Sail Wild Hearts

Tag: kayaking

  • Why Choose Our Cruise?

    Why Choose Our Cruise?

    With multiple cruise companies in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area, one may wonder what makes Sail Wild Hearts unique. We’ve compiled the top 5 reasons our catamaran and offerings are the best options!

    • Plenty of room for the whole gang. Our 53-foot open-ocean catamaran has it all: a spacious deck, an open cabin, two restrooms, and an onboard bar!
    • A one-of-a-kind crew. Our fantastic crew members are here to ensure our guests have the best experience along the Gulf Coast during their adventure. Our captain, Zach Smith (AKA Zach “Sparrow”), and crew are full of fun facts about the Gulf of Mexico and its ecosystem.
    • We have a cruise for everyone. Sail Wild Hearts offers five cruise and sail options so that you can choose an excursion explicitly tailored to your enjoyment. Decide on a Sunset Cruise, a Dolphin and Blue Angels Sail, a Kayak Adventure Snorkel Sail, a Family Adventure Sail, or a Snorkel and Sail Tour. Then return soon to experience a different one!March
    • Your comfort is our priority. Guests may lounge and spread out on the spacious deck and enjoy the salty sea air while taking in gorgeous water views. The open cabin is available when you need to escape the heat and relax. We also provide our guests with complimentary refreshments and snacks during every excursion.
    • We are entirely family-friendly. Every member of your group will love their time on board, no matter their age.

    Thanks to our stellar crew, spacious catamaran, and unique cruise and sailing options, you will have an unforgettable experience with us. Book your Sail Wild Hearts adventure today and see what makes us unique!

  • Banish Those Back-to-School Blues with an Aquatic Adventure

    Banish Those Back-to-School Blues with an Aquatic Adventure

    Summer is almost over, but the adventure doesn’t have to be. Before you pack your book bag and head back to school, head out for an aquatic adventure with Sail Wild Hearts!

    Do you prefer an adventurous cruise? Choose between our two-hour Snorkel & Sail Tour, two-hour Family Adventure Sail, three-hour Kayak Adventure Snorkel Sail, or six-hour Dolphins & Blue Angels Sail. Whether you choose swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding or kayaking, you are guaranteed to have fun and get wet!

    When you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, watch the sun disappear below the horizon during our Sunset Cruise! This two-hour trip is the perfect opportunity to reflect on summer and prepare for the school year ahead. Our sunset cruise can be a relaxing, whole-family event or a romantic date night.

    Life jackets and bottled water are provided for all of our guests at no charge, and soft drinks are available for purchase. Adults are welcome to bring small ice chests with their own beverages to enjoy responsibly, as well.

    Book your adventure today and say so long to summer with Sail Wild Hearts!

  • Top 5 Reasons you’ll love our Dolphins and Angels Cruise

    Top 5 Reasons you’ll love our Dolphins and Angels Cruise

    Whether you are a local or visiting the beach from out of town, seeing the Blue Angels (officially known as the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron) fly is an amazing, hard to top  experience. But there is one way to make seeing them even better; watch them fly aboard Wild Hearts Catamaran. Check out five reasons you’ll love our Dolphins and Angels Cruise.

    1. You get more time aboard the boat. This is a six-hour trip giving you more of an opportunity to spot some of our local wildlife and marine life. As we set sail to Pensacola be prepared to relax and see some of the marine wildlife native to our coast. From dolphins, fish, and turtles to many species of sea birds, this trip is sure to delight.
    2. You get to witness the drills from the best vantage point possible. We are talking about the world’s most elite fighter pilots practicing their adrenaline-pumping drills – and you get to witness them from our spacious 53-foot, open-ocean catamaran. With the beautiful Gulf of Mexico as your background, what more could you want?
    3. You get to do more than just watch the Blue Angels. After the Blue Angels experience, we set sail to a historic Civil War Fort in a protected lagoon. There you will have the opportunity to snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, and explore Fort McRae. There is no additional charge for kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment. And as always, life jackets are included.
    4. Lunch is provided. You have to eat, right? While anchored, the crew will prepare a delicious complimentary light lunch that will include bottled water or soft drinks for you to enjoy.
    5. There are many opportunities to book this cruise. The Blue Angels practice most Tuesdays and Wednesdays from April through early November, so you have many chances to book this cruise and witness their breathtaking aerial displays, but don’t wait too long as many dates are filling up.

    People aboard Sail Wild Hearts with American Flag

    Please note: Cruises are subject to cancellation due to weather or a change in the Naval operational schedule.

  • Plan a Sail Wild Hearts Adventure in 2018

    Plan a Sail Wild Hearts Adventure in 2018

    Once the champagne bubbles have gone flat and the party is over, it’s time to pause, refocus and create a plan to reach your goals. We reflect on the past year and dream of all we want to accomplish in the year ahead. We’re filled with renewed energy and excitement for what’s to come.

    What are your goals for 2018?

    We hope your plans include spending more time with family, prioritizing relaxation, trying something new or booking a killer vacation. It’s important to do something to take you away from the stresses of everyday life.

