A coast long admired for its 32 miles of pristine white sand beaches, the Alabama Gulf is a paradise of nostalgia with water sports (parasailing, dolphin cruises & fishing), amusement parks, and nature trails. But did you know that our Gulf is also home to America’s Amazon? Your beach trip just got a lot more interesting and a lot cooler because now you can add adventure into your lounging in the sand.
For the last 20 years author, filmmaker and explorer Ben Raines has been learning about Alabama's wild places and bringing them to light through articles and films. Now, with America's Amazon Adventures, Raines is taking groups to see some of the most spectacular places along our American coastline. In addition to being a licensed charter captain, Raines is also an award-winning journalist and filmmaker. Raines discovered the wreck of the Clotilda, the last ship to bring enslaved Africans to the United States, and authored the books The Last Slave Ship, the True Story of How Clotilda Was Found, Her Descendants, and an Extraordinary Reckoning. Raines writing and photographs have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, and numerous other outlets. I've appeared on NPR, 60 Minutes, the Today Show, Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, CBS Evening News, MSNBC, CNN, and the BBC, while his films have aired on PBS stations nationwide and his underwater film work has appeared in documentaries on National Geographic, the Discovery Channel and PBS. Raines encourages everyone to bring their camera.
While it is almost unknown to most people, Alabama ranks among the most diverse places on Earth. Our forests and streams are home to twice as many species per square mile as any other state. Alabama ranks number 1 nationally for the number of fish species, turtle species, crawfish, mussels, snails, salamanders, etc. For instance, California has 9 species of crawfish. Alabama has 100.
But Alabama is also the leader in extinctions, with more than half of all U.S. extinctions since the 1850s. The goal of Raines’ work, from the films and writings to these nature tours, is to make people appreciate our Alabama landscape and the creatures that call it home.
The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is America's Amazon, as Ben has coined the area. The Delta is one of the largest wetland complexes on the continent, covering hundreds of thousands of acres with a network of rivers and creeks that braid together and twist apart. Raines’ trips are true adventures. You will see sights you would never otherwise see as you kayak or boat around the curves of the Delta. You will learn about our flora and fauna and the many animal species who traverse the area. And if you reserve space on Raines’ Clotilda tour, you will learn a piece of American history.
In springtime enjoy floral tours as the Delta is sparkling with beautiful water logged flowers that bloom throughout the season. Perhaps the most breathtaking sight, the Cahaba Lillies that blanket the waters of the Mobile-Tensaw.
In fall enjoy Indian mound hikes and hug an 800 year old Cypress that lives in the forest of the Delta. Make sure to bring muck boots as this hike is through a swamp.
As much fun as beach days are, Delta days add exploration and education to your trip while learning about Alabama the beautiful and its incredible diversity and history.
Where To Stay
Turquoise Place
Turquoise Place offers spacious condos with multiple pools, a lazy river, poolside eats, and loungers with umbrellas for a day at the beach. When you first walk into to these beautiful, large condos, it is easy to see why this is the crown jewel of Alabama’s Gulf. Large entryway, large kitchen, large bedrooms, large balcony - everything about staying at Turquoise Place is grand. A sauna and steam room await you in the indoor pool area. An amply equipped fitness room is a must to make part of your daily routine during your stay. Breakfast is also served during seasonal months. With a kitchen this beautiful, on the nights you do not eat out, a shrimp boil is a must. The balcony of your condo is the perfect spot to watch sunrise and sunset. A morning cup of coffee on the balcony is the best way to welcome the day, and a hot tub dip at night and stargazing can’t be beat.
Where To Eat
Louisiana Lagniappe
For a special night out with delicious food, Louisiana Lagniappe consistently delivers excellent food and impeccable service.
Doc’s
A staple along the Gulf, this place is iconic and family friendly.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fried seafood baskets, fresh fish, and poboys paired with live music, make this an old school beach destination.
Lickin’ Good
A hole-in-the-wall stop on the way to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, their breakfast menu and pastry selection is mouthwatering.
Voyager
Fairly new to the scene, the ambiance and menu cannot be beat. A wonderful choice for a date night, girls night, or elevated dinner with friends or family.
Where To Shop
The Wharf
Enjoy a day of shopping, dining, and Ferris wheel riding at The Wharf. With shops like Lucca (designer clothing), High Cotton Bath Company, Fish On a Dish (gifts and home decor), Good Dog Boutique, and Coco Louie (vintage luxury accessories), You could easily spend the whole day lingering here. Plus the ferris wheel is an added bonus for the kids.
What To Do
Fort Morgan Oyster Fest
An all-you-can-eat experience featuring Navy Cove and Admiral Shellfish oysters, plus non-seafood options for landlubbers taking place the end of February. Enjoy live music, arts and crafts, games, and more.
Hangout Festival
One of the country’s top music festivals consistently featuring top name artists, this May music event has it all - incredible musicians, white sand beaches, great food, sunsets across the horizon, and a tan.
Bulls On The Beach
And if you're looking for an adrenaline rush, the Annual: Bulls on the Beach event happens Labor Day and feature rodeo action from professional riders across the country.