Protect What We Love
Responsible Tourism
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach remains a beautiful and fun destination for tourists and residents alike as a result of continued sustainability and ecotourism initiatives.
Don’t Walk on Sand Dunes
Sand dunes act as barriers to protect the mainland against high waves and storm surges and are a vital part of the natural habitat of our beaches. Stay off the dunes and use beach walkovers and boardwalks as walking on the dunes is prohibited by law in both cities.
Don’t Disturb Turtles or Nests
Sea turtles visit our beaches every year to nest from May through October. In order to protect these turtles, Share the Beach was established to advocate for their livelihood and habitat. The purpose of this program is to reduce human-related influences on sea turtles, monitor their nests and hatchlings, and promote the conservation of these creatures. If you encounter a sea turtle nest, keep your distance and don't bother it. It is a federal crime to disturb sea turtles or their nests.
You can help protect the sea turtles by removing all your gear from the beach each day which can prevent the mamas from reaching their nesting sites. When the sun goes down, avoid using bright patio lights, flashlights and even flash photography which can confuse the baby hatchlings who rely on moonlight and starlight to steer them toward the water. Be sure to stop by our Welcome Centers and pick up turtle flashlight covers. If you find an unmarked nest, contact Share the Beach so they can send volunteers to mark and protect it.
Keep Pets Off the Beach
While pets are welcome at many places in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, they are prohibited from our beaches. If you want to bring your four-legged friend along to your vacation adventures, check out all of the pet-friendly spots in the area.
Recycle
Recycle when possible and use reusable products such as grocery bags and water bottles. This is an easy way you can help keep our community healthy. The less garbage that goes into landfills, the better.
Remove Belongings from Beach Each Day
Leave only footprints on the beach by removing all belongings, including toys, chairs, tents, coolers and blankets, by sunset each day. Doing so prevents them from being swept into the water and keeps our beaches clear for nesting sea turtles and rescue personnel. Please note that any items left on the beach before sunrise or after sunset will be discarded by beach patrol.
Don’t Disturb Dolphins
If you spot frolicking dolphins in the wild, it’s important to realize that human contact can cause trauma and disrupts their natural behaviors. Stay at least 50 yards from dolphins and move slowly away if the dolphins show signs of disturbance. Refrain from feeding, touching or swimming with wild dolphins, and don’t forget to put your boat’s engine in neutral when dolphins are nearby.
How You Can Help
Every September, Alabama Coastal Cleanup recruits volunteers to help remove trash and debris polluting the Gulf Coast beaches and waterways. Volunteers are needed by foot and by boat to “get the trash out of the splash.” Clean-up zones are located all across Mobile and Baldwin County. You can participate in this year’s cleanup on Saturday, September 17.
While at the beach, consider helping out the community and environment through volunteer tourism. Our area offers multiple opportunities for guests to get involved and work to improve Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, no matter your volunteer interests.
Learn more about how to keep our beaches clean and start planning your trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast.
