For a unique birding experience, climb aboard a boat to explore Alabama's rivers, swamps, and bays. Birders can literally get off the beaten path and look for ospreys, pelicans, blue herons, egrets, and other wading birds in their natural aquatic habitat.
Alabama Cruises, 12402 Bellingrath Gardens Rd., Theodore. Embark on the Southern Belle from the Bellingrath Gardens landing for a trip down the Fowl River. (251) 973-2217. www.bellingrath.org/rcruise/boat.htm
Caribiana Cruises, # 2 Perdido Point, Orange Beach. The Caribiana 23 sea skiff enables visitors to have exciting, up-close encounters with Gulf and delta wildlife. (251) 981-4442. www.caribiana.com
Classic Charters, Pirates Cove, Orange Beach. Adventure trips are available aboard the 65-foot wooden schooner Cyrus E. King. (251) 981-5609 or (877) 981-SAIL. www.sailtheking.com
Mobile Steamboat Company, 1 S. Water St., Mobile. The Cotton Blossom sternwheeler offers various tours, including environmental cruises on the Mobile River. (251) 438-3060. www.mobilesteamboat.com
Sail the Daedalus, 5749 Bay La Launch, Orange Beach. Gently sail up a secluded bayou to observe wildlife while on this sleek sailboat. (251) 987-1228. www.sailthedaedalus.com
Tensaw EcoTours, 3807 Mobile Bay Causeway, Spanish Fort. Guided canoe, kayak, and powerboat tours afford a personal look at the wonders of nature. (251) 625-0339 or (251) 580-3683.
Wildland Expeditions, U.S. Hwy. 43, Chickasaw Marina, Chickasaw. Venture into the delta swamps aboard the Gator Bait to view the remarkable variety of wildlife. (251) 460-8206. www.wild-land.com
For a unique birding experience, climb aboard a boat to explore Alabama's rivers, swamps, and bays. Birders can literally get off the beaten path and look for ospreys, pelicans, blue herons, egrets, and other wading birds in their natural aquatic habitat. 
Alabama Cruises, 12402 Bellingrath Gardens Rd., Theodore. Embark on the Southern Belle from the Bellingrath Gardens landing for a trip down the Fowl River. (251) 973-2217. 
Caribiana Cruises, # 2 Perdido Point, Orange Beach. The Caribiana 23 sea skiff enables visitors to have exciting, up-close encounters with Gulf and delta wildlife. (251) 981-4442. 
Classic Charters, Pirates Cove, Orange Beach. Adventure trips are available aboard the 65-foot wooden schooner Cyrus E. King. (251) 981-5609 or (877) 981-SAIL. 
Mobile Steamboat Company, 1 S. Water St., Mobile. The 
