blue angels cruise

FULL 2024 PENSACOLA BEACH DOLPHIN CRUISE, SNORKELING, AND SAILING SCHEDULE AVAILABLE! BOOK ONLINE!

Blue Angels & Dolphin Cruise

Quick Details

• User Ages: All ages
• Clock Duration: 3 hours
• Info Note: Cruise times are subject to change based on weather conditions and schedule. We will notify you in the event we need to move the trip.

Witness the Blue Angels’ Flight Demonstration

From the end of March through October, the U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the world-famous Blue Angels, practice in the skies of their home base of Pensacola. The practices are typically scheduled at 10:30 a.m on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, taking off from Pensacola Naval Air Station, near the National Naval Aviation Museum.

The Blue Angels fly over the waters of Pensacola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, offering an excellent view to boaters. Our cruise stops at Fort McRee Beach, or Sand Island (a 40-foot sand dune island), from which you can watch the Blues up close and personal. If you’ve never seen a Blue Angels show performance, here’s your chance.

Skip the crowds and the drive across town when you join us for a unique view of the show. Blues cruises depart at 9:30 a.m. and are about three hours long. Along the way, we look for dolphins and other wildlife.

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• Clock 1.5 - 2 hours
• User All ages

Pensacola Beach Dolphin Cruise & Scenic Bay Tour

Take a scenic sightseeing tour of Pensacola by water. View dolphins and marine life by boat and iconic Pensacola sights along the way!

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Now Booking For 2024

Blue Angels Cruise

Quick Details

2 hours and 30 minutes

What to Bring

• Drinks (Please NO glass containers)
• Some like to grab a burger on the way to the boat and make it a “dinner cruise”
• Polarized sunglasses

*Wheelchair accessible

Welcome to Pensacola Beach’s U.S. Navy Blue Angels acrobatic flying team!

A rare opportunity to see the famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels acrobatic flying team practice their thrilling aerial maneuvers. This cruise includes both an air show and dolphin watching!

Dolphins guaranteed or your next cruise is free!

Walk-ons are welcome! However, we recommend you make a reservation so we may accommodate your entire party at the time you desire. Book online today! 

The schedule is for summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Other months – the times vary with the weather/sunset and passenger load.

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• Most Popular!
• Clock 2 Hours

Dolphin Cruises in Florida

Chase-n-Fins offers two-hour dolphin cruises in Pensacola Bay and the surrounding Florida waters. Relax and enjoy natural entertainment as we watch the dolphins splash about on this family-friendly Pensacola Beach activity!

Private Events

Looking for some privacy for your Pensacola Beach, FL cruise or private event? Book a private charter with Chase-n-Fins for a reunion, wedding, school group event, or any other special occasion!

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BLUEANGELS CRUISE

Blue angels/dolphin cruise- 9:30am – 12:30pm.

• Watch the famous Blue Angels practice their maneuvers
• Search for dolphins
• Swim and grill while on anchor on a shallow sandbar
• Private cruise for family and friends

Water provided for passengers.

We will depart from Bear Point Marina, and you will enjoy a one-hour cruise while searching for dolphins. Once we arrive at our destination, we will anchor on a shallow sandbar. While watching the Blue Angels show, you will have the opportunity to swim and grill (Grill and water mat available upon request).

Practice 2024 Practice Schedule:

March: 26, 27 April: 2, 3, 9, 10*, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 May: 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 28, 29 June: 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 25, 26 July: 16, 17, 23 August: 21, 27 September: 4, 10, 11, 17, 24 October: 18, 22, 23

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The Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park

A Maritime Museum and Park located in Annapolis Maryland

Blue Angels Viewing Cruise

Weather Cancellation Policy

We cruise rain or shine, but we will cancel two hours prior to departure for high winds or thunderstorms.  We will contact you via text on the cell phone number provided. Cruises are subject to cancellation due to weather and unforeseen  conditions and are fully refundable.  No refunds for guest cancellations or no-shows.

Departure/Return Location

Refer to your ticket for departure point.  Cruises are from the Annapolis Maritime Museum Campus, Annapolis Maritime Museum Park Campus, or Annapolis City Dock, please check the schedule before booking.  Boarding starts 15 minutes prior to departure time, please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. We depart on time, please be prompt. No refunds for no-shows.

Other Important Info

• Tickets are required for children, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. The U.S. Coast Guard considers all children, regardless of age and size, to be passengers, and as such, you need to purchase a ticket for each child.
• Please allow extra time for parking. We are unable to hold the boat past our scheduled departure time. Parking at AMM Park campus includes a 10-minute walk from parking, down to the dock.
• Flat shoes are recommended and heels will not be permitted.
• Please bring sunscreen, water bottle, hat and wear comfortable clothing. There is very little shade on the boat. No outside food or drink permitted.
• Not wheelchair accessible.
• If you do not receive an email confirmation after purchasing your ticket, please email  [email protected] .  Every passenger is required to have a ticket.

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• (888) 623-1445
• Seafair Blue Angels Viewing Cruise
• Special Events

The Seafair Blue Angels Viewing Cruise will be back for 2024! Stay tuned…tickets available starting in June

Get ready for the thrills!

Watch them as they rip through the skies over Seattle in high-flying formations near Genesee Park. Watch the pilots perform heart-pounding stunts and aerial acrobatics over Lake Washington among thousands of spectators*. Seafair Weekend is called an unofficial holiday of the Puget Sound! Check the full Boeing Seafair Airshow schedule HERE .

Seafair Blue Angels Viewing Cruise 

*Blue Angels visibility weather-dependent

Pre-order your favorite sandwich or snack platter during the checkout process to guarantee your food order. ** Please note that there will be a limited quantity available on the day of the event. Pre-ordering during checkout is recommended.**

Pre-ordering ended on July 27th. 

A full-service bar will be available onboard for purchasing specialty cocktails, wine, beer, and snacks.

Per our policy, no outside food or drink is allowed onboard our vessels.

DEPARTURE INFORMATION

The Blue Angels Viewing Cruises depart from AGC Marina on South Lake Union .

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Cruise route is approximate and can change based on each sailing’s weather patterns, vessel traffic, and other non-predictable factors, based on our experienced captains’ discretion. Vessel available on the day of your sailing may vary. Blue Angels shows not guaranteed due to weather or other circumstances.

Before you depart:

1 Book your reservations

2 E-pass or print at home

3 Board your vessel

• April - November Availability!

Blue Angels Cruise & Dolphin Tour

Trip Highlights

• Hour Glass Duration: 4 hours
• Paw Dog Friendly: Yes
• Users Guest Maximum: 6 passengers

Info Includes:  Boat cruise, dolphin watching, Blue Angels’ practice

Calendar Availability: April – November on select dates

Checkmark What to bring: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, appropriate clothing, food/drink (cooler and ice are provided)

Once-in-a-life time view of the Blue Angels from the water!

The Naval Air Station Pensacola is home to the Blue Angels. Enjoy the opportunity to watch them practice, while missing all of the traffic and crowds at NAS. This cruise allows you to view the practice from the Pensacola Pass, near Fort Pickens. We also look at some dolphins along the way!

All practices start at 10:30 a.m. unless otherwise noted. Practices marked with an * are followed by a pilot autograph session inside the museum.

Times and dates are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit the National Naval Aviation Museum’s website .

