Create lasting memories with your family and friends during your beach vacation by getting out on the water. Splashing in the warm Gulf waters is nice, but seeing the area from the water can give you …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
Please log in to continue |
Create lasting memories with your family and friends during your beach vacation by getting out on the water.
Splashing in the warm Gulf waters is nice, but seeing the area from the water can give you a whole new perspective. The waterways and natural areas around the Alabama Gulf Coast offer a variety of animals, birds and native plants you may not see at home.
MAKE FUN MEMORIES ON THE FUN BOATS
Williams and his wife, Jody, have spent the past 12 years helping families make lifelong memories on their red dolphin cruise boats. Over the years, they have seen families return annually and watched the families grow up.
Williams grew up on the Gulf Coast fishing and exploring the local waterway. Like many, he grew up and entered the corporate world. As his job was ending, he started spending time with a friend who owned a dolphin cruise boat. Before he knew it, he and Jody were buying one of their own. They now own three!
“I would rather be here than in an office,” Williams said.
When asked what his favorite part of running The Fun Boats is, Williams answered quickly.
“The people,” he said. “Different people every three hours, different groups from all over the world. From California and New York to Canada and South America. We love it.”
While they don’t have a running total, Williams guesses they have taken over 200,000 people on dolphin cruises. The boats run 11 months out of the year. They could run 12, but there must be time for maintenance and inspections.
There are many dolphin cruises to choose from in our area, but Williams and his team of captains and crew offer more than a dolphin-seeking mission.
“We try to stand out. With the Fun Boats, I don’t know if it was Jody or I who came up with that idea, but we work as a team. We’re married, work together, eat together and think together,” Williams said. “As we started doing the first cruises, we noticed there was a lull time. The kids didn’t have anything to do as we were searching for dolphins. So, we came up with the idea to show them fish, shrimp and crabs.”
Over time, The Fun Boats added a water fight as well.
The deckhands are well versed in the area, the waterways, history and the creatures that call the area home. During the cruise, all the children and adults are called to the back deck during a slow time and have the chance to hold crabs, shrimp and fish and learn about them. Many of the animals are the dolphins’ favorite treats, and the deckhands explain that as well.
“We’re not just a dolphin cruise. We’re an adventure. We’re family fun. We’re education,” Williams said. “When school starts, we will get emails sometimes that say, ‘My child made a 100% on a report because they wanted to do it on dolphins and they used everything they learned on your boat.’ It’s an incredible way to make a living.”
Williams, his captains, and crew all take pride in showing their guests an enjoyable and comfortable time. The crew is patient with the smallest and most inquisitive of guests. If you haven’t been on The Fun Boats, make memories with your family and book a trip.
For more information on The Fun Boat, visit www.dolphincruises.net.
Sail Wild Hearts – The Wild Hearts catamaran sails around Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Perdido Key every day offering visitors amazing views and experiences. The options range from a sunset cruise to a morning dolphin cruise. The 53-foot catamaran sailboat is spacious enough for 49 passengers and offers areas below deck to take shelter from the elements. Give your family the experience of being on the open water. www.sailwildhearts.com.
Cruisin’ Tikis Orange Beach – Nothing screams beach vacation quite like a Tiki bar. If your family or group of friends would enjoy being captained around the waterways on a floating Tiki bar, you are in luck. The excursion offerings range from short cruises to three-hour adventures. To learn more, visit www.cruisintikiorangebeach.com.
Anonyme Cruises – Let Captain DD Russo take you on a cruise through the Southern Alabama waterways on one of her adorable vessels. Russo grew up on the local waterways, and her father and brothers started a chartering business in the 1980s. She is now carrying on the family tradition of building memories for residents and visitors on her electric Anonyme II or her 17-foot center console Boston Whaler. To learn more or to book your cruise, visit www.anonymecruises.com.
