Sail Wild Hearts

Category: Blog

  • Why A Cruise with Wild Hearts Should Be on Your 2022 To-Do List

    Why A Cruise with Wild Hearts Should Be on Your 2022 To-Do List

    The new year is right around the corner, and with a new year comes new adventures! Be sure one of those adventures is a trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. And since you’ll be in town, a sail on Wild Hearts is a must! There are so many reasons why sailing with us is a must try, but here’s three for now.

    1. It’s the perfect family adventure. Our Family Adventure Sail is guaranteed to be a hit for every member of your family! On this 2-hour trip, get a feel for catch-and-release fishing, then swim and snorkel in the beautiful blue gulf waters! Our knowledgeable captain always points out the unique marine life, adding education and an experience that can only come from being on the water.
    2. New places. Explore places you can’t get to by land, including Robinson Island near Alabama Point. This small, white-sand island offers a fun spot to hop aboard a Wild Hearts paddleboard and explore. Or take advantage of sandcastle-building time on these unspoiled beaches.
    3. We offer a one-of-a-kind sailing experience. Our 53-foot, open-ocean catamaran offers it all, from our large deck and open cabin to two restrooms and an onboard bar. And our friendly crew makes sure you get the most from each cruise, from private sails, weddings and business ventures to at-capacity tours.

    We have the perfect cruise for every occasion, so start planning your 2022 adventure with us today!

  • 5 Unique Sailing Facts

    5 Unique Sailing Facts

    Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast or have barely been on the water, you are sure to enjoy these unique sailing facts.  

    Joshua Slocum was the first man to sail around the world by himself. 

    In 1898, Joshua Slocum, a Nova Scotian-born American, set out on a solo journey to circle the globe in his sailboat. His book about the journey, “Sailing Alone Around the World,” became an international best-seller. 

    The ideal wind speed for sailing is between 8 and 12 knots. 

    The easiest wind speed for maneuvering small and mid-sized boats is 8-12 knots. Anything between 5 and 8 knots is ideal for beginners, but anything under 5 knots can make your travels feel tediously slow. 

    “Feeling blue” was originally a sailing term. 

    If a ship lost its captain during a voyage, the sailors would raise blue flags, indicating their loss. This phrase is no longer associated only with mourning at sea; it is commonly used today when someone is feeling sad. 

    The smallest boat to sail around the world was 21 feet. 

    Alessandro Di Benedetto, also known as the ”Crazy Italian,“ holds a special world record. He circumnavigated the world in the smallest sailboat: a 21′ (6.5 m) vessel. His trip was completed in 268 days and 19 hours.  

    Sailboats can actually sail faster than the speed of the wind. 

    Boats generate their own wind, allowing them to “surf their own wave,” so to speak, which increases their speed. 

    Feel free to impress your friends with your new sea-worthy trivia! 

  • Tying the knot with Sail Wild Hearts

    Tying the knot with Sail Wild Hearts

    Finding the perfect venue for your wedding can seem like an impossible decision! And when you add in the cost of food, décor and various other details, wedding planning can even be stressful and expensive for even the toughest bride. During the happiest time of your life, it’s easy to stay blissful from the moment you say “Yes” to the kiss after “I do” when you get married with Sail Wild Hearts.

    Think outside the box, and onto the water with a sail. Our gorgeous sailboat provides the perfect romantic setting for your big day, and will wow your guests as well. We can accommodate up to 49 people on our 53-foot catamaran. Or, if you’re looking for something more smaller and intimate, the “Just Us Wedding” option accommodates up to 12 passengers.

    With a groom’s boutonniere, bridal bouquet, cake and champagne included, there’s not much left on your planning list.  Need a photographer, musician or minister? We can help with that too! Get rid of the stress and have a blast on your wedding at sea.

    With all of your wedding needs in one place, there’s no need to juggle multiple vendors. Sailing away for your wedding is a romantic, unique experience that will be as special as your love. Contact us today to find out more information!

  • Come Spend Fall At The Beach!

    Come Spend Fall At The Beach!

    Although it may still be warm outside, fall is quickly approaching and with it comes festivals, food, and a variety of fun for the whole family! Picture all the fun of the beach in the summer, just with an added dash of pumpkin spice. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach in the fall.