Related Charters

• April - November Special!
• Users 6 passengers
• Hour Glass 4 hours

Blue Angels Cruise & Fishing Combo

This charter includes fishing, dolphin watching, and a peek at the Blue Angels practicing their routine when they are in town!

• Hour Glass 2 hours

Dolphin Tours

Explore the habitat of the Santa Rosa Sound and look out for dolphins along the way! Dolphin tours are a fun-filled trip for the entire family.

Sunset Cruise & Fishing Charter Combo

Enjoy a beautiful sunset cruise while catching fish and spending time out on the water!

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Blue Angels Practice Cruise

750 Commendencia Street

Catch every twist, turn, and loop of the legendary Blue Angels' Practices and Air Shows while sailing across the bay. Enjoy a prime vantage point on the water, all while you relax in style on board.

Pensacola Bay City Ferry offers several exciting ferry trips between Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and Fort Pickens at the Gulf Islands National Seashore on Santa Rosa Island. Our vessels offer many travel amenities such as A/C, restrooms and seating both inside and up top. We look forward to seeing you on one of our vessels during your stay in Pensacola!

If you are visiting Pensacola, seeing the Blue Angels is one of the best things to do in Pensacola. Seeing the Blue Angels practice will provide your family many years of lasting memories. The team usually takes off from Naval Air Station Pensacola. We follow the Blue Angels schedule as practice days and times may vary. We offer cruises based on boat availability. Check our schedule for upcoming dates. The Naval Air Station has a fantastic viewing area for spectators to watch the event, but the magnificent jets can be seen all over the Pensacola area. Boarding time is 9:45; Cruise time is 10:00. 

1.5hr Cruise

Each vessel accommodates up to 100 people

Covered rooftop view with seating

Climate controlled cabin

Restrooms on board

Event Times

10:00am - 6:48am

CRUISES FILL UP FAST! BOOK YOUR SLOT TODAY!

Blue Angels Show 2024

This is an elite level package trip for you and your friends.

Experience the famous Blue Angels like never before. Aboard the Samantha Belle we will depart Ferry Point Marina in Arnold MD and cruise south to Annapolis where we will be immersed into the fast paced and exhilarating airshow put on for United States Naval Academy’s Commissioning Week.

The Blue Angels captivate all of Annapolis and you will have the best seat in the house to experience the show just above the surface of the Severn River. You won’t have to deal with the crowds or traffic to hopefully just catch a glimpse.

This event can be catered and we can make arrangements on your behalf if you’d like. All alcohol is BYOB but coolers and ice can be provided upon request. This event is once a year only and sells out fast!

May 21, 2024 (Practice Day) 10am-3pm  May 22, 2024 (Airshow) 10am-3pm

We only book 1 of the 2 days, not both. We take friends and family out on whichever day isn’t booked by clients. 

Group of 30 people – $2,500

• For up to 30 people
• Bottled water

IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

– Private cruises must be cancelled at least two weeks in advance to receive a refund.

– If cancelled within two weeks, payments can be applied to another available date, with no restrictions on rescheduling to a different calendar year, and the rate will remain unchanged.

– In case of rain, events can be rescheduled following the same policy.

– For safety concerns due to weather conditions like high winds or lightning, payments will be refunded. The captain will make all decisions regarding the safety of scheduled cruises.

– If the captain cancels due to mechanical or safety issues, payments will be refunded, or applied to another future cruise according to your preference.

– If a cruise is prematurely cancelled due to weather after departure from the dock, full payment for the day is still required.

WHAT TO BRING

Grab your sunglasses, camera, and a love for adventure.   We’ll take care of the rest.

You must bring a photo ID that is valid and issued by the government.   We will verify your age for some activities, including alcohol consumption

Boarding starts 1/2 hour before cruise departure time. Sunset times are ever changing – please check your booking confirmation for exact departure times or text 443-223-1290 to confirm. Please bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. Some activities and enjoying alcoholic beverages require that we verify your age. All prices do not include processing fees, they will be shown at the final checkout window.

Cruise the Chesapeake's Blue Angels Show 2024 includes

Witness the exhilarating spectacle of the Blue Angels soaring through the skies from the serene waters of Annapolis, creating a sensory experience that combines the thrill of aerobatic precision with the tranquility of a waterfront setting.

Share unforgettable moments with family, friends, or clients, as the rhythmic maneuvers of the Blue Angels unfold against the backdrop of Annapolis' historic charm, creating lasting memories of a truly extraordinary and distinctly maritime experience.

Cruise past local landmarks as you travel to and from Annapolis. Including cruising under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and see several lighthouses along the way.

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443-223-1290, [email protected], home port: 700 mill creek rd, arnold, md 21012.

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💙💛✈️ Watch the Blue Angels Practice from the water - Select TUES.. & WED. during Air Show Season

Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours & Pontoon Boat Rentals

Pensacola beach water adventures: dolphin cruises, pontoon boat rentals, snorkeling & more.

• Most popular
• Hour Glass 1.5 - 2 Hours
• User All Ages

Public Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Cruise

Enjoy this scenic bay dolphin cruise that takes you into the beautiful waters of Pensacola to create lifetime memories looking for dolphins and other marine and wildlife.  This family friendly tour operates multiple dolphin cruises year round throughout the day. Catch some MER-MAZING views!

• Most Popular
• Cruise Ship Tritoon
• Hour Glass 6 hours

Six Hour Pontoon Boat Rentals

Our most popular boat rental! Six hours is the perfect amount of time needed on the water to see all the sites and/or dock & dine at a local waterfront Pensacola Beach restaurants.

• FEMALE Captains Available
• Hour Glass 2 hours , Up to 6 passengers

Scenic Bay Cruise + Snorkel Stop + Equipment

Come dip your toes (and snorkel mask!) in our Pensacola Beach waters and view life under the surface. Kid friendly and perfect for all ages, you’ll experience a whole new world under the sea.

*Inventory consists of adult snorkel sets

• Hour Glass 4 & 8 hour

Half & Full Day Pontoon Boat Rentals

Rent a pontoon boat and explore our waters on your own schedule. We have four hour pontoon boat rentals, six hour pontoon boat rentals , eight hour pontoon boat rentals and Multi-day pontoon boat rentals . Captain your own adventure and search for dolphins, local birds and other marine life.

Scenic Bay Sunset Dolphin Cruise

Sunset Sunset Cruise Time: 5:15p.m.

Looking a mermazing way to finish your day? Look no further than the Scenic Bay Sunset Dolphin Cruise! Your local Captain & crew takes you on a journey through stunning coastal landscapes and introduces you to the enchanting world of dolphins and their habitat.

• Hour Glass 2 hours

Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Tour

Discover the magic of Pensacola Beach waters with our private/semi-private dolphin and scenic bay tours. From playful dolphins to breathtaking sceneries and historic sights, our tours offer an immersive experience.

Situated along the Gulf of Mexico, you will find an abundance of marine life creating our rich marine ecosystem.

• Hour Glass 3 hours , Restroom onboard

Dolphin Tour + Secluded Beach Stop + Equipment

Hop onboard this 3 hour Scenic Bay Sightseeing Tour with a stop to snorkel, seashell hunt or swim .  On this dolphin cruise, you will be guided by your local Captain while searching for and learning about dolphins, marine and wildlife on an adventure you don’t want to miss.

