For a visit to the beach, you pack toys, sunscreen, towels and an ice chest. There are, however, some things that should not be brought to our coast. And there’s a good reason for it. Items not allowed at the beach include glass containers, metal shovels, litter, tents or other structures larger than 12 feet by 12 feet. Also prohibited are overnight camping, fireworks, loud music, fires, pets and vehicles. It’s obvious why you can’t bring glass to the beach. [...]
How do you know if it’s going to be a safe day for swimming at the beach? Actually, it’s pretty simple to find out. Call 251-968-TIDE (8433) or 251-981-SURF (7873) to check surf conditions in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The beach warning flag system is color-coded. Just think of the flags as traffic signals. Of course, red means stop. If a red flag is flying, that indicates high surf with strong currents. It’s dangerous even for experienced swimmers. High [...]
By now you may have heard of the “plastic soup” in the Gulf of Mexico. Volunteer citizen-scientists who have gathered water samples find permanent fragments of micro-plastics in nearly every sample taken. These microplastics are created when the sun and wave action combine to break up larger pieces of plastic debris into tiny, microscopic bits. The problem, experts say, is more than just plastic drink bottles, though those can be culprits as well. It’s also that so many items are [...]
Alabama consistently ranks in the top five states for overall biodiversity of plants and animals. Did you know any of these interesting facts? Among the state’s 4,500 species are some rare types found along our coast, including the white-topped pitcher plant, gopher tortoise, Alabama beach mouse, eastern diamondback rattlesnake and red-cockaded woodpecker. Twenty species of whales and dolphins live in the Gulf of Mexico. And another mammal, the West Indian manatee, can be spotted in our area as well. More [...]
Everyone loves that thrill you get when you see a dolphin splashing in the wild. But there are measures we should take to keep them safe. Dolphin SMART is a program that encourages responsible viewing of these magnificent marine mammals. It was launched in 2007 by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuaries because of the number of dolphin viewing tours in their area. The program is now sanctioned by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While the program was developed [...]
Headed to the beach this spring or summer? It’s a ton of fun for the whole family, and we would like to offer some tips to ensure a safe visit. First, wear sunscreen. Exposure to the sun’s rays can cause skin damage and even skin cancer. Beyond that, a bad burn can ruin an otherwise wonderful beach vacation. So cover your skin and reapply throughout the day. Second, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Third, obey posted signs and [...]
In just 10 or 15 minutes, you can go online and book an amazing spring visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Whether it’s a long weekend or a full week, you and your family get to enjoy all the sun, sand and surf our area provides. It takes about that same amount of time to pack up your chairs, cooler, beach toys and umbrella after your day on the sand. And it’s important you do that. If you’ve visited [...]
It’s spring on the Alabama coast and that means folks will be getting out the boats and hitting the waterways. It’s also a good time for boating safety reminders before launching into the season. First, check local weather forecasts for conditions before you take off. Storms come up fast on the Gulf Coast, so boaters should stay aware. If you notice darkening clouds, rough winds or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water. Second, use [...]
Are you a beachcomber who delights in finding a perfectly shaped seashell while walking the shoreline? Do you know the names of any of those awesome finds? We can help with that! One type of shell you’ll often see on Alabama beaches is a bittersweet, with an easily identified fan shape, ridges and scalloped center. These shells have teeth-like indentions along the inside of the pointed end and are usually white with brown or reddish colored lines. Coquina shells are [...]
Give your kids a lesson in sustainable travel and eco-tourism when you visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach this spring. It’s simple and fun to do by including a few key stops on your vacation agenda. First, visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo on Highway 59 in the heart of Gulf Shores. The zoo is an entertaining place to spend a morning and gives visitors up-close views of more than 500 animals, including lions, tigers, bears, primates, leopards, wolves and [...]
