Tag: Orange Beach

  • 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!

  • Why You Should Sail Wild Hearts During Spring Break

    Why You Should Sail Wild Hearts During Spring Break

    Your spring break getaway is coming up fast! Beach time is a must, and a getaway could be just what you need to relax and unwind. When we say “getaway,” we mean a sail through the sparkling gulf waters to a destination where your stress can drift away.

    Looking for a little extra island time? Our Kayak Adventure Snorkel Sail takes you right to Robinson Island where you can try out your nautical skills with a kayak, paddleboard or snorkeling quest.

    If you’re wanting more downtime, a relaxing Sunset Cruise will do the trick. Watch a dazzling sunset on this 2-hour cruise that displays a picturesque skyline. (Don’t forget the camera!)

    Need a burst of excitement and fun with your relaxation? The Dolphins & Blue Angels Sail provides the peace of the waters and the joyful company of dolphins. But also look up to see the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels practice their high-speed maneuvers! This cruise is available on select days beginning March 28.

    With so many options, you have plenty of reasons to choose more than one. Book your spring break cruise to add more excitement to your beach vacation.

     

  • A Wild Hearts Spring Break

    A Wild Hearts Spring Break

    It’s hard to believe, but spring break will be here before you know it! Students will be itching to get out and be adventurous, while parents will be looking for fun, but also a little downtime. How do you get the best of both worlds without breaking the bank? A Wild Hearts sail of course!

    If your group likes the excitement of experiencing wildlife up close, the Snorkel & Sail Tour is a good option. Sail to Alabama Point jetty and immerse yourself in a snorkeling adventure as you swim among native marine animals. Guided by a PADI-certified dive master, you’ll experience amazing sights that will have your family in awe.

    If some in your group are less keen to jump into the water, no problem. Enjoy the sail to Alabama Point, and relax on the sand or on the catamaran.

    For those looking for a little more adventure, the Kayak Adventure Snorkel Sail has it all. Jump in a kayak and weave around Robinson Island, or hop on a paddleboard and see how far your balance can take you. Snorkel off the island and find various creatures lurking near the shoreline. There’s also always the option to simply soak in the sun and enjoy the sights and sounds from your beach towel.

    Whichever cruise you choose, we hope we can add a little more adventure and excitement to your spring break. Check our online booking calendar for availability.

  • Tutorial: Raise Sail

    Tutorial: Raise Sail

    When you Sail Wild Hearts, you get the full sailing experience, and a big part of that is how our crew interacts with our 53-foot catamaran.

    A main component of a sailboat is, well, the mainsail. Our mainsail is black and white with the Wild Hearts logo on it. The mainsail sits on a horizontal beam called a boom, and is connected to a vertical beam called a mast. The boom and mast form the “L” shape your mainsail sits on.

    Follow this quick 5-step overview to learn how the mainsail gets into perfect sailing position for your Wild Hearts voyage.

    1. The mainsail is unrolled.
    2. The head of the sail (the top, pointed end of the triangular shape) is found and is slid into the slot on the mast.
    3. The head of the sail is securely fastened with rope.
    4. The rope pulley is pulled to raise the sail.
    5. The sail is guided as it slides up the slot of the mast.

    On your next Wild Hearts sail, pay special attention to how our crew gets everything in shipshape! Feel free to ask the crew questions about the boat before and during your cruise.

  • Captain’s Log: Sunset Cruise

    Captain’s Log: Sunset Cruise

    There’s just something about being out on the calm, open water that makes all worries and stress drift away. The music of the waves lapping against the boat, the laughter of seagulls in the distance, and the warmth of the final rays of sun are all elements of serenity you’ll find on a sunset cruise.

    After a long day or a long week, this nearly 2-hour trip rejuvenates you. Departing an hour before sunset, you’re able to sit back and take in the final moments of the day. Watch the sun sink lower and lower as the sky turns a golden orange that reflects off the water around you, illuminating the gulf. With a light sea breeze, all the elements come together to create a paradise on our yellow catamaran.

    The simplicity of this cruise allows you to enjoy the nature that surrounds you and the company you’re with. There are no scheduled events or excursions – just smooth sailing that lets you enjoy the stillness of the evening.

    A sunset cruise can be a whole family event, or a romantic date night. Check our calendar and go ahead and plan on some much needed R&R.

  • 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!