• Hour Glass 3 hours

Dolphin Tour + Seashell Hunt on Isolated Beaches

A dolphin adventure tour with a quiet isolated beach stop to swim, snorkel or hunt for seashells.

• Hour Glass 4 hours

Seas the 1/2 Day Pensacola Beach Excursion

Welcome to the ultimate Pensacola Beach water attraction!

Picture this: exploring the Pensacola Bay area, looking for marine and wildlife or diving in for some snorkeling or swimming and why not take a dip at a hidden, secluded beach along the way? It’s the most fun thing to do on the beach.

• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Blue Angels Practice Cruise: Public Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise

Three ways to watch gravity-defying aerial stunts & dolphins for a match made in coastal paradise. On select Tues. and Wed. @ Mar. through Sept. with a Homecoming in Nov. this cruise will be an adventure of epic proportions. The Blue Angels practice @10:30am for up to 50 min.

• Cruise Time: 7:30am-10:30am

Burial At Sea Memorial Cruise

When you release your loved one’s cremains into the ocean, you’re not saying goodbye.  It’s “letting go”, creating that “special place of memory”  and “celebrating your loved one’s freedom.”   Frisky Mermaid also understands that many of our families choose to consider ecological values (Biodegradable/Green Urns) when making their end-of-life arrangements and will assist accordingly. 

• Hour Glass Up to 7 days

Multi Day Pontoon Boat Rentals

If you are lucky enough to rent a Pensacola Beach house or condo that has a dock this is for you!  Ideal for all ages & no schedule.  If you do not have a dock at your rental, you may utilize in and out privileges at our marina.

Groups & Private Cruises

Sit back, relax and enjoy some vitamin sea while your local Captain guides you around our waters to look for marine and wildlife. Check out The Gulf Island National Seashore and other historic sights from the water or just cruise and chill!

After you enjoy some Pensacola Beach time, we’ve got you covered (or partially covered) for all of our water activities: Snorkeling Tours, Semi-private/private dolphin cruises, public dolphin tours and secluded beach stops to seashell hunt and More!

Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours & Pontoon Boat Rentals specializes in creating lifetime memories, good vibes and great times for your crew. Allow the expert Captains at Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours & Boat Rentals take you on a public dolphin tour,

Best Place to Watch the Blue Angels Practice?  On the water

a  semi-private or private dolphin tour,

Bring Fido on any private tour option & pontoon boat rentals

Snorkel Tour or dolphin cruises with a secluded beach stop to seashell

Private excursions with a secluded beach spot on Sand Island

all of which are offered daily, year round. Looking for the best water attraction?  The Seas the 1/2 Day water excursion on the beach has it all.

4 hour tour for the whole family on the best hidden beaches around to search for seashells

The FINtastic excursion includes all of the above:  dolphin tour with a snorkeling stop and a secluded beach stop! Check out our Seas the 1/2 Day Pensacola Beach Excursion .

For families and friends up to 10 passengers per vessel:  If no schedule is more your speed, rent a pontoon boat from our all-tritoon fleet on Pensacola Beach from 4 hours up to 7 days.   It’s a Pensacola boat rental and beach adventure that you won’t want to miss. Tritoons provide extra comfort and stability handling waves better than a pontoon while both at rest and cruising. Looking for a dolphin boat cruise in Pensacola beach ? We’ve got you covered !

We mer-made to celebrate birthdays, bestie beach getaways, girls trip, bachelor and bachelorette parties, cocktail parties, weddings, proposals, burials at sea, management meetings and team building, promotion parties, product launches, family reunions, divorce parties, costume parties, theme parties & more! We hope to sea you soon.

Our Florida Dolphin Tours are Family Approved!

Amazing boat, amazing crew! I'm quite sure this is the best pick of all the dolphin tours offered. You can sit indoors or out front or on the back, or upper deck. This is not a pontoon. If the dolphins are in the mood they will race under the front it was amazing to see. Highly highly recommend! Thank you frisky mermaid my family of 7 had an amazing time!

Ally and Captain Steve were great. It was my 6 year old son’s first time on a boat and Ally was amazing with him. So many dolphins and a beautiful sunset.

Rented a pontoon outboard 1:00 to 5:00 on a Saturday afternoon. We were initially booked for Friday. Just to begin the excellent customer service, Dee contacted us Thursday to let us know Friday was showing a wind advisory and offered to rebook us for the next day. The boat was clean and in fantastic condition. Ally gave us a great orientation and showed us some nice secluded beaches on our map which were about a 40 minute cruise from the marina. That path (west) put us on a couple pods of dolphins too. Great afternoon. Highly recommend this company.

Had a great time on the tour. Got to see the dolphins up close. Staff is very friendly, especially Ally. She let the children come closer to get a better look and educated them on dolphin facts. Cap Steve did a great job as well keeping passengers engaged. Definitely worth the money.

My husband and I had our 6 and 12 year old with us. I’d say that the cruise is for all ages. Ally and I believe Riley were our guides and they were very personable and funny! My son was wearing a jaws shirt and we got to learn about the Jaws movie set. They even recommended local places to eat. It was all around a great time and we will be back❤️

This was our 3rd time to see the dolphins with Frisky Mermaid. They communicate with other boats to know where the dolphins are. Staff seems to love what do. We will always do this when at the beach.

We had the best time!!! The staff was super friendly and had the passengers laughing & enjoying their time, the entire time! We saw several dolphins & the ride lasted the full two hours. 10/10 recommend! We saw another dolphin tour boat out in the water where we were & I am so glad I didn’t choose that one. There was hardly anywhere to sit on that boat and didn’t seem as entertaining. The Frisky Mermaid boat had a snack & beverage shop, a lower level, & upper level. Things to know: - you can bring a towel per the website; however, I don’t think anyone got wet. It was a smooth ride. - they sold water, cokes, sprite, etc., as well as chips, cookies, popcorn, candy, etc. and we bought 3 drinks & 2 snacks for $13. Super reasonable prices

Captain Riley and Captain Jen was the absolute best. We booked a sunset tour then booked the next morning before getting off the boat! They was absolutely fantastic and both was so funny. The atmosphere was just great. We will definitely be booking again along with other things they offer!! If you are thinking or considering this, DO IT!!

Great experience! Jen and Riley were awesome! So funny and inviting! As soon as we boarded we were provided with life jackets for the kiddos and were informed about all safety precautions. They are very accommodating to make sure ALL ages are safely able to enjoy this trip. They informed us on cool historical places we passed by and interesting things we can do in the area. When we found dolphins, they made sure to circle back so everyone on the boat had a chance to see the dolphins from all different sides of the boat. They did great at making sure EVERYONE was comfortable, even had snacks and drinks available to purchase, and got to all have the same amazing experience! If y’all are in the area or have kids this is an awesome experience! Definitely will be participating again!

This kid gives the dolphin cruise a 10/10! It was an amazing experience with a pod of playful dolphins! Worth the time & money

We saw several dolphin pods. Our Captain, Steve, was very knowledgeable, kind and funny. I loved the small group size. We saw several tour boats with 20+, while this boat only had 6 passengers. It was a lovely excursion.

251-609-3444

Blue Angels Practice Private Cruise

Immerse yourself in the ultimate adventure with our exclusive Blue Angels boat cruise and sandbar experience. Cruise to the islands while keeping an eye out for playful dolphins, then bask in the serenity of white sands and warm waters as you witness the awe-inspiring practice sessions of the legendary Blue Angels overhead.

