Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a prime destination for nature lovers to enjoy outdoor adventures. It boasts beautiful beaches, rich wildlife, and undisturbed natural coastal beauty. The team at Young’s Suncoast has created this guide to help you find the best Gulf Shores kayaking spots to explore the coastal wonders. We also offer a premium selection of vacation rentals in the Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and Orange Beach areas. Whether your heart desires a comfortable one-bedroom condo or a spacious beach house perfect for a large group, we can’t wait to help you find your home away from home!
Explore the Top 4 Kayaking Spots in Gulf Shores
- Gulf State Park: This local state park offers nine diverse habitats and is home to Lake Shelby, a great spot for kayaking in Gulf Shores. You can use a kayak rental or bring your own gear to explore this lovely Gulf Shores freshwater lake. The park’s main office near the lake provides kayak rentals, fishing licenses, and a boat launch for easy access to this gem in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
- Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge: This area is one of the top kayaking spots in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It offers a peaceful retreat into Alabama’s last remaining coastal barrier habitat. Established in 1980, this refuge serves as a vital sanctuary for wildlife, including migratory birds and endangered species. Because of this, it’s an ideal destination for nature-loving kayakers. The Jeff Friend Trail kayak launch provides direct access to Little Lagoon, with nearby parking available. You can also kayak in Gator Lake by portaging from Chan West Pine Beach Trail or Gator Lake Trail.
- Back Bay Blueway Waterway: Enjoy kayaking four trails with 21 launch sites through Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. The Fort Morgan Trail takes you through Mobile and Bon Secour Bays, where you can visit the Fort Morgan Historic Site and spot wildlife like migratory birds and dolphins. The Little Lagoon section offers a 10-mile stretch of calm water, ideal for observing wildlife and fishing for both saltwater and freshwater species. Gulf State Park provides three launch sites that access Lake Shelby, Middle Lake, and Little Lake. Over ten launch sites in the Orange Beach/Wolf Bay section allow paddlers to explore diverse waterways and catch glimpses of the Gulf of Mexico.
- Sea View Tours Orange Beach: Escape the heat by joining for an adventure under the night sky to Bird Island. Hop into their neon-lit kayaks for a “Crab Grab” Tour, where you can enjoy kayaking through the glowing waters of the Gulf Shores area. Explore Bird Island and discover its vibrant wildlife, including sand crabs, hermit crabs, birds, and fish. Plus, you can gather a collection of unique seashells along the way!
