Private Snorkeling Excursion

Explore the Private Snorkeling Excursion in Orange Beach

The Private Snorkeling Excursion in Orange Beach, Alabama, offers an engaging and personalized way to discover the Gulf Coast’s vibrant marine life. Priced at $330 per group (up to 6 people), this 8-hour tour is designed for flexibility and comfort. Led by Captain Matt, a seasoned local with extensive knowledge of the Gulf waters, this trip combines calm back bay sailing with Gulf of Mexico explorations, making it perfect for beginners and families alike.

Booking in advance is highly recommended, with an average of 50 days in advance, ensuring you secure a spot on this popular private charter. The tour emphasizes wildlife sightings, including dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and rays, while offering the chance to see notable landmarks like the Sand Island Lighthouse. This tour suits those seeking a relaxed, customizable experience with the comfort of a private vessel.

Key Points

• Private tour for up to 6 guests on a 24-foot center console boat
• 8-hour experience with flexible timing options including morning, afternoon, or sunset cruises
• Wildlife sightings include dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and rays, with high likelihood but no guarantees
• Family-friendly activity, suitable for children aged 5+ and children under 8 must wear life jackets at all times
• Customizable experience that includes snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and scenic island visits
• Includes amenities like life vests and parking, but no onboard restroom

How the Tour Starts at Perdido Beach Blvd

This private snorkeling adventure departs from 28101 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL, a convenient location close to public transportation and with free on-site parking. The tour begins with a safety briefing and a quick onboard introduction to the vessel, a comfortable 24 Cobia center console equipped with modern electronics.

The flexibility of the schedule allows travelers to choose the best time of day for their experience—whether seeking the tranquility of morning waters, the warmth of afternoon sun, or the glow of a sunset cruise. The boat can accommodate up to 6 guests, ensuring an intimate setting that prioritizes comfort and personalized attention.

The Comfortable 24-Center Console Boat

The boat used for this tour, a state-of-the-art 24-foot Cobia, is designed for smooth, stable cruising in the back bays and Gulf waters. Its size and electronics make it easy to navigate and safe for beginners. The vessel has no handicap accessibility and does not feature a restroom onboard, so travelers should plan accordingly.

The boat’s capacity is limited to 6 guests, which helps maintain a relaxed environment. It also provides ample space for snorkeling gear, coolers, and personal belongings. The vessel’s design makes cruising along Perdido Pass and exploring nearby islands a comfortable yet exciting experience.

Wildlife and Marine Life Encounters

While dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, they are highly likely on this excursion. The tour guides, like Captain Matt, are skilled at spotting and explaining the behavior of local wildlife. Expect to see friendly dolphins, sometimes including baby dolphins, as well as sea turtles, stingrays, and even sharks and rays darting through the water.

Snorkelers can look forward to discovering a colorful underwater world with shimmering fish, tiny snails, crabs, and sea grass. The shallow and calm waters of Perdido Pass and the Gulf provide ideal conditions for beginners, with clear visibility and gentle currents.

Scenic Views of Sand Island and Beyond

One of the highlights of this tour is the opportunity to see Sand Island Lighthouse, a notable landmark in the area. The boat’s route includes visits to local islands where guests can walk around and enjoy the scenery. These stops add variety to the day, offering chances for photos and leisurely exploration.

The scenic views of the coast and the lighthouse are complemented by the peaceful waters and the gentle sounds of the Gulf. The tour emphasizes unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty of Alabama’s coast in a private setting.

Customizable Experiences for Special Occasions

This tour is highly flexible and can be tailored to suit specific preferences. Whether you want to spend more time snorkeling, searching for dolphins, or exploring the nearby islands, the guide can adapt the itinerary. It’s an excellent choice for special occasions such as birthdays, family outings, or romantic sunset cruises.

Guests can bring food, drinks, snacks, and essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. The tour includes life vests for all ages, with vests provided for most standard sizes. Children under 8 must wear life jackets at all times, and guests are responsible for their own life jackets if under 30 pounds.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

Travelers should wear weather-appropriate clothing, bring a swimsuit, and pack a towel. Fins are recommended for snorkeling, and a hat and sunglasses help with sun protection. Since there is no onboard restroom, guests should plan accordingly.

For safety and comfort, guests prone to motion sickness might consider preventative measures. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and does not accommodate glass containers other than wine bottles. Smoking is permitted only at the back of the boat. Free parking is available at the meeting point, and service animals are welcome.

The Advantages of a Private Tour Experience

The main advantage of this private outing is the exclusivity. As only your group participates, you enjoy personalized attention from Captain Matt and the freedom to customize your day. This setup makes it ideal for families, small groups, or couples seeking an intimate Gulf Coast adventure.

The tour’s highly positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable guidance, especially from Captain Matt, who makes the experience engaging and educational. Guests appreciate the opportunity to see dolphins up close and the overall relaxing pace of the journey.

Considerations and Limitations

While the experience offers great flexibility, it’s important to note that dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, although they occur frequently. The tour lasts about 8 hours, which requires some physical comfort and preparedness for a full day on the water. There is no onboard restroom, so travelers should plan accordingly.

The vessel cannot accommodate guests with mobility challenges or those who require handicap accessibility. Plus, the tour is weather dependent; poor weather can lead to cancellations with a full refund or rescheduling.

Why This Tour Is a Top Choice for Coastal Explorers

This private snorkeling trip combines marine wildlife viewing, scenic island visits, and personalized service in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. The knowledgeable guide, Captain Matt, enhances the experience with insightful commentary and friendly professionalism.

The flexible schedule and customizable itinerary make this tour appealing to a wide range of guests, especially those seeking an intimate, guided adventure on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The high review scores and consistent bookings reflect its popularity and quality.

Final Thoughts on the Private Snorkeling Excursion

The Private Snorkeling Excursion in Orange Beach offers a balanced mix of wildlife encounters, scenic views, and personal comfort. The $330 price for a full-day experience is competitive for a private charter that accommodates up to 6 guests.

The tour’s strengths lie in the expert guidance, flexibility, and opportunity to explore the local marine environment in a relaxed setting. It’s particularly well-suited for families, small groups, or anyone looking for a personalized Gulf Coast experience that combines snorkeling, wildlife, and scenic island visits.

For those interested in a calm, beginner-friendly adventure with the chance to see dolphins and coastal landmarks, this tour provides excellent value and memorable moments. Booking in advance is recommended to secure the preferred time and ensure a smooth, enjoyable trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is open to children aged 5 and older. Children under 8 must wear a life jacket at all times, which are provided for most standard sizes.

What should I bring on the trip?
Travelers should bring weather-appropriate clothing, a swimsuit, towel, fins, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and ID. Coolers for food and drinks are welcome, and snacks can be enjoyed during the trip.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?
No, dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, but they are highly likely based on past experiences and the guide’s expertise.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, this is a customizable private tour, allowing you to focus on snorkeling, wildlife watching, or island exploring based on your preferences.

What if the weather is poor?
If canceled due to bad weather, the tour offers a full refund or the option to reschedule for another day.

Is there parking available?
Yes, free parking is available at the meeting point on Perdido Beach Blvd.

Is the boat accessible for guests with mobility issues?
No, the boat is not handicap accessible.