Complimentary water and sports drinks are provided, and feel free to bring along your preferred snacks and beverages. Make memories that last a lifetime and bring them home with you! We offer complimentary photos taken during your cruise, available upon request.

$475 for up to 6 Passengers

3.5 to 4 Hours

Availability

Tuesdays & Wednesdays - 2024 Dates Now Open!!

March  26, 27 April  2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 May  1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 28, 29 June  4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 25, 26 July  16, 17, 23 August  21, 27 September  4, 10, 11, 17, 24 October  16, 22, 23

Where to Find Us

Bear point marina, 5749 bay la launch ave, orange beach, al 36561  , slip c-5 & 6.

Orange Beach Private Family Dolphin Safaris | All Rights Reserved |

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Blue Angels Practice Cruises

The history of the blue angels.

The Blue Angels are famous across the globe for their amazing feats of precision flying demonstrations. The squadron has been in existence since the end of World War II and has utilized many different kinds of aircraft over the years. Today, the Blue Angels use the highly sophisticated F/A-18 Hornet Jets and are flown by some of the finest pilots in both the Navy and Marine Corps. Many thousands of people attend their shows and practice sessions on an annual basis.

The Blue Angels Elite Team Members

All of the Blue Angels’ pilots and support team come from the regular ranks of the Navy and Marine Corps. Angel pilots will usually fly with the team for about 3 years. Team assignments throughout the organization are based on need, military experience and skill level.

Blue Angel Air Shows

Normally, the Blue Angels’ show schedule allows for approximately 61 show appearances, spread out among 32 locations across the country. The season begins in the middle of March and will end in early November. The Angels perform at many different kinds of venues, including military and civilian airfields, as well as in major cities, such as Chicago, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Oklahoma City. The team also makes an annual flyover appearance at the graduation of the U.S. Naval Academy. If the season schedule allows, the Angels will even travel up north to see our Canadian neighbors for a few shows.

Pensacola – The Perfect Place To See The Blue Angels

Even though the Blue Angels travel all over the nation, they come back home to Naval Air Station Pensacola ( NAS Pensacola ) for practice sessions.

If you are visiting Pensacola, seeing the Blue Angels is one of the best  things to do in Pensacola . Seeing the Blue Angels practice will provide your family many years of lasting memories. The team usually takes off from Naval Air Station Pensacola. We follow the  Blue Angels schedule  as practice days and times may vary. We offer cruises based on boat availability.  Check our schedule  for upcoming dates. The Naval Air Station has a fantastic viewing area for spectators to watch the event, but the magnificent jets can be seen all over the Pensacola area.

Autograph & Picture Sessions at Naval Air Station Museum

After conducting amazing practice drills, the team will heads to the National Naval Aviation Museum to take pictures with fans and sign autographs after the Wednesday practice session. It is an incredible experience for aviation enthusiasts of all ages to get up close and personal with the incredible Blue Angel pilots and their support crew.

Blue Angels Practice Schedule – We Can Help

Pensacola Bay Cruises offers several exciting ferry trips between Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and Fort Pickens at the Gulf Islands National Sea Shore on Santa Rosa Island. Our vessels offer many travel amenities such as A/C, restrooms and seating both inside and up top. We look forward to seeing you on one of our vessels during your stay in Pensacola!

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Our Cruises

Set sail for spectacular gulf coast adventure.

Wild Hearts catamaran sails Orange Beach, Perdido Key and Gulf Shores daily with cruises on our inshore waters and the Gulf of Mexico. From intimate sunset sails to fun-filled family adventures, we offer cruises to suit crowds of all shapes, sizes and styles.

For private charters and discount requests, call Sail Wild Hearts at 251-981-6700.

Sunset Cruise

There’s no better way to end an exciting day in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach than with a sunset cruise. Our stunning sunsets are made to soothe the soul, and Wild Hearts creates a relaxing atmosphere where the colorful horizon feels close enough to touch. You’ll never view a sunset the same way!

Your 1.5 to 2-hour Sunset Cruise in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Perdido Key includes complimentary bottled water, soft drinks and light hors d’oeuvres. Adult passengers may bring a small cooler with beverages of their choice.

Dolphin & Angels Sailing Adventure

The Dolphins & Blue Angels sail mixes gravity-defying aerial stunts with smooth sailing on Wild Hearts for a match made in coastal paradise. Board our spacious 53-foot, open-ocean catamaran on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the spring and summer for an adventure of epic proportions. Make priceless memories with your family and friends as you witness breathtaking aerial displays performed by the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s precision flying team.

Wild Hearts will try to attend all Blue Angels practice dates subject to weather and our 15-passenger minimum booking requirement.

2024 Dolphins & Angels Sailing Dates

March  26, 27

April  2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30

May  1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 28, 29

June  4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 25, 26

July  16, 17, 23

August  21, 27

September  4, 10, 11, 17, 24

October  16, 22, 23

This six-hour sail includes breakfast and lunch for all passengers, as well as complimentary bottled water, soft drinks, and fruit platters. There is no additional charge for kayaks or paddleboards. Life jackets are always included!

The Flight Plan

Your six-hour sail begins in Orange Beach, where you’ll board your morning dolphin cruise for a picturesque sail to Pensacola, Florida waters. On the way, bask in the sun or relax in the shade while watching for dolphins and other wildlife in the warm gulf waters. Complimentary beverages and fresh fruit will be available throughout the sail to keep you cool and refreshed.

Upon our arrival to Pensacola, we’ll find the best front-row seat for watching the fantastic flights as they soar overhead. A light lunch is served at anchor while you are entertained by the mind-bending displays of flight precision. After the show, a stunning sail back to Orange Beach is the only way to end your outstanding adventure with the Blue Angels.

About The Blues

An estimated 11 million spectators view the squadron each year in air shows. Throughout the life of the program, there have been 251 demonstration pilots and 35 flight leaders. Each pilot must complete 120 training flights during winter training to perform a public demonstration. Among their formations is the amazing Diamond 360 maneuver, in which the pilots will fly their planes within 18 inches of one another.

Kayak Adventure Sail

This thrilling three-hour adventure begins with a stunning sail through picturesque Perdido Pass and into the Gulf of Mexico. After spending the morning at sea, Wild Hearts will moor on Robinson Island in Orange Beach where you can spend the afternoon kayaking, paddle boarding, and sunning. You can even bring your own equipment for snorkeling. When you need a rest, recline, and relax in the shallow waters as you watch the boats come and go from the Gulf. Our drop-down staircase provides easy access from the boat to the water below, making this a great choice for adventurers of all ages.

The Kayak Adventure Sail is a three-hour sail that includes all of your kayaking and paddle boarding equipment and complimentary bottled water. Soft drinks and snacks are also available onboard for purchase. Life jackets are always included!

Family Adventure Sail

This enjoyable nature cruise in Orange Beach provides fantastic fun for the whole family. Sailors of all ages will love navigating our nature scenes as you watch for wildlife and learn about our waterways. There’s always catch-and-release fishing, and swimming is available at your Captain’s discretion (sea state permitting).

The Family Adventure Sail is a two-hour sail that includes complimentary bottled water. Soft drinks and snacks are available onboard for purchase. Of course, life jackets and corny jokes are always included!