    To cover all the above goals, consider a Sail Wild Hearts cruise. Maybe you’d benefit from a relaxing sunset cruise. Or perhaps an adventure sail with kayaking and snorkeling is more your speed.

    Planning a wedding, corporate retreat or team-building event? We can handle that, too.

    If you’ve been meaning to book a cruise with Sail Wild Hearts and you just haven’t gotten around to it, turn a new leaf and make 2018 your year! We can’t wait to show you around the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico from aboard our 53-foot catamaran.

    We welcome you (and the new year) with open arms!

  • Oh, the ways you can sail this month

    Oh, the ways you can sail this month

    It’s time to put away your coats and thermals and bust out your beach gear. Spring has officially sprung on the Gulf Coast, and that means it’s time to gather up your friends and family and get out on the water.

    We offer a wide range of sailing experiences to suit every taste. Whether you’re always up for adventure or always down for a little rest and relaxation, we’ve got a cruise for you.

    For the Armchair Marine Biologist

    Our Snorkel & Sail Tour is perfect for the budding marine biologist and nature enthusiast alike. Sail to the Alabama Point jetty, and upon arrival participate in a guided snorkeling adventure with a PADI-certified dive master. Catch a glimpse of the gulf’s abundance of native marine wildlife and make memories to last a lifetime. This two-hour trip includes snorkeling gear, snacks, soft drinks and bottled water – and, of course, life jackets!

    For the Active Adventurer

    The Kayak Adventure Snorkel Sail is designed for thrill-seekers who prefer an action-packed experience. After a sail in the Gulf of Mexico, enjoy a range of high-energy activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkeling at Robinson Island. This three-hour excursion includes refreshments, and the kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling equipment are provided at no additional cost.

     

    For the Adrenaline Junkie

    Our Dolphins & Blue Angels Sail will get your blood pumping! Sail the Gulf of Mexico with your family and friends, spotting bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. As this cruise approaches Pensacola, we’ll drop anchor in front of a haunted lighthouse and have some time to prepare for the Blue Angels show. You’ll witness the Blue Angels’ heart-stopping escapades from aboard Wild Hearts. Next, sail to a historic Civil War fort in a protected lagoon. While you snorkel, kayak, paddleboard and explore Fort McRae, our crew will prepare a delicious lunch. This six-hour cruise includes refreshments as well as breakfast and lunch. Life jackets and kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling equipment are included!

    For the Love Birds

    Love is always in the air along the coast, and you’re sure to feel it on our Sunset Cruise. Bid farewell to the day and watch the sun go down while enjoying nature aboard Wild Hearts with your honey. On this 90-minute to two-hour trip, we provide refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres, but feel free to bring your own bottle of champagne or wine to set the mood.

    For the Family

    For the fun-loving family, we offer one of our most popular sails, the Family Adventure Sail. A little catch-and-release fishing, a little snorkeling and swimming, and a whole lot of fun awaits your family on this excursion. Plus, we’ll make it easy on you by capturing the best moments of the day and posting photos and videos to our social media sites promptly. On this two-hour cruise, life jackets are included, and soft drinks and snacks are available for purchase.

    With all of these options, April is going to be a month of non-stop fun at Sail Wild Hearts! When you’ve decided which cruises are a good fit for you and your crew, give us a call at 251-981-6700 to reserve your spot.

  • Captain’s Log: Kayak Adventure Snorkel Sail

    Captain’s Log: Kayak Adventure Snorkel Sail

    When you sail Wild Hearts Kayak Adventure Snorkel Sail, you’re in for a surprise! This cruise isn’t your average sailing excursion. Your group not only gets a relaxing sail in the gulf and bay, but also may choose from many water activities once we dock at Robinson Island.

    That’s right, we pull right up to Robinson Island where you can sink your toes in the sand and enjoy the salty air and warm sun. Hop into a kayak and make your way around the island, taking in the beautiful scenery in all directions.

    For the more balanced sailors, test your skills on a paddleboard. Stand on one as you push off of Robinson Island, and see how far you can go without making a splash! Those looking for a little more water time can explore the marine wildlife with a snorkeling excursion.

    All we need to make a memorable adventure is you, so leave your equipment at home! There’s no additional charge for kayaks, paddleboards or snorkeling gear.

    This 3-hour trip includes complimentary bottled water, with soft drinks and snacks available for purchase. As always, life jackets are included.

    If this sounds like the fun-filled day your family has been wishing for, call 251-981-6700 and let’s set sail!

  • Sailing into 2017 with a Look Back at 2016

    Sailing into 2017 with a Look Back at 2016

    What a year! 2016 was one for the books. We’ve enjoyed a year of sun and sailing, meeting new friends and setting sail with old ones, too. It’s always a pleasure to reconnect with past guests, as well as introduce new ones to sailing for the first time.

    So, what exactly did we do in 2016? A lot! Our owner, Ted, is always looking for something fun and exciting to add to our itineraries, and 2016 didn’t disappoint. This year, we took sailing Alabama’s beaches to a whole new level with more adventure sails, including the Snorkel and Sail Tour where Captain Zack drops anchor for an hour of snorkeling and swimming Orange Beach’s clear, turquoise waters. The Perdido Key Scuba and Snorkeling Sail took our guests on a short sail to Perdido Key Snorkel Reef where there are 24 structures uniquely constructed to support an abundance of marine life. Our guests were treated to breakfast and lunch on the five-hour trip.

