Save on service fees by booking direct on Houfy.

These directions are for planning purposes only. You may find that construction projects, traffic, weather, or other events may cause conditions to differ from the map results, and you should plan your route accordingly. You must obey all signs or notices regarding your route.

As a security deposit alternative, houfyProtect, an upfront nonrefundable low cost property damage protection policy for just $5 per night, is taken at time of booking.

This host has not verified their email and or phone number on Houfy.

This host has verified their email and or phone number on Houfy.

This host verified their email and phone number on Houfy.

Houfy lets you contact and book direct with hosts. The host has provided the following links to give you more information.

This host responds to {response_rate}% of inquiries {response_time}.

A professional captain will navigate the boat for you.

Wonderful Houfy hosts are recognized as the best hosts in hospitality. The wonderful Houfy program rewards Houfy's top-rated and most experienced hosts.

Why does the sand squeak when I walk on it at Pensacola Beach?  It doesn't do this on the east coast!

I have heard people say the beach at Tiki House is "squeaky clean!"  But barking, squeaking, or whistling sand is caused by the unique quartz sand found here.  Since the sand particles are small and round (spherical), the air between the grains escapes when you step on it.  Also the grains rub together and the noise can be heard.  You will notice it is louder in the fluffier areas (more air) than at the water's edge where the air has been replaced by water.  Only dry sand squeaks!   

Examples of singing sand dunes include California's Kelso Dunes and Eureka Dunes; AuTrain Beach in Northern Michigan; sugar sand beaches and Warren Dunes in southwestern Michigan; Sand Mountain in Nevada; the Booming Dunes in the Namib Desert, Africa; Porth Oer (also known as Whistling Sands) near Aberdaron in Wales; Indiana Dunes in Indiana; Barking Sands in Hawaiʻi; Mingsha Shan in Dunhuang, China; Kotogahama Beach in Odashi, Japan; Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts; near Mesaieed in Qatar; and Gebel Naqous, near el-Tor, South Sinai, Egypt.

Singing sand - Wikipedia

Why do some shells have a hole in them?  They look like they are made for a necklace!

Those shells with a hole are actually victims of sea snails!  Sea snails drill a hole in the shell of the clam using their tongues and by secreting carbonic acid. They insert their siphon, and the acid turns the clam into a smoothie inside its shell.  Then the snail drinks the clam smoothie for a nutritious meal.  And the remains wash up on shore.  Feel free to make these "holey" shells into a necklace, if the explanation doesn't ruin it for you.  They make a great memento of your stay at the beach and Tiki House Pensacola Beach Vacation Rental.   

Ocean Runner Nichole is curious about the perfect little round holes she has seen on empty periwinkle, mussel and clam shells that she has seen. Seacoast Science Center's Ashely Stokes explains how some snails are herbivores and some, omnivores.

#OceanRunnerNH: Who's drilling holes in the shells?

What's the big deal with sea turtles?  Everywhere I go, people are talking about turtle lights, turtle nests, and more!

Sea turtles are endangered species!   The females return every spring to the beaches they were hatched from to make their own nests and lay their own eggs.  Development and encroachment on their habitat has meant these beautiful creatures became more and more rare.  But due to all the laws and publicity, the sea turtle is on the rebound.  There are 5 species found in the Gulf of Mexico, and 4 that are known to nest on Pensacola Beach.  These are the leatherback, loggerhead, the green sea turtle, and the Kemp's Ridley turtle.

While staying at Tiki House or any Pensacola Beach vacation home, you may see areas blocked off with stakes and twine.  These marked nests are turtle nests.  If you see one, leave it alone!  If you see a large turtle on land,  call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 24-hour hotline at 888-404-3922.

The females crawl onto the beach at night, move above the high tide line as far as the dunes and dig a nest.  The nests are huge!  They have to be for the 100 or more eggs the female lays.  The yard wide nest is then covered by the female and the turtle returns to the water.  The eggs are now on their own!

Because sea turtle hatchlings navigate by looking for the reflection of light on the water, man-made lighting can be very confusing as they try to make it to the safety of the water.  Turtles on land are vulnerable to predators and injury.  So turtle lights (red-masked lights) and the urging to turn off all outdoor lights when not in use are all meant to protect the turtles and hatching babies.  

The rules about leaving holes on the beach is also for turtle safety.  Turtles are not quick or graceful on land, and holes on the beach can trap and injure the females and babies.  The hatched babies are in a race to get to the water before birds and the environment can claim them.  A hole can mean certain death.

Because the turtles are listed as threatened or endangered and protected by the Endangered Species Act, it is a federal offense to injure, trap, or cause the death of one.  To avoid fines or even jail time, don't ever interfere with a nesting or hatching turtle. 


When walking the beach at night during turtle season, remember to use a red flashlight. Sea turtles and hatchlings are less likely to be attracted and disoriented by red lighting.



Don’t touch or harass a nesting sea turtle or baby hatchlings as they leave their nest. Watch quietly from a distance and never shine lights or use flash photography, which could disorient them.



Fill in large holes, knock down sandcastles and other obstacles to leave the beach flat for nesting sea turtles.



Remove all tents, canopies, furniture, toys and other obstacles from the beach every night.