Morning Dolphin Cruise

This fun expedition sets sail bright and early so you can meet the day with dolphins. Morning waters are calm and serene, creating a comfortable sail that’s perfect for watching pods at play. As we cruise, soak up the scenes – just remember to keep a watch on the waves for our fun-loving friends!

The Morning Dolphin Cruise is a 1.5-hour sail that includes complimentary bottled water. Soft drinks and snacks are available onboard for purchase. Of course, life jackets and a good time is always included!

Afternoon Dolphin Cruise

Hop aboard one of our most popular tours to experience nature at its best. As we sail through gorgeous Gulf Coast scenery on our comfortable catamaran, keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins swimming in the waves near our spacious viewing deck. You may even see a sea turtle! Our experienced crew knows just where to go to find our marine friends, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.

The Afternoon Dolphin Cruise is a 1.5-hour sail that includes complimentary bottled water. Soft drinks and snacks are available onboard for purchase. Life jackets and memories are always included!

Fireworks Sail

Set sail for a once-a-year experience with our Fireworks Sail on July 4! After we set sail at about 8 p.m., enjoy a relaxing cruise to our designated observation spot and get ready for a thrilling fireworks display.

Your 1.5-hour Fireworks Cruise includes complimentary bottled water, soft drinks, and light hors d’oeuvres. Adult passengers may bring a small cooler with beverages of their choice.

eGift Cards

Give the gift of adventure with our personalized eGift cards for use on a future sailing.

Available in the following increments: $50 $100 $150 $200 Other – Your Choice!

Celebration of Life

Sailing offers a unique and personal setting to celebrate the life of a loved one. Gather with your family and friends aboard Wild Hearts as we sail into stunning scenes that soothe the soul and bring peace to your mind. Our compassionate crew will ensure you have everything you need for a memorable memorial at sea, from space to share stories and pour over photos to areas of quiet solitude where you can reflect and remember.  The quiet beauty of nature will bring a breath of fresh air to your fond memories as you memorialize the one you’re missing with the people that loved them the most.

Call 251-981-6700 for details.

RESERVATIONS

251-981-6700.

WILD HEARTS is located in Orange Beach, Alabama directly across the street from the PERDIDO BEACH RESORT 27101 Perdido Beach Blvd. (Hwy 182) Latitude: 30.278934 Longitude: -87.561368

BLUE ANGELS PRACTICE INFORMATION

The world-famous Blue Angels are based at NAS Pensacola and can be seen practicing over the Museum at NAS Pensacola on select days throughout the year. Come watch them soar and then spend the day at the Museum. Admission is FREE.

BLUE ANGELS PRACTICE SCHEDULE

2024 Practice Schedule

March 26, 27 * April 2, 3 * , 9, 10, 16, 17 * , 23, 24 * , 30 May 1 * , 14, 15 * , 28, 29 * June 4, 5 * , 11, 12, 18, 25, 26 July 16, 17 * , 23 August 21 * , 27 September 4 * , 10, 11 * , 17, 24 October 16 * , 22, 23 *

* Indicates an autograph day in the Museum following the Blue Angels Practice.

The National Naval Aviation Museum is pleased to open the flight line behind the museum to view Blue Angels practice flight demonstrations. Gates open at 9:30 AM and the Blues are scheduled to take to the skies at 10:30 AM  

Blue Angels Autograph Sessions

Following certain Wednesday practices, members of the Blue Angels visit the Museum to meet fans to answer questions and sign autographs. Blue Angels practices and autograph sessions are free and open to the pubilc. There is no charge for admission to the Museum.

The outside viewing area for the Blue Angels practice is located on the Museum Flight Line north of the Museum. Signs are posted to direct visitors to viewing and parking locations, including limited parking for handicapped visitors. Practice times vary so check the schedule prior to planning your visit. Practices last about 55 minutes.

Open bleacher seating is available for 500 people. Chair service is provided at each practice session, a limited quantity of chairs are available for a fee of $6 per chair rental. Concessions and merchandise are also available. We are a cashless venue. Chair service, concessions, and merchandise are provided by the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation and proceeds support the Museum and Foundation programs.

We recommend visitors use sun protection. Hearing protection is recommended for those people with sensitive hearing.   Please note that backpacks, daypacks, luggage, or similar items are NOT allowed on the flight line during Blue Angel practice air shows. Small purses, bags containing medications, and diaper bags are allowed but are subject to search by Naval Air Station Pensacola Security personnel.

PRACTICE & AIRSHOW TIPS

Practice faq's.

What forms of identification are acceptable to get on base?

Which gate do I go through to get to the Museum?

How much does it cost to view the practices? 

Admission is free. 

MUSEUM FAQ PAGE

AIRSHOW TIPS

1. Increase your fluid intake the day before the practice air show and continue to drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages while on the flight line. 2. Avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps. Remember to keep cool and use common sense. 3. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. In the hot sun, a wide-brimmed hat will provide shade and keep the head cool. 4. Be sure to apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going out and continue to reapply according to the package directions. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids. It also causes pain and damages the skin. 5. Get medical assistance as soon as possible by alerting staff members on the Flight Line.

SAFETY NOTES

Each year the National Naval Aviation Museum and Naval Aviation Museum Foundation are pleased to provide visitors the opportunity to view Blue Angel practice air shows from a viewing area on the Flight Line behind the Museum. The following information is important for you to review before attending one of these practices for it will prepare you for the conditions that you will experience.

As the climate changes, extreme heat events/heat waves are expected to increase in frequency, length, and severity. This will result in increased health risk for people spending hours on the flight line waiting for the show to begin and viewing the demonstration. Children and older adults, those who are chronically ill, and others are more vulnerable to heat related illnesses. Heat sensitivity increases for those who are not regularly exposed to hot and humid environments like those in the Florida panhandle.

For high-resolution images or more information about the Blue Angels, visit www.blueangels.navy.mil.

Where are the Blue Angels flying next? Annapolis. Here's how you can watch.

The Blue Angels are returning to perform at the Naval Academy’s Commissioning Week, soaring the skies above the Severn River on May 21-22.

The U.S. Navy flight demonstration team will also perform a flyover above the graduation and commissioning ceremony at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium at 10 a.m. Friday morning.

Here is what to know about the Blue Angels Annapolis performance and the schedule .

When do the Blue Angels fly at Annapolis?

The Blue Angels will perform over Annapolis at 2 p.m. on May 21-22.

Blue Angels and Thunderbirds: Thunderbirds will fly with Blue Angels during homecoming air show

Is the Blue Angels performance in Annapolis open to the public?

Yes, the Blue Angels’ performance at the Naval Academy in Annapolis is open to the public, though not quite to the same degree as others that provide a dedicated space for public viewing. However, there are plenty of vantage spots that you can consider.

In past shows, people have lined up along the bridge between Eastport and Annapolis and City Dock. Onboard the Naval Academy, the Hospital Point is another favorite.

And, of course, anyone with a boat is able to anchor in Severn River or Spa Creek, though they should be mindful of maritime restrictions put in place during the duration of the show.

Is the Severn River open to public boats?

Spectators can watch the Blue Angels fly above Annapolis by boat, but they will need to be aware of zones that will be temporarily restricted during the show.

These channels will be marked with red and green buoys. The channel must be kept clear of anchored boats throughout the show. Anchoring outside of these zones is fine.

