Wild Hearts Day Cruise in Orange Beach
Forget crowded beaches and predictable date nights. Say “ahoy!” to an unforgettable adventure on the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Join Wild Hearts for a day cruise and experience adventure and breathtaking beauty, all aboard a luxurious catamaran.
Located in Gulf Shores, Alabama, Wild Hearts takes you on a cruise like no other. Set sail on an adventure full of fun, sun, and Gulf of Mexico views that will take your breath away. With breathtaking views, delicious snacks and drinks, and plenty of fun activities for the whole family, Wild Hearts Day Cruises is sure to make your Gulf Shores vacation unforgettable!
Picture this:
- Sailing across the turquoise expanse, feeling the wind caress your hair and the sun warm your skin.
- Dolphins frolicking alongside the boat, adding playful splashes to your journey.
- Cozying up with your special someone under a star-studded sky, whispering secrets against the gentle rhythm of the waves.
The Wild Hearts is a 53-foot, open-ocean catamaran that makes daily cruises along the shores of Alabama and Florida. (Its homeport is Gulf Shores.) Though it may not look that large, the vessel pictured below can carry up to 49 passengers.
The mast of the boat rises 72 feet in the air and proudly displays the boat’s flag.
If you are like I am, you may be hesitant to board a boat for a 6-hour or so adventure, because “what if Mother Nature calls?” Well, let me reassure you that the boat has two restrooms, one for men and one for women.
Now getting to those restrooms is a bit of an adventure in itself – you have to carefully descend a ladder and steady yourself when it’s time to take care of business, but it is completely doable for most people.
Wild Hearts offers a handful of different cruises, in addition to private & corporate charters and wedding packages. My family and I were guests on the first Dolphins & Blue Angels tour of the year and got to see the Gulf of Mexico from a unique perspective.
The trip started off with a light breakfast which consisted of muffins and fresh fruit. (Soda and water were available throughout the trip.) We left Gulf Shores and headed East towards Pensacola, Florida where the crew would set anchor and so we could watch the Blue Angels.
The Wild Hearts was anchored directly across from the reportedly haunted Pensacola Lighthouse.
We arrived in time to watch the Blue Angels practice some pretty impressive flight maneuvers.
I didn’t see it at the time, but if you look closely at the picture above you can see people standing outside the top of the lighthouse watching the Blue Angels.
It got to be a bit of a personal challenge trying to capture the Blue Angels as they flew overhead. At times, they seemed to appear overhead out of nowhere.
While we watched the Blue Angels, the crew aboard the Wild Hearts prepared a light lunch for us. Afterwards, we set sail Fort McRee, an old abandoned Civil War fortress.
We had time to explore the island, as well as to go snorkeling or paddle boarding.
On our return trip to Gulf Shores, we passed several pods of dolphins. The crew would stop so that all of the passengers could have a good opportunity to see them.
Speaking of perspective – it was pretty neat when the boat passed under the Perdido Beach Boulevard bridge.
Riding the Wild Hearts was a really fun experience for all on board and it’s a great way to spend time with friends and family.
The Dolphins & Blue Angels Sail takes approximately 6 hours. If you tend to get seasick, you might want to consider taking an antiemetic (something to keep you from throwing up) like Bonine – I’m glad I did!
To learn more about Wild Hearts and the different cruises offered, click here. While food and drinks are provided, be sure to pack towels and sunscreen. Passengers ages 21 and older are allowed to BYOB. Also, don’t forget to be courteous and tip the crew after they have done a great job.
Know Before You Go
Before heading out on a dolphin cruise, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Cruise Operator: Wild Hearts
- Departure Point: Orange Beach (check your confirmation for the exact marina)
- Best For: Families, couples, nature lovers, and first-time visitors to Alabama’s Gulf Coast
- Trip Length: Varies by cruise selection
- Reservations: Recommended, especially during summer and holidays
What to Pack for a Dolphin Cruise
A little preparation can make your time on the water even more enjoyable. Here’s what I’d recommend bringing:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Camera or smartphone
- Refillable water bottle
- Light jacket or rain jacket, depending on the forecast
- Motion sickness medication if you’re sensitive to boat movement
Even on warm days, it can feel cooler once the boat gets underway, so an extra layer isn’t a bad idea.
Best Time of Year to See Dolphins
One of the questions I hear most is whether there’s a “best” time to see dolphins.
The good news is that bottlenose dolphins live in the waters off Alabama’s Gulf Coast year-round, so sightings are possible during every season. Spring, summer, and early fall generally offer calmer water and warmer weather, making them popular times for cruises.
Of course, dolphins are wild animals, so no operator can guarantee a sighting. That said, experienced captains know the areas where dolphins are most often seen, which greatly improves your chances.
Tips for a Comfortable Cruise
If you don’t spend much time on boats, it’s worth taking a few simple precautions.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking your preferred medication before boarding according to the package directions. Sitting near the center of the boat and looking toward the horizon can also help if the water becomes choppy.
Most importantly, relax and enjoy the ride. Even if the dolphins aren’t putting on a show every minute, the views of the Gulf are reason enough to be out on the water.
Photography Tips
Getting great dolphin photos can be challenging because they surface unexpectedly.
A few things that helped us:
- Keep your camera or phone ready instead of tucked away.
- Use burst mode if your phone offers it.
- Focus on the overall experience—not just close-up dolphin shots.
- Include the water, sky, and boat to help tell the story of your adventure.
Sometimes the best memories come from simply putting the camera down and enjoying the moment.
Where is the Wild Hearts located?
Wild Hearts’ home berth is located across the street from the Perdido Beach Resort (27200 Perdido Beach Blvd).
FAQs
During spring break, summer vacation, and holiday weekends, cruises often fill quickly. Booking a few weeks in advance gives you the best chance of getting your preferred date and time.
Safety always comes first. If weather conditions aren’t suitable for boating, the cruise operator will typically contact guests with information about rescheduling or other available options. Be sure to review the current cancellation policy when making your reservation.
Because dolphins are wild animals, no cruise can promise you’ll see them. However, experienced captains know the areas where dolphins are frequently spotted, giving guests an excellent chance of seeing them in their natural habitat.
I definitely think so. Watching dolphins swim alongside the boat while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Alabama’s Gulf Coast was one of the highlights of our trip. It’s a relaxing experience that’s suitable for all ages and offers a different perspective of the coastline than you’ll get from the beach.
Final Call
Gulf Shores is already stunning from land, but it’s another whole vibe out on the water. Whether you’re cruising in search of dolphins, soaking up Gulf sunsets, or chasing views from a catamaran, there’s something magical about seeing the coast from the sea. Once you’ve rounded out your cruise day, pair it with more shoreline adventures like Things To Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, feast on fresh seafood at Where to Eat in Gulf Shores, or wind down with a beachfront stay at The Beach Club Resort. These spots together make your seaside getaway full, fun, and utterly unforgettable.
Let me know in the comments if you ever spotted dolphins, snacked on local treats, or had a moment out at sea that you still think about. And if this guide helped you plan a perfect cruise day, share it with your fellow travelers so they can sail into those Gulf shores, too.
