Tag: snorkeling

  • 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!

  • What you’ll find under the sea!

    What you’ll find under the sea!

     

    Our area is a premier destination for snorkeling, so when you join one of our snorkeling sails you will come across a variety of colorful sea creatures that are native to our coast. Read below to find out what you may see on this aquatic adventure.

    Blue crab: While there are more than sixty varieties of crab in the Gulf Coast waters, the blue crab is Alabama’s top choice because they are delicious to eat! The meat is soft, sweet and juicy all the way down to the claws.

    Stingray: Dozens of species of rays are found in the Gulf of Mexico, but the most commonly encountered are the cownose ray, southern stingray and Atlantic stingray. Though stingrays defend from predators by striking with a poison stinger fixed to the tail, they are mostly peaceful creatures that typically only attack when stepped on or harassed.

    Gulf fish: Flounder, redfish, speckled trout, snapper and so many more . . . the species of fish you may spot is almost endless.

    Sea turtles: In our waters, you are likely to spot loggerheads, Kemp’s ridleys, and green sea turtles. The loggerhead is the most recognizable and the largest, sometimes weighing in at up to 500 pounds!

    Get ready to grab some gear and get in the water to discover the variety of fascinating marine life that calls our waters home!

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Top 5 Things to Do in Gulf Shores This Year

    Top 5 Things to Do in Gulf Shores This Year

    Fun-filled activities are lined up for 2017, but there are a few that we must point out! From eating fresh shrimp to jamming the night away, these events make a wonderful reason for a getaway to the Alabama Gulf Coast.

    1. Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade

    Get ready to catch some beads! Dress up in your green and purple attire and snap some pics as lavishly decorated floats glide down the street. The coastal, relaxed vibe of this Mardi Gras parade makes it very family friendly, and a perfect start to a beach day. Date: February 28

    Place: Begins at Hwy. 59 at Clubhouse Dr. and ends at the public beach.

    2. Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival and 5k Run

    What makes this event a must-do? It’s an ENTIRE day full of things to do and see, all starting with a 5K run and one-mile fun run. If that doesn’t exactly motivate you to take part in the Waterway Village festival, maybe the post-race free beer will! The delicious food, the arts & crafts, and the children’s activities will energize your day.

    Date: April 15

    Place: Waterway Village, 225 E. 24th Ave.

     

    3. Hangout Music Festival

    This festival always brings big crowds and big artists! This year’s lineup includes Mumford & Sons, Twenty One Pilots, Frank Ocean, Major Lazer and more. Much more than just another music festival, the Hangout Fest gives concert-goers an entertainment-filled experience with beach volleyball, Camp Hangout, amusement rides, obstacle courses and even a wedding chapel.

    Date: May 19-21

    Place: 101 E. Beach Blvd.

     

    4. 46th Annual National Shrimp Festival

    Shrimp Fest has become a premier event for the Gulf Coast community, and we know why. Sizzling shrimp cooked more ways than you could imagine, plus more than 300 exhibits of arts and crafts, makes this one yummy and interesting weekend! And we haven’t even mentioned the sand sculptures, 10k run/walk, and Shrimp Fest Idol contest! You’ll want to invest more than one day to see and do it all.

    Date: October 12-15

    Place: Gulf Shores Public Beach Access (where Hwy. 59 meets Hwy. 182)

    5. 10th Annual Oyster Cook-Off and Craft Beer Weekend at The Hangout

    The name of this event pretty much says it all. Craft beer and oysters? That’s a pretty irresistible combo. This adults-only night out includes celebrity chefs, live music and cooking demos, creating a perfect weekend!

    Date: November 3

    Place: The Hangout, 101 E. Beach Blvd.

     

    6. Wild Hearts Kayak Adventure Snorkel Sail

    Our bonus “thing to do” in 2017 is a Wild Hearts cruise! The Kayak Adventure Snorkel Sail is a favorite of many because there are several activities to choose from. You and your crew sail to Robinson Island where you can kayak, paddleboard or snorkel. This 3-hour trip will keep sailors of all ages entertained!

    Date: Book your cruise online anytime.

    Place: Wild Hearts is located in Orange Beach, across from the Perdido Beach Resort.

  • Snorkeling, Scuba Diving and Sailing Orange Beach

    BeachedSet sail on a scuba and snorkeling adventure with the Sail Wild Hearts crew during your next Orange Beach vacation. Enjoy a five-hour trip filled with three of our favorite “s” activities: snorkeling, scuba diving and sailing.

    The Perdido Key Scuba/Snorkeling Sail is the newest addition to the Wild Hearts itineraries. Board the 53-foot open-ocean catamaran 30 minutes prior to departure to settle in. Forget your snorkel gear? No problem. Complimentary snorkel gear is available for both children and adults. Upon advance request, certified scuba divers may rent scuba gear for the trip.

    Enjoy a light breakfast as you set sail to the Perdido Key snorkel reef, just outside of Orange Beach waters, where your adventure begins. Underwater, you’ll find 24 structures constructed to support an ecosystem teeming with marine life, including sea turtles, dolphin, rays, crabs and a variety of fish. During your sail back to Wild Hearts’ home port in Orange Beach, you’ll be treated to lunch – in fact, complimentary bottled water, soft drinks, breakfast and lunch are all included. Guests are also welcome to bring small coolers filled with their own drinks and snacks, but please leave any glass bottles at home.

    If you’ve never tried scuba diving, watching experienced divers navigate the waters may just give you the scuba bug! But either way, snorkeling aboard Wild Hearts is a vacation experience to remember.