Gulf Shores Vacation and Activities

The Alabama Gulf Coast blesses us with remarkable sunrises, sunsets, and picturesque views of the horizon. But parasailing in Orange Beach elevates those views to a majestic perspective that you’ll remember forever.

Here at Harris Vacations, we welcome travelers from all over the US and beyond to our sleek, beachfront vacation rentals in Orange Beach. These include sky-high condos with unbeatable views and amenities, as well as beachfront villas and cottages for larger groups.

One way to enjoy your Orange Beach vacation? Channeling your inner eagle and parasailing across the ocean and coastline. We’ll walk you through our favorite companies to parasail with and general tips for safety and making the most of your experience.

Best Time to Parasail Orange Beach

Photo Credit: Silmy Maul

The good news? You can parasail nearly all year long (except during Winter). Spring, Summer, and Autumn are all safe to parasail, though you might consider going during temperature highs as you get deeper into autumn.

As for the time of day, most experts and parasailing companies recommend a morning trip for gentler waters and calmer skies. Sunrise with minimal winds is one of our favorite weather conditions for this sport. You might consider a parasailing trip an hour or so after or before breakfast in Gulf Shores.

Orange Beach Parasail: 3 Companies

A quick stroll on the beach might overwhelm you with water sports options. Which marina offers the best experience? Here’s a roundup of our favorite parasailing providers.

1. Southern Rose Dolphin Cruises & Parasailing

• Address: Multiple on Orange Beach, including Happy Harbor, Caribe Marina, and Tacky Jack’s
• Website: southernrosedolphintrips.com

This company has been in the water sports and parasailing businesses since 2004 — and those 20 years of experience have resulted in some incredible experiences from many of our guests here at Harris Vacations.

Their trips bring you up to 800 feet into the air to take in gorgeous views of Alabama’s scenery. Rest assured that the staff and boats here are all U.S. Coast Guard approved. And if some of your group is afraid of heights? You can enjoy other water sports with Southern Rose, including banana boat rides, boat rentals, dolphin cruises, and jet skiing.

2. Orange Beach (OB) Parasail

Photo Credit: meatbull

• Address: 27844 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL
• Website: obparasail.com

Located beside the Sportsman Marina and Tiki Bar, Orange Beach Parasail offers 1-hour parasailing trips for parasailers themselves, along with anyone they want to bring along as an observer on the boat. A couple runs the company, which gives it a family-business vibe that delivers on stellar customer service and an overall positive experience. The two couples have operated their parasailing business for nearly 20 years.

Our advice? Add a photo package to your experience — trust us, it’s worth it. You’ll receive professionally taken photos to remember your parasailing adventure forever. OB Parasail offers packages of 1-4 photos, ranging from $35 to $65.

3. Chute for the Sky Parasail

Photo Credit: ad-foto

• Address: 27206 Safe Harbor Drive, Orange Beach, AL
• Website: chuteskyeparasail.com
• Price: $85 for parasailers; $40 for observers

With a 100% safety rating, Chute for the Sky Parasail is one of the most reputable in the region. The owners are parents themselves, and they highlight that they fly both parents and children in their activities.

They offer double and triple parasail rides as long as the weight doesn’t exceed the limit of their canopies (450 to 500 pounds).

What to Know Before You Go Parasailing

First time parasailing? Maybe you’ve never even heard of it before planning this trip. While typically considered a water sport, you don’t actually do parasailing on the ocean — you physically parasail while in the air.

How to Get Up

In parasailing, a speedboat coasts into the ocean while a parasail wing or canopy (looks like a parachute) is tethered to that boat. The canopy has descending lines that attach to a thick bar, with straps to hold onto and thigh straps to sit in.

Up and Away

Photo Credit: CHUYKO SERGEY

As the motorboat gets moving, the canopy opens and ascends into the air, taking whoever is attached to it. Sounds pretty surreal, right? We can’t begin to explain the freedom and thrill of parasailing — you simply have to experience it. It’s like transforming into a bird as you glide across the ocean and see an unparalleled view of the coastline. At the end, you could dip into the water or land back on the boat without getting wet.

Take the Family!

You can enjoy parasailing with the entire family. Age limits usually allow kids over three years old to participate, though each company might have unique weight restrictions, depending on the canopy and boat.

Parasailing Safety Tips

Photo Credit: zefart

We’ve been in the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area for decades, and every single one of our guests has had positive experiences with parasailing. That said, it’s important to recognize that being 800 feet in the air isn’t something to take lightly, and safety precautions are in order.

