Is An Orange Beach Dolphin Cruise For You? What To Expect
There's no feeling that quite compares with being out on the open water, with the breeze rustling through your hair, the fresh, salty air on your skin, and the rhythmic sound of waves lapping against your boat. No feeling that is, except for spotting majestic sea creatures while doing the above. An Orange Beach Dolphin cruise provides you with an exceptional experience, learning about how this remarkable species lives in the wild and the opportunity to watch them interact with each other, much like children playing together in the waves.
In this post, we'll be filling you in on what to expect from dolphin cruises to help you decide whether you want to wiggle one into your itinerary while in Alabama.
Where Is Orange Beach?
Orange Beach is a coastal city within the Baldwin County of Alabama. While you may think that it must be heaving with locals selling various dolphin-shaped merchandise, you'll be surprised to learn that less than 10,000 people live in Orange Beach. The coast makes up part of the Gulf of Mexico, which is over 1,600 kilometers / 1,000 miles long and includes Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, as well as Mexico and Cuba. The vacation spot, Gulf Shores, is located to the west of the city.
What Can You Expect From A Dolphin Cruise In Orange Beach?
The dolphin pods are so happy in this little corner of the world that it's almost a certainty that you'll see multiple dolphins chittering amongst themselves on an Orange Beach dolphin cruise.
There is no need for binoculars out on the open sea, as skippers and boat captains already know the playgrounds where the marine mammals spend their days. You'll embark upon your dolphin-spotting adventure with the guarantee that you'll see one of these clever creatures or be refunded. Tours usually last for 1.5 hours and you'll zoom through the waves to the backwaters of Orange Beach to spy a fin peeking out from the vast underwater world. Not only will you have the opportunity to sit back and watch these clever mammals, but you'll also learn about their lifestyle and the threats they face.
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Different Types Of Dolphin Tours In Orange Beach
There are several ways of getting up close with the dolphins in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The first type of cruise is the most traditional and includes a boat ride out to the destination with a skipper who knows all of the best dolphin hangouts and will show you how they behave in their natural environments. Another way you can cruise the waters around Orange Beach is on a glass-bottomed catamaran, so not only will you be able to see the dolphins joyfully playing above the waves, but you'll also see what happens below.
Dolphins jumping through the air in graceful movements against an orange sun sinking low against the horizon is synonymous with romance. If you want to create a special evening, you can participate in a sunset dolphin tour of Orange Beach and be blown away by the magic that unfolds as the sun sets on Alabama.
Lastly, you can choose to take a private tour, which allows for a more personal experience and encourages you to ask your captain questions about the dolphin pods.
What Type Of Dolphin Will You See On An Orange Beach Dolphin Cruise?
Atlantic bottlenose dolphins fill the waters surrounding Orange Beach. You can identify these by their short snout and light grey color. Dolphins are widely known to be one of the most intelligent animals on the planet, but did you know these facts about our slippery friends?
There are 43 different species of dolphin and seven different porpoises.
Dolphins use a crafty hunting technique by encouraging their prey to the surface by blowing bubbles.
A dolphin can recognize itself in the mirror.
Bottlenose dolphins always have one eye open.
What Other Sea Life Can You See At Orange Beach?
It's not just dolphins that thrive in the clear waters and calm conditions of Orange Beach. Turtles use the beach as a nesting ground, and if you keep your eyes peeled, you may see some evidence of an egg nestled 20 inches deep in the sand. One of the most thrilling experiences you can have on the beach is witnessing a young turtle make its first journey to the sea. This voyage is a pivotal one for the baby as sea birds circle overhead with their beaks open, ready to dive at the slightest invitation. The creature hurries as quickly as its little legs will carry it in order to reach the safety of the ocean in one piece.
You can also see blue crabs and brown pelicans ashore. If you make a splash into the refreshing waters, you may come face to face with a peaceful stingray or spectacular jellyfish. The Gulf Coast is also home to several species of shark, however, sightings of any are rare. As is the case throughout much of the deep south, Alligators love the humid climate of Alabama and the waters near Orange Beach.
Can You Swim With The Dolphins At Orange Beach?
Orange Beach dolphin cruises don't allow you to dive into the water with the creatures. It's important to remember that this part of the ocean is the pod's home and each dolphin should be able to swim undisturbed by tourists wanting to capture the perfect selfie. If you wish to, you can arrange a dolphin encounter separately, or grab a surfboard and cross your fingers for an authentic meeting out in the waves. If you do come across a dolphin in the wild, don't panic. They are largely friendly and curious creatures who more than likely wish to play with you.
Final Thoughts On Orange Beach Dolphin Cruises
Dolphins can be found across the globe, in many different climates. However, these fascinating beings especially love the Gulf of Mexico, and in particular this little corner of Alabama. An Orange Beach dolphin cruise is an extraordinary way to reconnect with nature and see the marine mammals in their natural environment, as happy as can be.