Each year people from all around the world come to experience the pristine white sandy beaches, emerald waters, fresh seafood, and atmosphere of local life. Some of our greatest moments that turn into memories happen here along The Gulf. Whether you're looking to learn a new skill, hook the next big one, plan a special moment, or enjoy time with your loved ones cruising along the bay, there's an option for you in this segment of our magazine.
We are truly fortunate and blessed to live here and call this magnificent area along The Gulf Coast home. This month we teamed up with four local businesses that showcase life on the water. It is our fervent prayer that you take the time to get to know them, get to experience them, and get to love them as we do. Their stories of resiliency, history, and sheer determination to do great things along The Gulf while making memories for them and us, will last a lifetime.
Wind & Water Learning Center
26233 Canal Rd.
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Ph: (251) 424 - 5909
orangebeach.gov/386/Wind-Water-Learning-Center
Did you know that Orange Beach has a best-kept secret? The City of Orange Beach Wind and Water Learning Center is the perfect place to begin learning a new skill, perfecting an old one, or teaching the next generation water ecology, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and boat safety. I met with Jackie McGonigal - Wind and Water Center Learning Coordinator, to discuss the exciting spring, summer, & fall experiences that will be offered. "We're currently in the process of developing an equipment rental program for the community that would allow guests to check out a rental for use within the bay. Of course, water safety is a huge part of what we teach, participants would be required to take a short course before going out into the bay. We want those who live and visit here to enjoy this beautiful place but with safety in mind. The Wind and Water Learning Center would have staff on standby so that in the event of an emergency, we could get to them. We're also offering new classes and experiences for guests such as watercolor painting at twilight. Our participants would come out and take a short safety course, paddle out to anchor before sunset, and create a beautiful watercolor art piece. It's a really unique experience. There are also other classes for youth and adults to learn the basics of sailing and paddle sports. There's even a (for women by women) sailing class. We want everyone to come out and experience what the bay has to offer."
Class postings and workshop opportunities will be posted on the website. Interested persons can reach out to Jackie directly by calling the center or via email. The Wind and Water Learning Facility is also offering field trips and venue rental for private workshops, events, and engagements.
Feeling Nauti
Orange Beach, AL
Ph: (321) 863-7795
www.onaboatorangebeach.com
If you're Feeling Nauti and looking to cruise The Gulf Coast in style and luxury, look no further. Captain Guy charters a 2003 65' Hatteras enclosed bridge luxury vessel. This beautiful boat is equipped with four staterooms, four marine bathrooms, a full salon, kitchen, satellite T.V / Radio, and so much more! With accommodations for up to six passengers, you can enjoy the beautiful views of our white sandy beaches while hooking the next big one! Captain Guy specializes in creating custom cruises for his guests that offer a wide range of services and experiences from coastal cruising, fishing trips, and even destination multi-day trips. Whether it's your first time or fiftieth time, you'll have an experience like no other cruising through the waters with Captain Guy. For pricing details and further information contact him directly today.
Hammock Time Tiki Tours
located within The Caribe Marina & Motorsports
28101 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Ph: (251) 253 - 2430
Climb aboard the newest Tiki Time Tour in Orange Beach, AL.
Captain Glenn is a lifelong water enthusiast, experienced and licensed as a 100-ton Coast Guard captain, scuba diver, kayak eco-tour guide, and the guy wearing the loud shirt! With his 10+ years of tour guiding knowledge, Glenn knows all the cool spots to hang out, and he has lots of fun doing it! Come aboard this spacious 40' Maurell pontoon boat, equipped with 2 double hammocks, a tiki bar with seating for 6, comfortable shaded bench seating and a clean bathroom, for a great adventure! This boat is laid out for fun and comfort. We have two 12v charging stations, blue-tooth audio for your tunes and a treasure chest with some really cool games and toys! Its the coolest tiki boat cruise in Orange Beach. Captain Glenn says "The most enjoyable part of what I do is watching those around me make memories and enjoying the beautiful scenery that we have here. Everyone has a story to tell and getting to know my passengers and hearing their stories is something that I really enjoy. Our rates are reasonable and we want people to come back again and again." Book your Tiki Time Cruise with Captain Glenn today, you'll be glad you did!
Anonyme Cruises
located in Orange Beach Marina
Ph: (251) 223 - 6673
Creating a legacy of love is at the cornerstone of this family-owned and operated business. Captain DD Russo is making her mark in Orange Beach. With two boats The Anonyme II and Rose', she's hard to miss on the open water. DD Russo grew up spending her summers sailing and water skiing on the back bays in Orange Beach. After raising her sons and becoming an empty nester, she decided to travel, so she went sailing.
She started out as crew aboard private boats, and over the past 5 years, she’s sailed from Orange Beach to the Bahamas, Cuba, Mexico, Haiti, Trinidad, Los Roques, Bonaire, & Curacao. She’s also sailed from Bequia up through the Caribbean island chain to the BVI and the USVI. In between those trips, she always came home to Orange Beach to see family and spend time here. She earned her Captain’s license during one of these visits home.
This legacy of love doesn't stop there. Her father and brother are also captains, and they started one of the first charter businesses in Orange Beach back in the 80’s. Their first family boat was a 42-foot ketch named Anonyme. In 1976, when she was very young, DD, her dad, and her siblings sailed Anonyme from Mandeville, Louisiana to Orange Beach. Anonyme stayed in Orange Beach until 2004 when it was lost to Hurricane Ivan.
Very recently, while enjoying a glass of wine on her balcony with her sister Kristy, the two started talking about those times. It occurred to them that maybe they should start the family business again. Nobody knows the waters of Orange Beach better than they do. Together with their dad, they found the perfect boat and christened it Anonyme II. Join DD on the boat and on this new adventure. She is thrilled to share this journey and the beautiful Orange Beach lifestyle with you!
Anonyme II is a Duffy Electric Boat, the world's leader in the electric boat industry since 1970. A Duffy is the original luxury electric boat. But it’s not just a boat, it's a lifestyle. Once you experience your first Duffy cruise you'll understand exactly what that really means. It’s not about going fast or going far – it’s about spending time with your friends and family while you cruise in silent luxury, taking in what is around you and who is beside you, and enjoying what’s most important to you. Come see for yourself. We do 5 knots better than anyone else!
Rose’ is a one-of-a-kind, custom 17' center console Boston Whaler with a cabana-striped Bimini top. This colorful little gem has been fully and beautifully restored by Palm Yachts. A truly unique experience, this picnic boat is perfect for anchoring at a sand bar, island hopping, or simply cruising with family and friends. She comfortably accommodates up to six passengers.
We do five knots better than anyone else.