The best places to anchor are off Greenbury Point, by Carr Creek, or on the other side of the flight box, closer to the Rt. 50 Bridge, according to the Annapolis website.

Blue Angels Annapolis schedule

Here is a look at the Annapolis schedule

• 10:30 a.m.: The restricted zone in the Severn River is closed to all unauthorized traffic.
• 2 p.m.: Practice air show begins.
• 4 p.m.: The Severn River will reopen to all vessel traffic once the all-clear signal is given.
• 1:30 p.m.: The restricted zone in the Severn River is closed to all unauthorized traffic.
• 2 p.m.: Air show begins.

Blue Angels movie: New Blue Angels documentary hits theaters May 17. Here's how to snag tickets in Pensacola

Blue Angels schedule 2024

• March 9: Naval Air Facility El Centro, California
• March 16-17: Travis Air Force Base, California
• March 23-24: Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana
• April 6-7 Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama
• April 13-14 Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Forth Worth, Texas
• April 20-21 Cocoa Beach, Florida
• April 27-28 Vidalia, Georgia
• May 4-5: Vero Beach, Florida
• May 11-12: Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina
• May 22/24: U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland
• May 25-26: Jones Beach, New York
• June 1-2: Terre Haute, Indiana
• June 8-9: Chesterfield, Missouri
• June 15-16: La Crosse, Wisconsin
• June22-23: Dayton, Ohio
• June 29-30: Traverse City, Michigan
• July 6-7 Johnson City, New York
• July 13 Pensacola Beach, Florida
• July 27-28 Fargo, North Dakota
• Aug. 3-4: Seattle, Washington
• Aug. 10-11: Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Aug. 17-18: Chicago, Illinois
• Aug. 24-25: Wichita, Kansas City
• Aug. 31: Cleveland, Ohio
• Sept. 1-2: Cleveland, Ohio
• Sept. 14-15: Owensboro, Kentucky
• Sept. 21-22: Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia
• Sept. 28-29: Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California
• Oct. 12-13 San Francisco, California
• Oct. 19-20 Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida
• Oct. 26-27 Houston, Texas
• Nov. 2-3 Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida

What to expect at a Blue Angels air show?

If you’re never been to a Blue Angels air show, you’re in for a treat. Plan for an all-day event, from waiting in line as you await the opening gates at 8:30 a.m. to when the show wraps up about eight hours later.

Once the gates open, depending on which show you’re attending, you’ll likely be able to meander through vendors, claim spots to watch the show, enjoy performances from civilian and other military teams and learn about some aeronautical history.

Each show has a fairly strict schedule it follows, which can be found online. Taking a peek, you’ll see that there’s something to keep your attention every 30 minutes to an hour, starting with a parachute demonstrations and ending with a demonstration from Fat Albert just before the Blue Angels take to the skies.

How long do the Blue Angels fly?

A Blue Angels air show is typically an all-day event spanning about eight hours. Civilian acts and other military performers take to the skies throughout the day leading up to the final event: the Blue Angels. Fat Albert will lead the Blues with a short 10-15-minute demonstration, and the Blues will perform for about an hour afterward.

What planes do the Blue Angels fly?

In 2021, the Blue Angels started flying in a new airplane for the first time in more than 30 years — the  Super Hornet F/A-18 E/F . The new jets are 25% larger, fly 40% further, remain on station 80% longer and can carry more weapons than their predecessors. The team previously flew F/A-18 Hornets, which they transitioned to from the A-4F Skyhawk II in 1986.

How fast do the Blue Angels fly?

The new Super Hornets can reach top speeds just under Mach 2 (about 1,400 miles per hour), almost twice the speed of sound. The jets can climb at a maximum rate of 30,000 feet per minute.

Blue Angels pilot salary

Blue Angels pilot salaries are no different from what their pay would typically be, based on rank and time in service.

Where are the Blue Angels based?

The Blue Angels are based onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola in Pensacola, Florida.

Blue Angel pilots in 2024

Here’s a look at the Blue Angel pilots for the 2024 air show season.

• #1 Cmdr. Alexander Armatas  — Cmdr. Alexander P. Armatas is a native of Skaneateles, New York. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering.
• #2 Lt. Cmdr. Jack Keilty  — Lt. Cmdr. Jack Keilty, is a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he attended Mount Saint Mary Catholic High School, graduating in 2005. He attended the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia, where he lettered in football and earned a Bachelor's Degree in history in 2010. Upon graduation he was commissioned an ensign in the United States Navy and reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, for Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API)."
• #3 Lt. Wesley Perkins  — Lt. James Wesley Perkins is a native from Pordenone, Italy, grew up in Georgetown, Texas, and graduated from Hutto High School in 2009. He attended Texas A&M University graduating with a degree in ocean engineering in 2014. Perkins commissioned as an ensign through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps.
• #4 Lt. Cmdr. Amanda Lee  — Lt. Cmdr. Amanda Lee is a native of Mounds View, Minnesota. She graduated from Irondale High School in 2004, where she competed in soccer, ice hockey and swimming. While attending the University of Minnesota Duluth, Amanda enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an aviation electronics technician (AT) and reported to her first command, VFA-136 "Knighthawks." She was selected to commission as a pilot through the Seaman-to-Admiral (STA-21) commissioning program in 2009. The following year, Lee attended the Naval Science Institute (NSI) for officer training in Newport, Rhode Island, and simultaneously began her studies at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where she received a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry.
• #5 Lt. Cmdr. Griffin Stangel  — Lt. Cmdr. Griffin Stangel is a native of Madison, Wisconsin, and graduated from Madison West High School in 2008. He attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in air traffic control in 2012. Immediately after graduation, he reported to Newport, Rhode Island, where he received his commission as an ensign in the United States Navy after completion of Officer Candidate School.
• #6 Cdr. Thomas Zimmerman  — Cmdr. Thomas Zimmerman is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from St. Paul's School in 2004 lettering in football, wrestling and lacrosse. After graduation, he attended the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island, for one year prior to attending the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He lettered in lacrosse at both schools and graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in ocean engineering, earning his commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in 2009.
• #7 Lt. Connor O'Donnell   (Narrator)  — Lt. Connor O’Donnell is a native of Freeport, Maine, and graduated from Yarmouth High School in 2011. Following high school, he attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor’s Degree in operations research."
• #8 Lt. Cmdr. Brian Vaught  — Lt. Cmdr. Brian Vaught is a native of Englewood, Colorado. He graduated from Cherry Creek High School in 2004, where he lettered in lacrosse. After high school he attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business administration. Upon graduation, Brian worked in professional sports marketing and promotions, eventually attending Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, where he earned his commission as an ensign in the U.S. Navy in 2011."

'The Blue Angels' Prepare to Take Flight in Sneak Peek at New Documentary [Exclusive]

Paul Crowder directs the film which flies into IMAX for one week starting May 17.

The Big Picture

• Join the exhilarating world of The Blue Angels with exclusive IMAX footage showcasing their intense training and breathtaking aerial displays.
• Discover the teamwork, precision, and dedication required for Blue Angels pilots to perform death-defying stunts at air shows for 75 years.
• Dive into the behind-the-scenes process of becoming a Blue Angel, from rigorous selection to eight-month show season preparation.

