Four Unique Island Tours on Alabama's Beaches

Ways to Get a Bird’s-Eye View of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

May 31, 2019

Experience Alabama’s 32 miles of white-sand beaches in a whole different way. After you’ve walked in the sand, biked the trails and driven to your favorite Gulf Shores and Orange Beach attractions, take a new mode of transportation with one of the beach’s more unique sightseeing tours.

There are several ways to get a bird’s-eye view of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach: Simply soar through the sky on a helicopter tour or hot air balloon ride, or by power hang-gliding over the Gulf of Mexico. Thrill seekers will have something fun to write home about, and adrenaline junkies may have to opt for all three! But don’t worry – if viewing it from the air isn’t your thing, there are options for you, too.

Helicopter Tours
Take a beach tour (maybe even a sunset tour) over the Gulf’s turquoise waters in Orange Beach. Fly with Lost Bay Helicopters and take the controls during a flight lesson!

Hot Air Balloon Rides
Go up, up and away on a hot air balloon ride during your Gulf Shores and Orange Beach vacation. Enjoy panoramic views of the bays and bayous as you gently lift off to discover the Alabama Gulf Coast from a new vantage point. Taking Off Hot Air Balloon Company offers exclusive couples trips or friends-and-family trips. A typical tour lasts three hours.

Power Hang-Gliding
Fly the skies above the beach and explore the Fort Morgan peninsula by air with a one-on-one experience with a certified instructor at BeachFlight Aviation. See the beaches from a whole different angle on a 20-, 40- or 60-minute tour.

Segway Tour
If you prefer to keep your feet (somewhat) planted on the ground, opt for a Segway eco-tour with Coastal Segway Adventures. Explore the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system on a two-hour guided trip through the Gulf State Park. You’ll see shimmering lakes and swamps, and may even see alligators, bobcats, eagles, gopher tortoises, foxes and butterflies.