If you see a sea turtle or hatchling that is sick, injured, in distress or deceased, please call the local authorities and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 24-hour hotline at 888-404-3922. 

Gulf Islands National Seashore works to protect and conserve sea turtles by protecting their foraging and nesting habitats. Through partnerships with state and federal agencies and local governments, the national seashore collects data to document the distribution, abundance, and seasonal variation of sea turtle nests to help guide management decisions that can minimize human impacts to sea turtles.

Sea Turtles - Gulf Islands National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)

It's an amazing time of year again on the shorelines of Pensacola Beach and the Gulf Islands National Seashore (GINS). Sea turtle hatchling season is in full swing all over Florida, where about 90 percent of sea turtle nesting in the U.S. takes place.

Witness the magic of sea turtles hatching, if you're lucky

 people who lived in the western part of what is now the 

.  Though the original people left and assimilated by the 17th century, the Spanish, French, British, and Americans were not far behind.  But the island remained largely undeveloped until the 20th century.

The federal government sold Santa Rosa Island to Escambia County in 1929 for $10,000.  The first bridges linking Pensacola to Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach opened in 1931.   Just a few years later, the casino, a recreational complex was built.  There were several building spurts on the beach.  Some were residential, like Tiki House's neighborhood.  Some were condos and hotels. 
 

Tiki House was build in 1980 as a private home.  The owners later decided to turn it into a rental home when they moved away!  It has changed hands only twice and has remained a favorite rental home for nearly 20 years!

Pensacola Beach has remained a favorite destination for many in the midwest and southeast.  The accessibility to interstates means it is easy to get to.  Pensacola Beach has always had great beaches and great weather.  The rest is history!  For a great resource, check out the Pensacola Beach History in Pictures!

Pensacolians and visitors alike have always been drawn to the beach no matter what era.

Pensacola Beach: history in photos

The 40-foot flashing neon fish sign was created in 1955 for Downtown Pensacola. In 1962, it was moved to its current location in Gulf Breeze.  This iconic sign is a favorite landmark for many.  It brings to mind a simpler time and family fun!  If you haven't seen it at night, you have make the trip!  It is special.  Or watch the video below!

You will see several paintings, pictures or likenesses of the sign at souvenir shops as well as in our vacation home.  It is as recognizable as the beach ball water tower at Casino Beach!

Uploaded by Andy Englehart on 2014-11-14.

Pensacola beach sign

What does Geronimo, the Arizona born American-Indian, have to do with Pensacola Beach?

Famed Apache Chief, Geronimo was held captive in 1886 and 1887 at Fort Pickens, a massive pre-Civil War brick fortress located at Gulf Islands National Seashore. It is believed that he was Pensacola’s first tourist attraction, as once he was visited by 459 curious onlookers in a single day. 

It was such news around the country, that the famed Apache shaman and Pensacola Beach have remained linked to this day.  Geronimo used this fame to his advantage during his imprisonment and was able to bring attention to the plight of his people.  His story is both fascinating and heartbreaking.  To find out more, check out the exhibit at Fort Pickens National Park and the link below.

Find out more about the history of Geronimo, including videos, interesting articles, pictures, historical features and more. Get all the facts on HISTORY.com

Geronimo - Native American History - HISTORY.com

House in Pensacola Beach. With over 3000 sq ft of room with a HUGE 1600 sq. ft. recreation room to spread out, Tiki House has it all! Steps from the beach! Beach and Gulf views from nearly every room and ...

Tiki House Pensacola Beach - House for rent in Pensacola Beach, Florida, United States

Pensacola Beach Mysteries Revealed

Answers to the questions you were afraid to ask!  You aren't the only one who wanted to know!  Have another question?  Ask it in the comments and I will find the answer!

dba5ccb2cb0d2cd9415eee1b31806698.jpg

370c21fa9b64b647579977665bf8c226.jpg

c35521efdeb242dd9e91f99e4ef32714.jpg

a498eef9d19eb1ab6647f5baa148602b.jpg

9b3253188b764610d4657267c2b50db4.jpg

1bb64938ef2b61af2ee2382091076930.jpg

Tiki House is more than a vacation rental. It is our vacation home!  We purchased the home in 2015 because it is located in a quiet residential area right on the beach and the Gulf of Mexico. This beautiful area is full of beautiful homes, quiet beaches with the Emerald Coast's signature white sand. It is still close enough to walk, ride a bike on the trails, or take the free trolley during the summer to restaurants, bars, and shops. Or you could head east to the visit some of the most beautiful and preserved beaches that are part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. But we chose Tiki House specifically for its charm, character and amenities.  It has the largest private pool on the beach (according to our pool pro) and the perfect views from its many decks.  We want to make a stay at Tiki House as wonderful and memorable an experience for you as it is for us. Dedicated to making Tiki House THE vacation home of your dreams. We love Tiki House and know you will too!

Pensacola Beach Mysteries Revealed

Comments (0)

Add Your Place to Houfy

Other posts by Stephanie And Chris

Changing Liquid Propane (LP) Tanks

Thermostat Use in the Winter

The Hamburger Wars on Pensacola Beach

Company

Hosting

Resources

Settings