The rip-roaring, high-flying spectacle of The Blue Angels is soaring into theaters this weekend with the new documentary from UFO director Paul Crowder and Collider has an exclusive sneak peek to prepare viewers to take flight. A deep dive behind the scenes of the Navy's elite Flight Demonstration Squadron, the film explores what the individual pilots behind the bright blue F/A-18 Super Hornets go through to don the crest and take part in the thrilling air shows that have been dazzling spectators for 75 years. Utilizing the IMAX format , it will also take viewers into the cockpits of the aircraft for a breathtaking new look at their demonstrations. The clip we can share shows the anticipation leading up to a performance, going into the thoughts of the pilots as they walk out in front of a crowd.

Each member of the Blue Angels marches out in slow motion and lines up to open the footage, evoking the feel of a Top Gun film in the process. This is the real deal, however , and one of the members comments on the nervousness he feels about how prepared he is to take flight as the team marches in unison to their respective jets. The camaraderie between the pilots and the crew around them is on display before they fire up their engines and line up to take flight with the crowd watching on. Once they're in the sky, the camera swaps from outside shots of the Angels roaring by to footage from within the cockpits, giving an incredible view of the tight coordination they fly in.

Being a Blue Angel requires a rigorous selection and training process, all of which will be explored throughout The Blue Angels . The preparation is meant to build up the pilots for an eight-month show season featuring at least 60 aerial displays across 30 locations in the U.S. , along with one in Canada, that demands precision and endurance in equal measures to thrive as a member of the blue and gold. One thing Crowder's documentary especially wants to emphasize is the teamwork among the Angels past and present , including the team under Captain Brian Kesselring and incoming Commander Alexander P. Armatas shown in the film, who put their lives in each other's hands with every performance.

'The Blue Angels' Soar With a Talented Creative Team

Crowder puts his Eddie Award-winning skills from The Beatles: Eight Days a Week and Riding Giants to work behind the camera for The Blue Angels alongside an excellent production team. He reunites with the prolific J.J. Abrams from their time together on UFO , with the Emmy winner producing through his Bad Robot banner alongside Hannah Minghella , Sean Stewart , Glen Zipper , and Mark Monroe with Maren Domzalski and Bridget Topp as co-producers and Rob Stone , Greg Wooldridge , John Turner , Bill O’Dowd , and Emerson Davis . Also notably credited as a producer is Top Gun: Maverick veteran Glen Powell , who's having a moment right now in Hollywood between his starring roles in the highest-grossing live-action Shakespeare adaptation Anyone But You and the upcoming Twisters on the horizon. He arguably has the most experience with the Blue Angels, previously flying with them in the lead-up to his role as Hangman.

The Blue Angels will fly exclusively into IMAX theaters for one week only, starting May 17 before arriving on Prime Video on Thursday, May 26. Visit our guide here for everything to know about the high-flying documentary and check out the sneak peek below.

The Blue Angels (2024)

Exploring the thrilling world of the Blue Angels, this documentary delves into the lives of the pilots and support crew whose extraordinary skills and dedication inspire awe at air shows across the nation. It showcases the intense preparation, the risks involved, and the personal sacrifices made by the team to maintain their renowned precision and excellence.

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‘The Blue Angels,’ filmed for IMAX, puts viewers in the ‘box’ with the elite flying squad

This image released by Amazon Prime shows a scene from the documentary “The Blue Angels.” (Amazon Prime via AP)

This image released by Amazon Prime shows a scene from the documentary “The Blue Angels.” (Rob Stone/Amazon Prime via AP)

This image released by Amazon Prime shows promotional art for the documentary “The Blue Angels.” (Amazon Prime via AP)

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If you’re looking for a little bit of that “ Top Gun: Maverick ” spectacle and thrill at the movie theater this summer , you’re in luck. A groundbreaking new documentary, “ The Blue Angels ,” is flying onto IMAX screens for one week, through May 22.

Using IMAX-certified cameras mounted on a helicopter, the filmmakers were granted unprecedented access to the U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, both on the ground and in “the box,” the tightly guarded performance airspace. Unlike in a Hollywood movie, there were no staged recreations, second takes or computer-generated shots. And they had about “5% of the budget” “Top Gun” had, those involved estimated.

The film was the brainchild of Rob Stone and Greg “Boss” Woolridge, a former Blue Angel and subject of a 1994 film about one of their historic tours in Europe. COVID-19 derailed plans to follow their 75th anniversary season, but a silver lining would emerge in the delay. By that point, aerial coordinator Kevin LaRosa II had worked several times with actor Glen Powell, on “Top Gun” and “Devotion.” Powell, he’d learned, had grown up with a Blue Angels lithograph in his childhood bedroom.

“(Powell) said, ‘I’ll hook you up with the Creative Artist Agency in Hollywood and we’ll get this done,’” Woolridge said in a recent interview.

Soon, they were also talking to J.J. Abrams’ company Bad Robot and figuring out ways to collaborate with IMAX and show audiences things that no civilian has seen before, under the direction of filmmaker Paul Crowder.

Abrams, who also produced, had grown up living across the street from a former Blue Angel pilot and wrote in an email that he’d “always been intrigued by their skill, bravery and heroism.” This film would take that fascination to the next level.

“The footage was filmed especially for IMAX,” Abrams continued. “Watching these pilots do their thing in this format — the jets literally inches apart — is utterly bonkers. Truly spectacular to see.”

One of the craziest ideas was to put a helicopter with a camera mounted on it in the middle of a demonstration, in airspace where no civilian aircraft has ever been allowed. It would be during a practice demonstration, but Wooldridge is quick to remind that there is no real difference between a practice and the real show when it comes to execution, the level of excellence expected and the danger involved.

“When Kevin said, ‘let’s do this’ my eyes got as big as saucers,” Wooldridge said. “I led the (Blue Angels) on three occasions and I said, ‘I’m not sure I would allow this to happen.”

LaRosa had exhaustively studied how it might happen safely and ensured everyone was properly debriefed. Still, on the day, everyone was prepared to hear “no maneuver” over and over as everyone got used to the distraction of a helicopter in their airspace. Much to their surprise, the “boss” never called “no maneuver.” It all went according to plan.

“We researched every possible way to film that information, and everybody’s done it different ways from the ground. But to get into the air with a wing-mounted camera and all the cameras in the cockpit?” Woodridge said. “It was unbelievable.”

LaRosa had done such a good job flying the helicopter that they were able to inch even closer to the jets by the end of the shoot. Crowder also used a Phantom camera, which can shoot 1,000 frames per second (the standard is 24 fps), to get spectacular shots of the vapors coming off the jets.

Beyond the spectacle, the film looks at the people in the jets as well, including the first woman to fly with the squadron as a pilot, Lt. Amanda Lee, of Mounds View, Minnesota.

“You can read all you want, but until you’ve spent time in Pensacola at the air base and really spend time with these guys, watching them do what they do and dedicated everything that they are to it, you don’t really get it,” Crowder said. “What we were hoping to do in the film was to portray a lot of that.”

After its one-week IMAX run, “The Blue Angels” will be available to stream on Prime Video starting May 23. Crowder recommends ignoring “mom’s advice” and sitting as close to the screen as possible for the best viewing experience.

Woodridge, who led the Blue Angels three times, said the experience of watching this film is better than being up there.