Most of the companies we listed above will brief you on all their safety protocols both when you book as well as when you arrive on-scene. Still, here are some general safety pointers to consider before your parasailing adventure:

• Always wear a lifejacket: This is usually non-negotiable for many parasailing providers anyway. While you can often land back in the boat, the odd time timing as you land in the water. It’s usually a fun experience to coast in the ocean for a short while, but it’s better to be safe in case that happens.
• Avoid windy weather: Canopies are quite susceptible to the winds. Although the boat guides your direction, strong winds could lead your parachute astray and pose a safety issue. Most companies won’t operate with harsh winds, but it’s something to keep in mind before you book anyway.
• Pay attention to safety and rescue briefings: It’s rare for accidents to occur, but your parasailing company will share a protocol with you just in case. Listen attentively to be prepared for anything.

Start Parasailing in Orange Beach with Harris Vacations!

If you seek an unforgettable vacation experience this year, parasailing is the water sport for you. You’ll feel an unparalleled thrill while interacting with the ocean and coastline in a completely different way than you’ve ever experienced.

Parasailing is an exhilarating activity that we encourage all our guests to consider. Lucky for us, we’re only a stone’s throw away from Orange Beach’s most popular and credible parasailing providers.

Our vacation rentals vary in size (from 20-person cottages to cozy yet sleek condos), but most have one thing in common: they’re walking distance from the beach and have incredible views of the horizon.

Book your Orange Beach vacation today!

Imagine casting a line into the ocean waters of the Gulf of Mexico, guided by an expert captain of one of the best Gulf Shores fishing charters. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or a novice eager to learn and cast your first line, you’ll be happy to see many of the fishing charters cater to all skill levels and preferences in Gulf Shores.

In this guide, we’ll provide a list to help you plan your next angling adventure and all the information you need to come prepared.

Get ready to experience prized catches like marlin and tuna, and make the most of your fishing trip by booking a stay with Harris Vacations today.

Where to Fish in the Gulf Shores

Gulf State Park Pier: Surf Fishing

Photo Credit: Captainess_travels

Gulf Shores, Alabama, offers a variety of fishing spots to meet your preferences. For example, the beach located at the Gulf State Park Pier is ideal if you like surf fishing, as it provides easy access to the shoreline to cast your line directly into the surf. Some common species you can expect to catch include:

• Pompano
• Redfish
• Whiting

Back Bays and Estuaries: Inshore Fishing

Inshore fishing is another option. If you prefer a quiet or relaxed fishing experience, these calm, shallow waters will give you this ambiance. The back bays and estuaries around Little Lagoon and Bon Secour Bay are filled with:

• Flounder
• Speckled Trout
• Redfish

Gulf of Mexico: Offshore Fishing

Photo Credit: Mark Winfrey

There’s also venturing deeper into the Gulf of Mexico for a deep-sea fishing trip to target larger species, including:

• Snapper
• Grouper
• Marlin

Piers Around Alabama’s Gulf Shores

For anglers seeking a little bit of convenience and accessible fishing, the Gulf Shores is filled with public piers with great facilities and opportunities to catch a variety of fish. However, check to see if you require a saltwater or freshwater license before fishing in Gulf Shores, and you have the option to purchase them online with the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources.

• Gulf State Park Pier: 20800 E Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores
• Little Lagoon Pass Fishing Pier: 1660 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores
• Cotton Bayou Public Pier: Located at the intersection of Highway 182 and Highway 161, Gulf Shores
• Orange Beach Waterfront Park Pier: 26389 Canal Road, Orange Beach

Public Beaches in Alabama

Photo Credit: blandas71

You can fish on the public beaches of Gulf Shores. However, Alabama residents and non-residents between 16 and 65 will need a fishing license or permit. For those fishing in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach waters, you’ll need a saltwater license.

Seasonal Fishing Tournaments in Gulf Shores

Owing to the Gulf Shores’ great weather, conditions, and diversity of catch, the area hosts a few notable fishing tournaments each year, including:

• Orange Beach Billfish Classic (May)
• Blue Marlin Grand (July)
• Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo (July)

Fishing Seasons by Species

Depending on the season, you can catch fish like black drum, grouper, mullet, vermillion snapper, blackfin, yellowfin, sheepshead, Spanish mackerel, cobia, hard and soft-shell crab, red snapper, flounder, Atlantic croaker, and/or amberjack. However, there are better times than others to find these according to the season.

• Amberjack: Offshore; year-round with a high peak between May and September. However, recreational fishing for amberjacks has restrictions.
• Atlantic sailfish: Offshore between May and October, with a high peak between July and August.
• Mahi mahi: Offshore; between June and October, with a high peak in June.
• Redfish: Inshore; year-round
• Red snapper: both nearshore and offshore; however, seasons and quotas change, and there are bag limits.
• Flounder: inshore and nearshore between April and October.