Dolphin Cruises Aboard the Cold Mil Fleet – Capt. Philip and Paula Taylor started Cold Mil Fleet in 1997. They will welcome you aboard the 50-foot reconditioned Navy Transport Boat for a 1.5-hour cruise through the calm bay waters to find dolphins. For more information, visit www.dolphincruises.com.
Hammock Time Tiki Tours – Hammock Time Tiki Tours offers visitors a new take on island tours. Their tiki boat offers guests a Tiki bar and two hammocks to lounge in. Cruise to an island and enjoy some of the onboard toys and games or just relax. To learn more, visit www.hammocktimetikitours.com.
Pure Aloha Adventures – Let the guides from Pure Aloha Adventures take you into Little Lagoon in the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Shelby at Gulf State Park and more. If you are lucky, some of the native animals will visit with you as you paddle like herons, osprey, pelican, gulls and rays. Kayak tours are just one of the many options Pure Aloha has to offer. To learn more, visit www.purealohaadventures.com.
WildNative Tours – Seeing dolphins and the local wildlife from the beach is nice, but paddling a kayak alongside is even better. Let WildNative Tours take you out for a three-hour tour of the waterways and learn about the local environment and animals. The company also offers tours of the Delta and the massive cypress trees in the Delta. To learn more or book a tour, visit www.wildnativetours.com.
Ike’s Beach Service – Ike’s Beach Service is a staple in the area for renting beach equipment, but if you are looking for kayaks or paddle boards to enjoy on your vacation, they have you covered. Throw on your lifejacket and set out on an exploration of the local waterways. For more information, visit www.ikesbeachservice.com.
Sea View Tours – See the local waterway in a whole new way with Sea View Tours. The company offers clear kayak tours and rentals. Book one of the evening tours and your clear kayak will glow. To learn more, visit www.seaviewtoursal.com.
Perdido Beach Service – Perdido Beach Service has served the area for over 30 years. Along with the typical beach rentals like chairs and umbrellas, they also offer kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. Visitors can also book group surf lessons if the weather conditions permit. For more information, visit www.perdidobeachservice.com.
Orange Beach Parasail – Best of Baldwin 2024. Selected by our readers as the top parasailing boat for 2024, Orange Beach Parasail will give you the thrill of a lifetime as you soar through the skies. The company has two boats that can carry up to 12 passengers, and they even offer photo packages so you can remember your experience for a lifetime. For more information, visit www.obparasail.com.
Chute Em Up Parasail – Chute Em Up Parasail has been sending guests into the air since 2004 and has expanded to 15 boats across the area. Regardless of what area of the Alabama Gulf Coast you are staying on, they probably have a boat nearby. For more information, visit www.parasailorangebeach.com.
Parasail Sky Surfer – Step aboard the 35-foot Sky Surfer for a parasailing adventure. You will have a bird’s eye view of the pristine shoreline and marine life. For more information, visit www.parasailskysurfer.com.Ike’s Parasail – Ike’s Parasail offers guests many locations to choose from for your parasailing adventure. If flying high isn’t your thing, take a ride on the Ike’s banana boat. For more information, visit www.ikeparasail.com.
Blue Sky Parasailing and Watersports – How does 800 feet in the air sound? Blue Sky Parasailing can take up to three people for an unforgettable view over the Alabama Gulf Coast. They also offer Jet Ski rentals and banana boat rides. To learn more, visit www.blueskyparasailingandwatersports.net.
If you would prefer to take to the waterways on your own, many local businesses are offering a variety of boat and Jet Ski rentals to choose from. Here are five local options:
Hudson Marina – 4575 S. Wilson Blvd, Orange Beach – www.hudsonmarina.net.
Happy Harbor Watersports – 27212 Marina Road, Orange Beach – www.happyharbors.com.
Wahoo Watersports – 26214 Garrett Lane, Orange Beach – www.wahoowatersports.com.
Pelican Boat Rentals – 22830 Brown Lane, Orange Beach – www.rentpelicanboats.com.
Flora-Bama Marina & Watersports – 29603 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach – www.fishflorabama.com.