    Flora-Bama Bulls on The Beach

    Bring the family and get ready to experience an action-packed night of adventure at the Flora-bama September 9-11! Get up close and personal as you watch professional bull riders perform at this rock and roll rodeo. There will also be attractions specifically for the kiddos including a junior rider’s night and a coloring contest.

    Vacasa Coastal Half Marathon & 5k Run

    Shed your turkey at the beach on the Saturday after Thanksgiving! Whether you walk, run, or wheel there is a distance suited for everyone from a 1-mile fun run or a 5k to a half marathon. You will soak in all of the breathtaking scenery located within the Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores and Orange beach. With Covid-19 protocols in place, the safety of your family is a priority and this event!

  • What to expect when you cruise with Sail Wild Hearts

    What to expect when you cruise with Sail Wild Hearts

    Corporate SailsWe want to make your cruising experience as easy as the gulf breeze, so check out the below list of what to expect on your next cruise with us. 

    Sanitization: Precautions are in place to keep our guests safe during this time. We are accepting limited occupancy on each cruise, and all equipment will be thoroughly sanitized after use. Your health is a priority! 

    Food and beverages: Complimentary bottled water is always available, and you may choose to purchase soft drinks and juices while aboard. Small coolers of drinks and snacks may be brought along. And yes, alcoholic beverages are permitted for passengers 21 and over.  

    Life jackets: We supply children ages 12 and under with U.S. Coast Guard-certified life jackets. Any guest older than 12 is also welcome to request a life jacket.  

    Water masks and snorkels: Specialized, approved sterilization methods are being used on all of our equipment, including masks and snorkels. New, packaged water masks and snorkels are also available for purchase.  

    Adventure: With our variety of available excursions, each sail is unique. Even if you’ve sailed with us before, be prepared for a new adventure each time! 

    Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to give us a call at 251-981-6700.  

    With our stellar crew, our spacious catamaran, and our unique cruise and sailing options, you are sure to have a truly unforgettable experience with Sail Wild Hearts! 

  • Summer in the South is HOT, but still enjoyable with these tips.

    Summer in the South is HOT, but still enjoyable with these tips.

    Sail Wild Hearts Sunset CruiseSummer is arguably one of the best times to visit the Gulf Coast, but it’s also the hottest and most humid time of the year. That combination can be tough, even for us locals who are used to it.   

    With that in mind, we have compiled a short list of tips to help you beat the summer heat and make sure your vacation is enjoyable.   

    HYDRATION: This is probably one of, if not the most, important tips: HYDRATE! And take this to the next level if you plan to enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two. Both alcohol and the sun can cause dehydration, so it’s vital to alternate with water or a sports drink while consuming alcohol. 

    SUNSCREEN: Don’t skip this, even if you think you have a “good base tan.” Apply liberally and apply often.  

    SUNGLASSES: Your eyes can become sun damaged, too. Fortunately, almost all sunglasses provide some sort of UV protection. Think of your sunglasses as sunscreen for your eyes and wear them consistently.  

    HIT THE SHADE: Take breaks from the sun during the day. Head up to the condo or sit under an umbrella periodically.   

    SUNSET CRUISE: Last, but certainly not least, enjoy our sunset cruise. Once the sun begins to set and temperatures drop, spending time outside takes on a new appeal.   

    A little bit of planning can go a long way when it comes to spending time at the beach. Heed our tips to get the most from each day.  

     

  • Come sail in the sky with our Sky Surfer Parasailing!

    Come sail in the sky with our Sky Surfer Parasailing!

    sky surfer parasailingIt’s no secret that we have all been living out of our comfort zones for the past year, so why not step it up a notch? If you’re heading to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach soon, add our parasailing adventure to your bucket list!  

    What can you expect with this adrenaline–pumping adventure? 

    You’ll begin your adventure being greeted by our fully trained and friendly crew aboard our comfortable, cushioned, 15–passenger, USCG-Inspected parasailing vessel. 

    We will safely secure everyone in a harness. Once we hit the gulf, flyers will be seated on our spacious, padded, back deck and secured to the chute.  

    When everyone is ready, you will be gently lifted off the deck. In a matter of seconds, you will be treated to a view like no other as you cruise hundreds of feet over the beautiful Alabama waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Very often, pods of bottle-nosed dolphins and even sea turtles can be seen during your adventure. 

    With your permission, our captain may fly you just low enough to dip your legs into the water and then swiftly return you back into the sky before returning you gently to the boat.  

