Bon Secour SUP Lesson & Guided Tour — Paddle the Quiet Backwaters of Gulf Shores
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for beginners and families; should be able to stand and lift a board for short distances.
Overview
Learn to stand up paddle board in the calm backwaters of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. This 75-minute lesson-plus-tour blends hands-on instruction with close wildlife viewing on protected Alabama coastal waters.
Bon Secour SUP Lesson & Guided Tour — Paddle the Quiet Backwaters of Gulf Shores
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Dawn lifts off the horizon in a band of pale coral as you push from a sandbar into glassy water. The paddle clicks, the board answers, and the inlet narrows into a ribbon of tidal creek framed by salt grass and low mangrove-like scrub. A guide at your shoulder demonstrates a sweep stroke; you mirror it, feel the board track straight, and for a heartbeat the rest of the world is simply the rhythm of paddle and tide.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Launch parking tip
Pull straight in and park on the left near the white truck — do not follow signs to the trailhead or you’ll miss the launch area.
Time it for morning calm
Book early to avoid afternoon winds; glassy water makes learning balance and strokes much easier.
Tide-aware paddling
Check the tide — low tide exposes mudflats and oyster bars that change the route; guides adjust the tour accordingly.
Bring hydration and sun protection
There’s limited shade on the water; pack a secure water bottle, SPF 30+ and a hat with a chin strap.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- brown pelican
- great blue heron
History
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge was established to conserve critical habitat for nesting shorebirds and coastal species, protecting the barrier island's fragile shoreline from development pressures.
Conservation
Stay on water channels and avoid landing on marked nesting islands; the operator enforces no-landing rules to protect nesting birds and fragile marshes.
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Adventure Hotspots in Gulf Shores
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Personal flotation device (PFD)
Even if supplied, a properly fitting PFD increases comfort and safety on the water.
Reef shoes or water sandals
Protect feet when launching and if you wade to shore; many surf bottoms are sharp with shells and grass.
summer specific
Broad-spectrum sunscreen and lip balm
Reflective water and low coastal shade make high-SPF protection essential year-round.
summer specific
Lightweight, quick-dry clothing
A long-sleeve synthetic top and shorts keep you warm on a cool morning and dry quickly after a splash.
spring specific