Best Gulf Shores Fishing Charters

Gulf Shores offers some of the best fishing charters for inshore and offshore fishing with expert guides and top-notch equipment. In addition, there is an exception to the fishing license rule – won’t require the license when taking a trip with these charters as it’s covered under the operator’s license.

Dauphin Island Reef Monster

Photo Credit: Lee Reese

• Address: 133 Annadale St. Dauphin Island, AL
• Website: direefmonster.com

Dauphin Island (D.I) Reef Monster offers inshore and offshore fishing charters and sightseeing trips. Anglers will commonly catch speckled trout, redfish, and tripletail during an inshore fishing trip using different techniques, like drift fishing and jigging. For those interested in deep-sea fishing, the Alabama Gulf Coast has bigger fish like amberjack, marlins, and snapper species like red, gray, and vermillion. All trips include licenses, bait, and ice.

Gulf Shores Fishing Charters

Photo Credit: BILD LLC

• Address: 26619 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach, AL
• Website: gulfshorefishingcharters.com

With 15 years of experience, this is one of the best Gulf Shores fishing charters (it’s even in the name), offering family-friendly fishing experiences. Anglers can hop on the Miss Brianna suited for groups of up to 13 people. The boat is equipped with a shower, microwave, refrigerator, and freezer, and the licenses and bait are included. Fishing trips include half-day to full-day trips. Common catch includes Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and bonita.

Gulf Shores Fishing Charters also offers fun-filled kids’ fishing experiences, with Captain Bobby providing guidance and assistance with baits and catching fish.

Finatics Gulf Shores Fishing Charters

Photo Credit: Robert Pernell

• Address: Dauphin Island and Orange Beach, AL
• Website: finaticscharters.com

With locations in Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach, FinAtics offers anglers various locations from where they can launch with experienced guides and captains inside some of the charter boats.

You’ll have the chance to explore the waters in and around Dauphin Island and surrounding rivers and opt for your ideal fishing program. They provide Dauphin Island inshore fishing and private boat tours, fly fishing, and offshore fishing trips.

Sunrise Charters

Photo Credit: Brett Carlson

• Address: 50 W Canal Dr. Gulf Shores, AL
• Website: sunrisecharterinshore.com

Sunrise Charters offers inshore trips, many of which take place during sunrise hours. Owner Todd Brice uses his over ten years of experience to guide anglers to some of the best fishing spots in the area on a Shearwater Bay Boat equipped with live wells and an ice box.

You can opt for private charters of 2-hour or 4-hour fishing trips for two people, making it ideal to have one-on-one time with the expertise of the captain and your fishing partner. Depending on the season, you’ll be able to commonly catch red snappers, redfish, flounder, silver sea trout, bluefish, and mackerel.

Shallow Stalkers Bowfishing & Fishing Charters

Photo Credit: Purisimo

• Address: 16875 Edward Dr., Gulf Shores, AL
• Website: shallowstalkerscharters.com

Shallow Stalkers Bowfishing and Fishing Charters offers a variety of trips that not only include fishing and bow fishing trips but also eco tours and sunset cruises.

With bow fishing, an archery-like method of fishing using bows and arrows, you can expect to target some species in shallow waters, including Atlantic stingrays, flounder, mullet, sheepshead, and black drum. During a fishing charter, you’ll explore different areas of the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to catch various species.

Distraction Charters

Photo Credit: Fabien Monteil

• Address: 27075 Marina Rd E-12, Orange Beach, AL
• Website: distractioncharters.com

Distraction Charters is one of the most popular family fishing adventures you’ll find in the area, and perfect for first-time anglers. They offer deep sea fishing trips with a variety of hour trips ranging from 4 up to 10 hours.

Captain Troy Frady also offers trolling fishing and light tackle fishing, and he’s big on fish conservation. You’ll be able to do a bit of catch-and-release while keeping what you wish for your dinner.

What to Know Before You Go

Photo Credit: Sandra Cunningham

Setting up to hop into your first Gulf Shores fishing charter can be a wholesome experience, and a little preparation ensures everything goes smoothly. Here are a few tips for first-timers:

• Dress Accordingly: wear light, breathable clothing, a hat, non-slip shoes, and use sun protection.
• Pack Medications: Sickness medication if you’re prone to seasickness.
• Safety First: Follow the captain’s instructions, such as arriving early to meet the crew and familiarize yourself with the boat.
• Gear Check: Enquire with operators as to what gear they supply. They will all have some gear on hand, but pack accordingly if you have a favorite lure!