    Don’t wait any longer! Make your reservations today for an incredible experience that will be the highlight of your vacation.  

  • New Crew Review

    New Crew Review

    Sail Wild Hearts is gearing up to start casting off and we want you to get to know our crew!

    Say hello to Brittany Vandiver!

    Brittany is returning to us this year as first mate. Born and raised right here in Gulf Shores, she naturally grew up with a love of the water and the outdoors. Her work on boats began when she was just a girl, so we’re confident she has the skills and experience to keep our boats in ship-shape order. We are thrilled to have her back on our crew for a second year.

    When she isn’t wrestling with the sails and waves, Brittany stays busy raising her two young children.

    Meet Brianna Ennis!

    Brianna isn’t completely new to the Sail Wild Hearts family either, but this is her first time working as a deckhand on one of our boats.

    Last summer she served as a deckhand on a dolphin cruise boat and says her wildest experience as a crew member was seeing a mother dolphin birth a calf in the wake behind her boat! With that remarkable experience in mind, Brianna is excited about joining the crew here at Sail Wild Hearts.  As she puts it, “Everyone has such a love for what they do, it makes the job amazing! You can’t beat being on the water all day!”

    Brianna has lived most of her life right here in Orange Beach. Now her time is divided between school semesters at University of Alabama at Birmingham and summers back home.

    Brittany and Brianna are excited to get started this season and so are we. Call 251-981-6700 to book any of our exciting sailing excursions.

    Looking for even more adrenaline-pumping fun? We are currently docked at SanRoc Cay for Sky Surfer Parasailing! Experience the Gulf of Mexico from the sky by calling 251-923-4808 and reserving your trip today.

  • Benefits of going to the beach!

    Benefits of going to the beach!

    We can all agree that a day at the beach can cure just about any bad attitude. But did you know there are actual health benefits to dipping your toes in the sand, too?  

    Vitamin D: According to Healthline, vitamin D is referred to as the sunshine vitamin because it’s produced in your skin in response to sunlight. Vitamin D has several important functions. Perhaps the most vital are regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus,  and facilitating normal immune system function. 

    Exercise: The beach is a natural fitness center. Whether you take a swim in the gulf waters or walk in the sand, you are sure to improve body strength and cardiovascular health. 

    A better night’s sleep: An article from DailyMail.com explains that sea air is charged with healthy negative ions that accelerate our ability to absorb oxygen. Negative ions also balance levels of serotonin, a body chemical linked with mood and stress.  

    It’s no secret that times are still stressful for everyone, so why not plan a trip to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach this summer? And make sure you add a Sail Wild Hearts adventure to your itinerary!  

    Here’s to a healthier 2021! 

  • Spring is here! Let’s hit the seas!

    Spring is here! Let’s hit the seas!

    Sail Wild HeartsYour eyes do not deceive you – the calendar now reads “March.” We don’t know about you, but we are welcoming the spring season with arms wide open!   

    Take a break now to read about each of our Sail Wild Hearts cruises so you can decide which to book first. We offer plenty of options, so we know there’s something that will satisfy the whole family. Read on for more information, then give us a call at 251-981-6700 when you’re ready to make it official!  

    Sunset Cruise  

    After your day of fun in the sun, get lost in the magic of sunset as Wild Hearts sails into the Gulf of Mexico. 

    Dolphins & Blue Angels Sail 

    Elite fighter pilots practice in our own backyard! You and your family will have exciting stories to tell after watching the daring maneuvers from a unique vantage point aboard Wild Hearts. This all-day adventure (breakfast and lunch included) will have you looking up for the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels while keeping an eye on the water for dolphins at play. 

    Kayak Adventure Snorkel Sail 

    It’s the best of both worlds. After skimming across the deep blue sea, Wild Hearts anchors at Robinson Island for fun with kayaks, paddleboards and snorkels. 

    Family Adventure Sail 

    Our nature cruise is a fun and educational way to relax. In addition to enjoying fabulous scenery, try your hand at catch–and–release fishing, or slip below the water’s surface to swim and snorkel. 

    Snorkel & Sail Tour 

    The Alabama Point jetty holds all kinds of adventure. This 2-hour Wild Hearts sail includes close-up views of marine wildlife via a guided snorkeling adventure for the whole family. 

    Don’t forget we also offer private charters and can even help plan your dream wedding. With Wild Hearts, the aquatic adventures are endless!