15+ ways to get on the Water in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are all about white sand beaches and fun water activities.  However, my favorite times are away from the shore enjoying the warm gulf waters and back bays.  Luckily there are numerous ways to get away from land and just enjoy being out on the water. 

Rent a Boat

If you don’t have your own boat then rent one.  There are several companies on the island that rent pontoon boats for the day.  Pontoons are generally pretty easy to control, carry lots of people, and some even have slides.  Pontoons may not be the “coolest” of the boats floating around but they are definitely a lot of fun. 

Buy a Boat

I always say the best way to get out on a boat is to make friends with the people that own the boat.  It’s good advice.  Too bad I’ve never followed the advice myself.  Boat ownership can be fun but it can also be work.  Unless you pay top dollar for storage and full service expect to spend as much time (and more money) working on your boat as you do playing on the boat.  Even with all the work, it hasn’t stopped us from buying them. 

Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Perdido Key areas all have great boating locations.  My favorite are more east and some are out of range from rental boats. 

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Deep Sea Fishing

If you want to get miles out from shore then deep sea fishing is the way to go.  There are numerous charters that range from 1/2 day to full day trips.  Deep sea fishing can be a lot of fun but it’s also exhausting.  Plan a easy day the day after.  Prices can be as low as $70 per person and go much higher for longer and more private experiences.  Make sure to save room in your budget for tips. Locals Tip: We always plan a fish cookout the night of the trip – although we usually start late and all of our fishing people look really, really tired.  It may be better to plan a cookout the next day.  If you don’t love to cook then you can take your fish to several local restaurants and have them cook it.  Our favorite is Mikee’s.  As a table you can choose 2 ways to have the fish cooked as well as sides that are served family style.  It’s delicious and such a fun experience. 

Back Bay Fishing

If going off shore is not your thing there are also several back bay fishing charters.  These charters have a more individualized feel on smaller boats.  You’re not as likely to get sea sick and it will be a more relaxing experience than going away from land. 

Scuba Diving Charter

If you have a diving license then taking a scuba diving charter is great way to get out in to the water. There are several ships intentionally sunk in the Pensacola area to make reefs for diving.  Watch out for lionfish – they seem to be a problem lately 

Sailing

Sailing is a wonderful way to enjoy the water – especially at sunset with a cocktail in your hand.  There are several charter options on the island  Most will do smaller tours but some even offer working trips to Europe.

Sail Camp

Sail Camp at Wind and Water Sailing Center in Gulf Shores is a wonderful way for kids (and adults) to get out on the water and learn something.  Kids can start as young as 7 on the small boats.  Camps are set from beginer age to advanced.   I absolutely love watching these little boats sail by with all the little people driving them.

Dolphin Boats and Sunset Cruises

Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are fabulous place to look for dolphins.  More times than not we find dolphins when we are out on the water.  There are several choices for dolphin cruises (we call them dolphin harassing boats) and with each you have a really good chance to find dolphin.  If the dolphin are hiding then at least you will get some beautiful views and likely an amazing sunset.  

Rent a Wave Runner / Jetski Rentals

There are several locations to rent wave runners on the island.  Some leave from the public beach area.  Other companies focus on calmer waters and still others will deliver.  Usually most companies have hourly rates.  Driving a wave runner only takes a little training which makes this one of the easiest ways to get on the water fast. 

Banana Boat

If your just hanging out at the beach, you may occasionally see a big yellow floaty thing go by with people bouncing on top of it.  That’s the banana boat.  It looks like fun but not a dry experience.  

Jet Boat

There are also Jet Boat Rentals that drive passengers along the gulf as well.  The main on is pretty big and it’s not slow but you’re also not likely to get terribly wet. 

Ride on a Pirate Ship

If you’re kids want a more unique exxperience then book a trip on the pirate ship.  The pirate ship sails out of Orenge Beach and out through Perdido Pass.  We’ve waved a time or two and luckily they didn’t respond with cannon fire. 

Parasailing

Parasailing looks scarier than it is.  It’s actually pretty gentle and peaceful.  I love the views from the parachute. The water and the entire area is so pretty up there.  If you have a big fear of heights this is probably not for you. 

Kayaks, Canoes, and Stand Up Paddleboards

Several companies in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area rent kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards.  Some will even deliver to you.  Orange Beach has a canoe trail with locations where you can launch your canoe or kayak. If you’re more of a social kayaker then look in to the full moon paddle from the Wind and Water Center in Orange Beach.  This group paddle starts just before sunset.  The group paddles accross the bay and back with the full moon to light the way.  No kids, you must be somewhat fit and not someone that wanders off easily. 

Shrimping

Shrimping is so much fun and a great activity for the kids  The boats generally will pull up all kids of sea life.  The shrimp is sorted from everything else.  Small fish and other creatures can be tossed back.  We usually go with friends but there are shrimp boat charters and tours available as well.  Be careful not to feed the dolphin.  It’s harder than it sounds – they know the shrimp boats and stalk them. My kids were trying pretty hard not to throw fish to the dolphin but it’s tricky.  It’s important for the safety of dolphin not to get dependent on the boats for food.  Because dolphin love to stalk people shrimping, you’ll often find the dolphin cruise boats conveniently near the shrimp boats at sunset. 

Stay Overnight on a Boat

Seagull Boat Rental in Perdido Key is an overnight boat rental from the dock.  If you’ve ever thought about buying your own boat start by staying on this one.  The location is very near the Naval Air Station and Ft. McRee which are both wonderful trips.  The marina also has several charter services available for diving and deep sea fishing. 

Island hop

 My favorite thing to do on the water is to find a nice quiet island and set up camp for the day.  Most of the islands in the area have gotten much busier but there are still a few that can be quiet and relaxing – especially if you go during off season. Robinson and Bird Island are popular places to island hope.  The island off of Ono are also nice but changes in the currents recently make it more difficult to find a good space.   

 

Regardless of how you do it, getting away from land and out on the water can be a great way to enjoy a few vacation days in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. 

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We’re a family of 5 (Physician Assistant mom, IT project manager dad and 3 kids ages 3,6,10) taking a gap year from normal life to travel.  For blog posts, locations, and more information on how we did it and how you can to click here.