining, everything you need is on-site. You can dock, dine, refuel, and get your bottom cleaned without ever leaving the property.
Family Atmosphere:
The combination of family-owned management, kid-friendly restaurant amenities (playground), and pet-friendly policies makes this marina ideal for boaters traveling with children or four-legged crew members.
Sunset Grille:
Having a high-quality waterfront restaurant at your marina elevates the experience. You can tie up your boat, walk to dinner, and return to your slip—all without needing a car or navigating unfamiliar roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the marina within the city limits of Pensacola?
While the mailing address includes “Pensacola,” the marina is actually located on Perdido Key, a barrier island west of Pensacola proper. It sits near the Florida-Alabama state line, approximately 30 minutes by car from downtown Pensacola.
Can I access both Alabama and Florida from the marina?
Yes. By water, you can exit west through Perdido Pass to reach Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama, or exit east through Pensacola Pass to reach Pensacola, Florida. By car, you’re minutes from both states via the Perdido Key Drive and State Road 292.
Is the Sunset Grille open to the public or only marina guests?
The Sunset Grille welcomes the public. You don’t need to be a marina customer to dine there. Many locals drive or boat to the restaurant specifically for dinner and sunsets.
Are reservations required for wet slips?
For transient docking, reservations are strongly encouraged, especially during the busy summer season (May-September) and around holidays. Long-term slip rentals are available on a month-to-month or annual basis (subject to availability).
Do you offer boat rentals?
While Holiday Harbor Marina does not operate its own rental fleet, the staff can refer guests to local rental companies nearby. Additionally, Freedom Boat Club members have access to the club’s fleet docked at the marina.
What are the best months for fishing?
Perdido Key offers year-round fishing. Spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) are prime for offshore species like Snapper and Grouper. Summer is excellent for Mahi, Mackerel, and Tarpon. Winter offers productive inshore fishing for Redfish and Sheepshead.
Is there beach access nearby?
Yes! Perdido Key is a barrier island with miles of white sand beaches. The nearest public beach access is within a short drive or bike ride from the marina. Johnson Beach (part of Gulf Islands National Seashore) offers pristine, uncrowded beaches just minutes away.
Contact Information
Holiday Harbor Marina (Perdido Key Marina)
14050 Canal-A-Way, Suite 3
Perdido Key, FL 32507
Phone: (850) 492-0555
VHF Channel 16
Discover the tranquil beauty of Florida’s hidden coast at Perdido Key Marina, where Southern hospitality meets world-class boating and every sunset reminds you why you fell in love with the water.
