There are plenty of fantastic options for thrilling things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach that would impress even the most daring explorer. From extreme sports on the water to different ways to fly above the beaches, you can definitely get your adrenaline pumping around here.
With so many miles of coastline along bays and backwaters, there's more than ample space for action-packed pursuits on your next adventurous vacation. Daring activities may be lesser known than the area's relaxing attractions. But, as an adventure seeker, I found lots of unique things to do on Alabama's Beaches!
1. Take an eFoil Lesson
There's no better way to get a thrill than by floating silently across the top of the water on what feels like a magic carpet, and that's exactly the experience you get on an eFoil. At Foil Gulf Coast, you can learn how to do one of the most unique board sports out there.
First, learn how to use the remote and how to get up to your knees, slowly balancing your weight. Then, try it on the water. Eventually, stand up with confidence and cruise all the way across the bay on your eFoil, visiting different sights and marveling at the views as you perfect your skills. Trust us, you'll be hooked in no time!
2. Get a Unique Perspective on a Helicopter Tour
While it's already impressive to marvel at the bays, beaches, rivers, bayous, and inlets of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach from the ground, the most awe-inspiring and thrilling way to appreciate the views of the region is from the sky.
Embarking on a helicopter tour will allow you to appreciate the full magnificence of these varied coastlines from a sweeping aerial perspective while hovering, zooming, and getting up close to some of the most amazing sights. Lost Bay Helicopters is veteran-owned and offers some of the most customizable scenic flights over the gorgeous emerald waters of Alabama's Beaches.
3. Try a MagniFlight
For one of the most unique and thrilling things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, which also allows you to have a bird's eye view of the incredible scenery, a Magni Gyroplane flight is just the idea. What's that, you may ask? These distinctive aircraft resemble a helicopter and a small plane, with a rotating airfoil and a tail fin.
They are experimental but very safe and stable in that they are unaffected by turbulence and wind. With Magni Gyroflight, you can opt for a tandem gyroplane flight where you will sit behind the pilot or a side-by-side flight for 20, 40, or 60 minutes. In each option, you will be connected to the pilot via headset and be able to see extraordinary views of the Alabama coastline from the sky.
4. Get Sky High by Going Parasailing
Get a bird's eye view in a slightly different way by going on a thrilling parasailing adventure. You can float hundreds of feet over Alabama’s Beaches with the wind breezing through your toes, as you spot pods of dolphins and other wildlife from an unbeatable vantage point.
Sky Surfer is one of my favorite companies to parasail with, or as they say, surf in the sky! Jump onboard their safety-certified boat and follow their expert lead as they find the best views in the whole area — and the area has a LOT of great views!
5. Zoom Around with a Jet Ski Rental
Of all the adventurous ways to explore the waterways of Alabama's Beaches, jet skiing is definitely one of the best. A tried-and-tested thrill-seeker favorite, Jet Skis allow you to zip and zoom across the surface at speed, making your own waves as you visit destinations around the bays with ease.
One of the best places to rent your Jet Skis is Flora-Bama Marina & Watersports. This location has a perfect entrance point to some of the best areas of Orange Beach to explore. After you're finished adventuring, you can return the Jet Skis and enjoy a well-deserved and delicious seafood dinner at the Flora-Bama Yacht Club next door!
Alabama Beaches are the perfect spot for thrill-seekers! During her visit, travel blogger Kimmie Connor experienced some of the most exciting and unique activities available on our shores.
