When you vacation in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you’re obviously going to spend time on the water. After all, that’s why you came to the beach! We all love lounging on the sand and splashing around in the Gulf. But if you’re searching for new and unique ways to experience the water, you’ll find plenty of options on Alabama’s Beaches. From one-of-a-kind cruises and paddling adventures to thrilling watersports, check out these cool ways to hit the water in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Bird Pedal Boats
Super cute and even more fun, the pedal boats at High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas offer a unique way to explore Little Lagoon. These colorful bird-shaped vessels hold two people, allowing riders to pedal around the water. Keep an eye out for local marine and bird life! Anyone over the age of three is welcome aboard, but those under five must bring their own life jackets. After you finish exploring, head inside and grab a drink and a bite to eat.
Tiki Cruise
Bar hopping is out. Cruising around on a floating tiki bar is in. A ride with Cruisin’ Tikis promises an unforgettable time on the water. Each boat holds up to six passengers and has a professional captain operating the vessel. The tours are BYOB, but coolers, cups, ice, and bottle openers are provided. Everyone who is drinking is required to bring an ID onboard.
Screaming Eagle
Thrill seekers looking for a high-speed adventure have to take a ride on the Screaming Eagle at Hudson Marina. This bright yellow speedboat will get your adrenaline pumping as it bounds across the waves. Like a roller coaster on water, the Screaming Eagle offers a truly exhilarating experience.
Paint & Paddle
Combine art and nature and let your artistic side show with a paint and paddle session with the Wind & Water Learning Center. This facility is located right on the canal and provides incredible programs and lessons. After being fitted for a life jacket and grabbing a kayak, you’ll paddle out with a guide who will lead you to a spot in the water where you’ll anchor. They’ll then give you a canvas, brush, and watercolors. Now, it’s up to you to take in the scenery and create a masterpiece!
Fun Boat Tour
A dolphin cruise is a must when visiting the area, as there’s nothing like watching these friendly creatures jump over the waves. If you want to add even more excitement to your cruise, book a ride with The Fun Boats. The two-hour tour includes dolphin sightings, hands-on sea life experiences, and an epic water war.
Yoga Paddleboarding
Have you ever done downward dog on the water? You’ll find peace and a little fun with a yoga paddleboarding session with Glow Yoga and Pure Aloha Adventures. A certified yoga instructor will lead your class on boards provided by Pure Aloha. Whether you’re skilled enough to hit the tree pose or feel more comfortable in Shavasana, yoga paddleboarding is something all yogis should try.
Picnic Cruise
Imagine having a private pre-made picnic that includes a delicious charcuterie board, floral arrangements, charming décor, and a balloon garland. Now, picture that same picnic but on a boat! A picnic cruise with Anonyme Cruises is the ultimate outing for those wanting a special experience on the water. These luxury cruises can hold up to six people and are two hours long.
Pontoon Boat with Slides
Ahoy, captain! Here in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you don’t have to own a boat to spend a day on the water. When renting a pontoon boat, you’re the captain and can traverse the waterways without a boating license. Most pontoon boats can hold 10-12 passengers, so you can bring your whole crew along. If you want to add even more fun to your day of boating, rent a pontoon with a slide. You'll have a blast going down the slide and into the water over and over.
Foil Boarding
You may have seen people zooming across the waters along Alabama’s Beaches on small, motorized surfboards. Those are foil boards, the latest and greatest way to traverse Gulf Shores and Orange Beach’s waterways. Foil Gulf Coast offers two-hour lessons for those looking to learn the ropes of foil boarding and fly across the waves. You don’t have to be experienced to book a class.
Hammock Cruise
No cruise offers a more relaxing experience than Hammock Time Tiki Tours. This spacious 40-foot pontoon boat is tiki-themed and equipped with two comfortable double hammocks for riders to lay back and unwind as they cruise around the islands of Orange Beach. If that’s not enough, the vessel also boasts a tiki bar, games, shaded seating, Bluetooth speaker, and most importantly, a bathroom!
Blue Angels Cruise
On most cruises, you look down into the water, watching the waves and searching for marine life. Why not look to the skies and watch a magical show from the Blue Angels? There are several charters and cruises in the area that will take you out while the Blue Angels practice, so you can witness the talented pilots soar over the Gulf. Choose from Custom Cruises, Dolce Vita Charters, Sail Wild Hearts, Island Time Private Boat Charters, Uncle Wally’s Adventures, Gulf Island Charters, or Orange Beach Private Family Dolphin Tours.
Parasailing
If you’re looking for amazing views to go along with your watersports, you’ve got to try parasailing. The experience of being lifted into the air and flying over the water is unlike any other. You can parasail alone or with others in a double or triple harness. The views from the sand are great, but they’re even better from above!
