Float under a canopy of trees and discover the legendary “ice box” on the Bon Secour River where you can park your boat and take a refreshing swim in cool waters. Glide along bays and bayous. See Bald Eagles in flight, Osprey along the shore, and Dolphins playfully breaking the water’s surface. With over 250,000 acres of wetlands, woodlands and waterways, kayaking throughout Gulf Shores is an experience like no other.

For a fantastic self-guided tour, the Orange Beach Kayak & Canoe Trail includes 10 official launch points around Orange Beach. To download online maps, go to: www.orangebeach.ws and www.cityoforangebeach.com.

Guided tours are reasonably priced with kayak and safety equipment included. Here are three popular choices:

  • Beach’n River Canoe & Kayak Rental features on-site launching just 100 yards from the breathtaking Bon Secour River. Visit beachnriverkayakrentals.com.
  • Five Rivers Bartram Canoe & Kayak Landing features adventures along the beautiful Mobile-Tensaw Delta, the second biggest river delta in the USA. Visit www.outdooralabama.com.