Emerald Surf

Emerald Surf is a low-rise, five-story Gulf-front condominium building at 8245 Gulf Boulevard on Navarre Beach, just west of Belle Mer and Navarre Towers. It is a smaller building than most of its neighbors, and rental companies describe it as a quieter alternative to the high-rises, with an older Florida beach feel. Only a short strip of Santa Rosa Island is developed at Navarre Beach, and undeveloped protected land lies on both sides, including the Gulf Islands National Seashore to the west, so the shoreline here rarely feels crowded.

Units are mainly two bedroom, two bath condos that sleep six or seven, often with a king bed in the main bedroom and a sleeper sofa or Murphy bed in the living room. Private balconies face the Gulf, and the building has elevator access.

Shared amenities include a seasonally heated pool near the beach, a community grilling area, a community laundry room and covered or private parking. A boardwalk over the dunes leads straight to the sand, with an outdoor shower at the beach access.

Emerald Surf condos are individually owned and rented through their owners and several rental companies. Because of that, pet policies, age requirements, parking limits and beach chair service vary by unit. Some listings allow pets while others do not, so read the rules of the specific condo before booking. Navarre Beach has white quartz sand and clear, green water on calm days. Sea turtles nest along this shore from May through October, so beachfront buildings keep outdoor lights low after dark and ask guests to clear gear from the sand each evening.

Navarre Beach is a small beach town on Santa Rosa Island, and from Emerald Surf it is a short drive east to the Navarre Beach Pier, the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary and the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. The protected dunes and empty beaches of the Gulf Islands National Seashore begin a little to the west. Pensacola attractions such as the National Naval Aviation Museum and Fort Barrancas make good day trips. Emerald Surf suits couples and small families who want a simple, low-key Gulf-front condo with a pool and quick beach access.