Sail Wild Hearts

Tag: Sailing

  • It’s Time to Book the Family Sail!

    It’s Time to Book the Family Sail!

    Spring break provides the perfect opportunity to make family memories. If you are coming to the Orange Beach/Gulf Shores area to spend your vacation, an adventure with Sail Wild Hearts needs to be added to your itinerary!

    We’re always excited about a cruise,  and we want you to feel the same, so below are a few reasons why you should jump aboard and sail with us this spring.

    Family Memories That Last a Lifetime

    There is nothing better than connecting with your family through experiences. A 2-hour sail provides a way to bond with the special people in your life while enjoying picturesque views and waves gently rocking beneath you.

    Lowers Stress Levels

    Sometimes we find it difficult to relax with everything going on in our lives. Being out on the water and feeling the sunshine and coastal breeze can boost serotonin levels and lower stress levels.

    Something for Everyone

    Finding a family activity that makes everyone happy can be a challenge. Sail Wild Hearts solves that problem! With multiple options available on our cruises, including kayaking, fishing, dolphin watching and more, the whole family will be able to enjoy the experience.

    Explore New Places

    Cruises provide an amazing opportunity to spend time in places you can’t reach by land. For example, Orange Beach’s small Robinson Island is a fun spot to explore, try out a paddleboard or kayak, and enjoy the unspoiled beach.

    Unique Experience

    Sail Wild Hearts provides a one-of-a-kind sailing experience with our 53-foot open-ocean catamaran.  Our friendly and talented crew are there to make sure you have everything you need along with an onboard bar, open cabin and large deck.

    What are you waiting for? Book a sailing experience that will have the whole family beaming.

    A boat sailing on the water Description automatically generated with low confidence

     

  • Plan a Girl’s Weekend to the Gulf Coast This Spring

    Plan a Girl’s Weekend to the Gulf Coast This Spring

    It’s that time of year: The water will be warmer, the sun will be brighter, and the beach is calling your name! Spring is such a wonderful time of year to plan a girls’ getaway for so many reasons, with the main reason being you deserve it! Grab your girls and leave the planning to us. Check out this ideal spring beach itinerary:

    1. Lodging
      From a camping adventure at Gulf State Park to luxury living, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has the perfect spot for you and your girl gang. One of our favorite hotels is Perdido Beach Resort. Located right on the beach, its amenities include indoor/outdoor pool, fine dining, fitness center, beach volleyball, and live entertainment poolside, not to mention it’s right across the street from Sail Wild Hearts!
    2. Plan Your Meals
      When you’re looking to keep it casual, Sea-N-Suds is a great choice. Enjoy a cocktail and fresh seafood while watching the sun set right over the water. If you’re looking for something more upscale, Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina is what fine dining dreams are made of. No matter where you choose to dine, you are guaranteed an enjoyable evening out with your besties.
    3. January Book Your ExcursionYou can’t plan an Orange Beach girls’ weekend without including one (or two) of our sailing adventures! Take in the views with our Sunset Cruise. This cruise lasts approximately two hours and includes complimentary bottled water, soft drinks and appetizers. Or feel free to pack a cooler of your preferred adult beverage to enjoy on the cruise. Looking for something more adventurous? Book a dolphin cruise! Sail the Gulf of Mexico while spotting wildlife many of us have only seen on TV.
    4. RELAX!
      This is your weekend! Relax on the beach, read a book, drink champagne, eat a good meal and treat yourself to everything the Alabama Gulf Coast has to offer.
  • 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! 

  • 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.  

     

  • 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.

  • 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! 

  • Sail into spring with these tips for what to expect on your next sail!

    Sail into spring with these tips for what to expect on your next sail!

    We can picture it now: a sunny day, warm gulf breeze, and family and friends aboard Wild Hearts.   

    We are looking forward to getting back in the water this spring, so we have compiled a list of some things you can expect when you sail with us. 

    Sanitation – We are taking precautions to keep our visitors safe during this time. All equipment will be sanitized daily after use, and cruise capacities have been limited by over 50% to provide safe social distancing practices. If you prefer, we do have new, packaged masks and snorkels available for purchase. 

    Adventure – With a variety of available excursions, each sail is different – even if you’ve sailed with us before – so be prepared for a new adventure every sail! 

    Family Fun – Our sails are open to all ages, providing an adventure the whole family will enjoy and remember. From dolphin spotting to catch–and–release fishing, and even swimming and snorkeling near small islands, you’ll find fun activities appropriate for all ages.  

    Safety – Your safety is a top priority. Children ages 12 and under will be required to wear U.S. Coast Guard-certified life jackets supplied by Wild Hearts. 

    Dedicated Crew – Our experienced crew will be by your side every step of the way to make your voyage as relaxing as possible. From entering and exiting the boat to handling sea sickness, our crew is there to assist you. 

     Come celebrate spring with us on Wild Hearts! 

  • Sailing into a fresh, new year!

    Sailing into a fresh, new year!

    It’s officially no longer 2020. Anyone else saying, “Hallelujah!”?   

    January brings a new year and new beginnings for everyone, meaning it’s the perfect time to start planning that next vacation or family adventure. We hope this year brings you many fun, healthy experiences that will include Sail Wild Hearts!  

     We believe It’s important to do something to take you away from the stresses of everyday life, and our sails are the perfect ticket. Whether you choose a relaxing sunset cruise or our popular family sail, we know the memories you make will last a lifetime.  

    If we learned anything from last year, it’s to not take anything for granted. So if last year (or the last several years) kept you from arranging that family vacation or booking an excursion on Wild Hearts, turn over a new leaf in 2021 and make it happen!  

    We seriously can’t wait to hit the open seas with you again. This year will be one of the best!