Fishing Licenses

During your Gulf Shore fishing experience, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the fishing regulations and licensing requirements to make sure you have a smooth and legal angling experience. For those casting lines in saltwater, you’ll need a saltwater fishing license, which covers fishing from shorelines, piers, bridges, and boats. The same principle applies to freshwater license, which covers rivers, lakes, and streams within Gulf Shores.

You can easily apply for a fishing license online at the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, or you can visit local retailers or tackle shops.

For those opting to go on one of the Gulf Shores fishing charters, the saltwater license is often waived as the charter captain typically holds a valid charter boat license that covers all passengers onboard. Before you book with a fishing charter, ensure the license is covered.

Fish Restrictions

Even though fishing is available year-round, there are restrictions and open seasons for responsible fishing practices. Certain species, like red snapper and amberjack, are subject to specific regulations regarding catch limits, size restrictions, and seasonal closures to promote sustainable fish populations.

Anglers should consult the latest fishing regulations provided by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to stay informed about these guidelines. It’ll ensure anglers enjoy a rewarding fishing experience while contributing to the conservation efforts aimed at preserving Gulf Shores’ marine life.

Tackle Shops

Photo Credit: BearFotos

If you need to stock up on bait or need a specific piece of equipment, there are multiple tackle shops in Gulf Shores to visit:

• Hooked Up Bait & Tackle: 100 E 20th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL
• Beach Bum Outdoors: 3041 W 1st St. Gulf Shores, AL
• J & M Tackle: 25125 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL
• Lost Bay Tackle & Guide Service: 25405 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach, AL

Stay and Fish in Gulf Shores

The Gulf Shores fishing charters offer a variety of angling experiences, whether you prefer inshore or offshore fishing. You’ll have expert guidance, top-notch equipment, and access to the best fishing spots.

Unwind and recharge at the end of your day at one of our Harris Vacations properties, making your experience that much more enjoyable. Book your stay today!

The Harris Rental Vacation team wants every guest that visits our rental properties to have an exceptional time. We strive to make the reservation process simple. We also work to make sure that our renters have a great vacation experience off the property as well. 

When looking for things to do in Gulf Shores, there are plenty of options! We always encourage our guests at Harris Vacation Rentals to let us know the experiences they are looking for so we can recommend activities, restaurants, and any services that are needed.

Here are a few places and activities that our Harris Vacation Rentals team enjoyed this summer at Gulf Shores. 

Dining at The Perch at Gulf State Park 

If you’re looking for an exceptional dining experience, we suggest The Perch at Gulf State Park. Patrons can enjoy locally-sourced food, cocktails, sunsets, and stunning views of the surrounding beaches. Here’s what someone on our team said about their experience:

“The views are amazing! I enjoy this restaurant because it has a beautiful view, great food, and a fantastic wine selection.”

A Peaceful Vibe at Acme Oyster House 

Vacations can be really exciting. But we think it’s good to slow down and take advantage of a slower pace. The Acme Oyster House opened in 2014 and is a popular spot for fresh seafood and cajun classics. They also have great outdoor seating. Here’s what one team member had to say::

“I like the atmosphere and sitting on the back deck. Very peaceful.”

Enjoying the Nature at Gulf State Park 

With two miles of beaches and white sand, Gulf State Park is an excellent staple for those drawn to the outdoors. From hiking and biking to kayaking and canoeing, visitors can participate in a wide variety of activities, which makes it a great attraction for families. This park is a highlight for our team:

“I enjoy walking the Gulf State Park trails. Bike riding in the Gulf State Park. You can rent a bike for free if you do not have your own. Enjoying music at Meyer Park is always fun! Bring your chair and the pup.”

Having a Blast at the Beach 

While there is a lot to do in Gulf Shores, nothing beats the fun and entertainment a day at the beach has to offer. Take a look at what our team had to say about spending time on the beach:

“I enjoy spending time on the beach with friends and family. It is a good way to unwind from a busy week and enjoy the serenity and peace away from all the stress that life throws at us.”

“I enjoy going to one of the many beautiful beaches and collecting seashells. The beach always clears/calms the soul!”

“I enjoy relaxing at the beach, shopping, and playing mini-golf with friends and family. I would recommend taking one of the boat tours or fishing charters as it is always a fun experience.”

We want to make your vacation as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. So, when you’re booking a vacation with us, fill out this form and receive personalized recommendations tailored just for you from our team. 

Visit https://ourgulfshoresvacation.com/concierge to get started.