    While it wasn’t new in 2016, hundreds of our guests set sail for kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkeling on the Kayak Adventure Snorkel Sail. Guests from the young to the young-at-heart took advantage of Wild Heart’s full staircase that drops from the boat into the water. The staircase is a unique feature to Wild Hearts, allowing our guests easier boat access from the water than a ladder would.

    What new adventures await in 2017? We don’t want to spoil any surprises! Keep a lookout and visit our blog often for the latest news and updates. We hope to see you soon!

  • Bourbon and Beaches for a Guys Weekend Getaway

    Bourbon and Beaches for a Guys Weekend Getaway

    We talk a lot about family vacations and even girlfriend getaways, but how long has it been since you bonded with the boys? Maybe it’s time you called up the brotherhood for a guys getaway weekend in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Whether you’re the best man planning the bachelor party of the decade or just looking for some bourbon and beach with your best buddies, we can think of a few ways to spend a few days on the Alabama Gulf Coast with the guys.

    Pile into the golf cart for a stay-and-play package at one of the Gulf Shores championship golf courses. Hit the greens and challenge your buddies to 18 holes of heckling and ribbing. Kiva Dunes Golf Course on the Fort Morgan peninsula offers beach houses and condos near the greens. Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club also offers course-side condos.

    After competing on the golf course to decide who’s buying the first round of drinks, pull up a chair at your favorite Gulf Shores or Orange Beach hot spot for drinks and apps. If you’re in the mood for music, check out the live music calendar.

    Join our crew for a little self-propelled boating on a kayak adventure sail or the Guided Fish & Snorkel Adventure. Get your fins wet snorkeling – all equipment is provided. Or compete for bragging rights with our catch-and-release fishing excursion. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, join the Perdido Key Scuba/Snorkeling Sail to explore an artificial reef that rests just a few feet below the waves and boasts 24 structures teeming with marine life.

    However you spend the weekend, it’ll be time well spent to reconnect with the guys.

  • Plan the All-American Summer in Orange Beach

    Plan the All-American Summer in Orange Beach

    Lake ShelbyWhite-sand beaches, ice cream and ghost sand crabbing. What do they have in common? They are all part of a traditional beach vacation in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Every summer, families make the annual trek to play in the sun, sand and surf. But besides those things, what else makes up the all-American summer in Orange Beach? We’ve listed a few ideas to help you plan your summer vacation.

    • Dolphin cruise
    • Lunch at LuLu’s
    • Kayaking around Robinson Island and Bird Island
    • Deep-sea fishing
    • People-watching at the Gulf State Park Pier
    • Building sandcastles
    • Skim-boarding
    • Dinner at The Hangout
    • A trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    • Sunset sail
    • Biking the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
    • Swimming in Lake Shelby

    The Sail Wild Hearts crew can assist with several of those activities. Call us at 251-981-6700 for details.

  • Five Reasons to Set Sail From Orange Beach, Alabama

    Five Reasons to Set Sail From Orange Beach, Alabama

     

    There are many reasons why you should set sail from Orange Beach, Alabama, but below are five that are at the top of our list.

     

    1. Robinson Island: Cruising out of the pier where Wild Hearts docks in Orange Beach lets you experience island life. Robinson Island is the perfect place to stop and splash about. The clear, shallow water is great for a quick swim before embarking on your sailing journey. Dropping anchor on Tuesdays and Thursdays is the Kayak Adventure Sail – guests may swim, kayak, snorkel and even try their skill on a standup paddleboard.

    WildHearts-Kayaking

    1. Alabama Point Bridge: Car passengers will be envious as you sail beneath the Alabama Point Bridge at Perdido Pass through the endless blue water. On your way back to port during the Guided Snorkel & Sail Tour, put your fins on and explore the jetties at the pass. You’ll likely see grouper and other fish swimming about the area during your underwater adventure.
    1. Ono Island: Let the daydreaming begin! Sailing past the spectacular multi-million-dollar homes on Ono Island is the best way to view this private community. Rumors circulate regularly about celebrities who live or once lived on this island. Have you spotted any?
    1. Orange Beach Fishing: Have you reeled in the catch of the day during your beach vacation? You can on the Guided Fish & Snorkel Adventure. Both the young and young-at-heart enjoy casting their lines for fun on the Orange Beach cruise. After you’ve reeled in your prize fish, the crew will snap a photo and then release our underwater friends back into the Gulf of Mexico.
    1. Good Eats: Sailing, frolicking in the water and basking in the sun can work up quite the appetite. If you’re going for a short sail, once you hit land you’ll find plenty of nearby restaurants in Orange Beach where you can explore the local cuisine. You can also bring a small cooler aboard Wild Hearts with your own refreshments. On longer sails, including the Dolphins & Angels Sailing Adventure, our crew provides a lunch full of fresh ingredients and good eats.