  • Sun, Fun and Sailing Slated for 2017

    Sun, Fun and Sailing Slated for 2017

    What’s on tap for 2017? If you ask the Sail Wild Hearts crew, they’ll tell you a whole bunch of sun, sand and sailing with a little snorkeling and scuba thrown in for good measure. While we’re preparing for another year of sailing aboard our 53-foot, open-ocean catamaran, take a look at these big events coming this year. Plan your next Orange Beach vacation in conjunction with these events for even more fun and adventure. Oh, and don’t forget to come aboard for a day on the water with us.
    March 11-12: 43rd Annual Festival of Art

    March 23-26: 2017 Wharf Boat and Yacht Show

    April 15: 2017 Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival

    April 28-30: Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party

    May 5-6: 13th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

    May 13: Orange Beach Wine Festival

    May 19-21: The Hangout Music Festival

    Oct. 7: 6th Annual Festival of Flavor

    Oct. 12-15: 46th Annual National Shrimp Festival

    Nov. 3-4: 10th Annual Oyster Cook-Off and Craft Beer Weekend at The Hangout

    Nov. 4-12: 33rd Annual Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival

  • Sail Away with Santa Aboard Wild Hearts

    Sail Away with Santa Aboard Wild Hearts

    Santa is coming to Orange Beach, but he is trading his sleigh for a sailboat. Bring your festive spirit and come enjoy the ho-ho-holidays with Santa and his elves, also known as the Sail Wild Hearts crew, for two special days of sails.

    SWH Santa SailOn Dec. 17 and 18, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., the young and young-at-heart can whisper their Christmas wishes into Old St. Nick’s ear as we sail away in search of dolphins while holiday music plays in the background. Holiday refreshments will be served, but feel free to bring along your favorite snacks or drinks.

    If you’re wondering what the Sail Wild Hearts Santa Sail is like, be sure to browse one of our Facebook albums. For more information or to book your sailing excursion, call 251-981-6700.

    Tips for Santa’s Sail

    1. Wear your most festive clothes and be sure to bring a camera to snap your Christmas card-worthy shots.
    2. Bring your sense of adventure. Sure, we’re on Santa’s beach sleigh and any cruise is an adventure!
    3. Bring cold-weather gear. The average daily temperature in Orange Beach in December is 55 degrees; however, it can be much warmer or cooler. Be prepared and bring something warm, including a scarf and gloves, just in case we’re having a cool day at the beach.
  • Set Sail for the Last Blue Angel Flyovers of the Season

    Set Sail for the Last Blue Angel Flyovers of the Season

    The Dolphins & Blue Angels Sail is one of our most popular Orange Beach sailing adventures, and for good reason. We personally don’t think there’s any better way to experience the Blue Angels than by boat. Imagine lying back on Wild Heart’s trampoline and watching these world-famous pilots perform their awe-inspiring maneuvers high above.

    Practice sessions generally last about an hour, but when you sail Wild Hearts, the entire trip becomes an adventure. We sail to a historic Civil War fort in a protected lagoon where you can snorkel, kayak, paddleboard and even explore Fort McRae. Plan to spend a full day with us, as the entire trip is about six hours. There’s no need to worry about packing a cooler, either. Our crew prepares a light breakfast and lunch, complete with bottled water, soft drinks and fruit. Lunch is served when we anchor to watch these elite Navy fighter pilots practice their adrenaline-pumping stunts.

    On the way back to the dock, there’s no shortage of scenery and wildlife. Watch native dolphin pods surf the waves near the sailboat, and take in the fresh gulf air.

    Remaining Blue Angels practice dates for 2016 are Oct. 12 and 19 plus Nov. 2 and 9. The cost is $99 per adult (plus tax) and $69 for children 12 and under (plus tax). Book early to reserve your spot.

  • Choose Your Own Adventure in Orange Beach

    Choose Your Own Adventure in Orange Beach

    Flash back to your adolescence and take a walk down memory lane. It’s time to choose your own adventure. The best part? The crew at Wild Hearts has plenty of adventures ready for you on your next beach vacation.

    If you’re a history buff, the Dolphins & Blue Angels Sail is the best adventure waiting for you. Sail near historic forts on the way to watch elite pilots practice their adrenaline-pumping stunts. On the sail back to port, the crew will stop for snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding and exploring Fort McRea. Lunch is served on this all-day adventure.

    Scuba divers, listen up! For your choose-your-own adventure, put a check mark by the Perdido Key Scuba/Snorkeling Sail. This is the newest scuba adventure available in Orange Beach. Sail away with experienced divers to the Perdido Key snorkel reef where the crew will anchor near the site for a guided tour of an artificial reef, a creation of 24 sunken structures that have become home to many forms of marine life.

    Maybe your adventure seeking is of the softer variety. If so, put your check mark beside the sunset cruise. Sail off into gentle gulf breezes and watch the sun sink into the horizon. Sunsets are especially breathtaking during the fall months in Orange Beach. Pack a small cooler with drinks and snacks and enjoy a relaxing ride aboard the catamaran.

    If you’re interested in still other adventures for your Orange Beach vacation, check our full list of sailings on our website. You can even book online.