“I’ve seen it from the cockpit, my cockpit, a bunch. I’ve seen it from the ground as we debrief,” he said. But I’ve never seen it the way you see it in this movie. The perspective was so much better than I ever saw as a pilot. I’m wowed and awed by it.”

‘The Blue Angels’ doc captures high-flying mission

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Officially, the Blue Angels is the US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, an ace, all volunteer unit dedicated to showcasing the pride and professionalism of America’s Navy and Marine Corps. Director Paul Crowder’s documentary chronicles a squadron’s intense training and subsequent season of heart-stopping aerial performances.

Founded in 1946, the aerobatic team is comprised of six Navy and one Marine pilot. The Hornet jets soar at 400 mph while the solos can speed along at 700 mph.  “We will not break the sound barrier,” noted “Boss” Alexander Armatas, the Blues’ commander, in a Zoom interview.

These daredevil aerial formations are not without peril.  Although all pilots are limited to two-year assignments, there have been 28 fatalities.

The Angels now have in Lt. Amanda Lee the first woman pilot on the team in what had been, for nearly 75 years, an all-male universe.

What, they were asked, do you get out of being a Blue Angel you wouldn’t get anywhere else in the Navy?

“The best way I would couch this,” Armatas began, “is the same thing we asked people that apply for the team, which is: Why do you want to be a Blue Angel?

“Because every single person on this team applied to be here, through a pretty rigorous application process. That’s not just the officers but the entire 160 member team.

“I bet all 160 of those people would give you a different answer to the question of why they applied. For me personally, this was an opportunity. I’ve been in the Navy almost 22 years this month. And my career has been extremely rewarding.

“For me the opportunity to apply for the Blue Angels and to carry out this mission for a couple of years was a great opportunity to give a little bit of that back and to share that with the general public who may or may not know a whole lot about what the Navy and the Marine Corps are doing on a daily basis.”

“I think,” Lee said, “everybody joins for just a little bit different reason but ultimately to carry out the mission of the Blue Angels.

“I’ve been in for 17 years, from a completely different background” – an aviation electronics technician – “prior to getting my commission as a pilot.

“And it’s really cool to talk to each individual, whether it’s our maintainers or ground crew or inter pilots. It’s a melting pot of backgrounds and it shows that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve some really cool things.

“That’s what we’re trying to demonstrate to the public in our demonstrations.”

“The Blue Angels” is in IMAX theaters May 17 and streams on Prime Video May 23

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‘The Blue Angels' Review: Dazzling Imax Documentary Showcases Top Guns, but No Mavericks

Chronicling the eponymous Navy flight squadron across a season of demonstrations, "The Blue Angels" easily ranks near the top of the many Hollywood films to be considered "military propaganda" for their glowing depiction of the activities of U.S. men and women in uniform.

Whether or not that's a good thing may come down to one's feelings about the U.S. military. But in selecting for its subject an organization that performs a service that is itself public relations - and notably involves no battlefield operations - Paul Crowder's Imax documentary feels both more honest than most in its intentions and more effective in highlighting that organization's excellence.

Framed by the sun-up-to-sundown schedule maintained by the pilots themselves, "The Blue Angels" examines the precision, resilience and especially teamwork that goes into performing a series of dizzying, extremely dangerous aerial maneuvers. Less a celebration of the U.S. Navy's Mavericks than its Top Guns, the film focuses on several pilots - in particular, Angels first-year flyers Chris "Cheese" Kapuschansky and Scott "Jamz" Goossens - as they learn the difficult choreography and rigorous standards maintained by the squadron.

Crowder ceremoniously drops the audience into the Angels' world with a recitation of their creed, and then immediately shifts locations to a briefing room where Brian "Boss" Kesselring, the organization's 2022 flight leader, uses piloting shorthand to sprint through a breakdown of the environmental conditions the team will face. It's just the first day of preparation for the season, but the filmmaker means to mirror for the experience of those incoming pilots, creating a sense of disorientation and urgency as the audience gets its bearings in a collegial but intensely demanding environment. Subsequent interviews with Kesselring, shot in medium close-up as he looks directly at the camera, further establish his clear-eyed, compassionate authority, but they may force theatrical audiences to lean back a bit in their chairs. (Those catching the film on Prime Video after its weeklong run in theaters will likely feel less like Kesselring is right in their faces.)

Once Crowder follows the pilots into their cockpits, the aerial sequences become as demonstrative as they are breathtaking, exploring the granular complexity of flying four planes at 400 miles per hour 18 inches apart from one another in a perfect diamond shape. The first-person perspectives from each pilot manage to be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, looking up at the looming silhouette of their teammate's aircraft as they attempt to align the yellow paint on the two planes' wings. In both voiceover and on-camera interviews, the pilots offer their perspectives as they learn the choreography, then watch and rewatch and dissect and discuss their performances in slow-motion footage, emphasizing every mistake in order to improve.

Eventually, the tour begins, giving Crowder an opportunity to detail the manpower and equipment involved in transporting the Angels to dozens of destinations across the country - from their unofficial hometown of Pensacola, Florida to the Hawaiian islands and back again. It's during these sequences that the pilots discuss the more personal challenges of joining the Angels, starting with the 300 days per year they end up being away from their families, even when their spouses are also military personnel. Kesselring characterizes his time with the Angels as an opportunity to "give back," but it's clear that being a part of the elite group comes at a real cost to each of them.

Crowder further highlights that even without combat responsibilities, there are real risks for Angel pilots, referencing the 2016 death of Captain Jeff Kuss to trace the history of personnel losses sustained since the organization was established in 1946. The detour adds a degree of complexity to what is meant to be an informational, even celebratory look at the Angels, building a cumulative intensity to the final chapter of the film, in which Kesselring concludes his tenure as flight leader and selects his own replacement, an operational opportunity shared by few other divisions in the military. He also leads the charge in picking new additions to the team, one of whom, Amanda Lee, makes history as the Angels' first female member.

In portraying what Kapuchansky and Goossens endure, and then what the new recruits go through during orientation (a G-force simulator knocks out both Lee and new flight leader Alexander Armatas), Crowder lends greater seriousness and substance to a military operation that is by design performative. The Blue Angels literally fly a victory lap for the U.S. Navy (one pilot playfully calls the demo "45 minutes of pure violence"), but their squadron also provides a window, undoubtedly safer than combat footage, into the extraordinary standards maintained by its pilots at every step of every operation. For viewers who haven't attended one of the group's events, Crowder's film offers a uniquely intimate perspective on the maneuvers - including shots in slow motion, from angles civilians never see - while also spotlighting the men and women who bring them to life.

The disadvantage of a documentary like this is that it lacks the more dramatic stakes of a fictional narrative, leaving instead a glossy, promotional feel. Even so, military boosters will likely thrill at the skillful piloting and cheer the thoughtful, clean-cut men and women in the cockpit. Especially on the biggest screen possible, "The Blue Angels" not only offers an inside look at the best of the U.S. Navy's best, but gives viewers a first-person seat for some truly great aerial maneuvers - and best of all, without having to leave the ground.

More from Variety

• Glen Powell Ushers in Blue Angels Foundation Trailer Ahead of Imax Original Documentary
• Glen Powell's Parents Showed Up on His Red Carpet With Signs Trolling Him: 'Stop Trying to Make Glen Powell Happen' and 'It's Never Gonna Happen'

Category : Gorodok factory

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