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Nobody knows the waters of the scenic and historic Mobile-Tensaw Delta better than the licensed captains of Historic Blakeley State Park's Delta Explorer ! The park is the lower delta's longest-running boat tour operator and offers regular excursions into what is referred to by many as one of America's natural wonders. We invite you to journey with us by boat through these tranquil waterways and discover this incredibly diverse ecosystem. Here you will find a variety of wetland habitats that are home to the state's largest population of alligators, black bears, the rare red-bellied turtle, ospreys, bald eagles and numerous species of fish. Multiple guided cruises explore this stunning natural habitat along with nationally important historic sites, including locations associated with the Civil War's “Mobile Campaign,” and the modern Port of Mobile, one of the nation's busiest harbors.

Experience it all from the comfort of the Delta Explorer . The U.S. Coast Guard-licensed covered boat features bench seating and a restroom facility and is handicapped accessible.

For a listing of current cruise offerings, please click here

Charter tours leaving from the park dock are available anytime for a minimum of $800 guaranteed tickets at standard rates. Other charter tour options are available at varying rates. For more information, call the park office at 251-626-0798 .

Our Cruise Offerings Include:

This two-hour excursion takes guests up the storied Tensaw River to discover the site where the famed “Ghost Fleet”—a naval reserve fleet of hundreds of vessels kept in readiness for service in the decades after WWII—were once moored. Along the way we explore the winding route of scenic and secluded McVay’s Lake, the man-made ship channel connecting the Tensaw with the Mobile River near Gravine Island, and the seldom-traveled Raft River. 

The last known ship to bring enslaved Africans into America, the Clotilda rests in the waters of the Mobile River north of the city. Come along with us as we explore this somber but pivotal saga in local history with national significance. This special tour to the wreck is guided by Africatown Experience Tours. It will provide information on the voyage of the Clotilda, its passengers and their lives, and the enduring legacy of that fateful voyage by telling their stories. (Offered from the Blakeley Dock and the Cooper Riverside Park Dock in Downtown Mobile)

The park also offers monthly cruises departing from the Bartram Landing Dock at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Causeway (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort, Alabama 36527). Offerings vary by season. Please check our events page for a listing of scheduled cruises.  

  For a listing of current cruise offerings, please click here

Other special trips are offered on occasion.

Please check our events page for our current schedule.

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Historic Blakeley State Park 34745 State Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL 36527 251.626.0798 [email protected]​

Hours of Operation 8 a.m. - Dusk Seven days a Week  

Admission Adults:  $5 Kids ages 6-12:  $3 Kids Under 6:  Free Veterans and active duty military: Free ( individual day use only)

Pets welcome, but must remain on leash at all times.

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Delta Explorer / Historic Blakeley State Park

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• 34745 AL Hwy. 225
• Spanish Fort, AL 36527

Where to Stay

Meaher state park campground, historic blakeley state park campground, fairfield inn & suites marriott mobile/ daphne eastern shore, holiday inn express & suites daphne-spanish fort area, la quinta inn & suites by wyndham mobile- daphne, courtyard marriott mobile/daphne, eastern shore, historic blakeley state park cabins, upcoming events, 2024 delta woods and waters expo, where to eat, beef o'brady's, half shell oyster house, felix's fish camp, blue gill restaurant, ed's seafood shed, find your alabama sweet spot.

Find the sweetest Alabama vacation spot perfectly suited just for you. Customize your next Alabama vacation by the type of experience you are looking for, then filter by the region of Alabama you want to visit. Don't know what your Alabama destination should be? Let our interactive location map be your guide. Now, where is your next Alabama Sweet Spot?

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Looking for information on state parks, hot spots to have fun in the sun, or the best places for fishing or bird-watching? How about the world’s best museums or science centers? The Alabama Vacation guide will help you discover so many new and unique experiences. No matter where you’re headed or what you feel like doing, the Alabama vacation guide will get started on the right path.

Fill out your information below to receive a printed guide and Alabama state highway map in the mail. Note: Currently we only send mail inside the United States. All fields are required unless otherwise specified.

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Mobile has been charming visitors since 1702, and today is a colorful, fun-loving city. It’s one of the oldest port cities in America, and just blocks from the Mobile Cruise Terminal is a vibrant, walkable downtown district undergoing a serious renaissance. Check out the restaurants, bars, breweries, cafés, galleries and shops — most locally owned — and meet the folks who run these businesses for a warm, Southern-hospitality welcome.

• The Mobile/Tensaw Delta is just minutes from the cruise terminal and offers kayak, canoe and sightseeing tours before you set sail on Carnival Fantasy.
• Enjoy traditional and contemporary takes on the fresh seafood and coastal cuisine that’s been spicing up Mobile’s restaurant scene.

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* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

Discover The Mobile-Tensaw Delta

WildNative Tours’ delta safaris operation is based at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort, AL. In addition to boat tours, outfitter services, kayak shop & landing, “5 Rivers” as it is known to locals, is a free access AL State Lands property, with a live animal and delta exhibit hall, theatrette, Live Oak forest and gift shop.

WildNative Tours operates throughout the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, the second largest river delta in the U.S., a prime location to see an abundance of wildlife and explore the recently expanded Bartram Canoe Trail – now at more than 200 miles long. From 2 hour excursions to multiple day camping, fishing and hunting, WildNative has an adventure to fit all ages and skills.

What to See in the Delta According to the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program, the Mobile-Tensaw Delta is considered the best remaining delta ecosystem of its kind in the USA. It is so ecologically diverse it supports:

• 126 species of fish
• 40 species of mammals, including black bears, wild pigs and deer
• 69 species of reptiles such as alligators and the rare red-bellied turtle
• 30 species of amphibians
• 500 species of plants, including swamp lilies, cardinal flowers, butterfly weed, green-fly orchids and the tiny-leaved buckthorn, one of the rarest shrubs in the United States
• More than 300 species of birds, including eagles, ospreys, pelicans, herons, kites, owls, warblers, vireos, wrens, egrets and a variety of woodpeckers, including the Pileated woodpecker, which can grow as long as 19 inches and is the largest woodpecker in North America.

Prepare to be amazed, inspired and relaxed by the Mobile-Tensaw Delta with our Delta Safaris!. All while “living the wildlife” with WildNative Tours – Coastal Alabama’s leading tour operator and only delta specialist… We encourage you to come and enjoy our world, whether for a few hours or a few days!

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Historic Blakeley State Park Cruises

MOBILE, Ala. ( WALA ) -Historic Blakeley State Park is now running multiple cruises out of Five Rivers Delta Resource Center two weekends a month on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Until now, the park’s Delta Explorer has cruised from the Five Rivers dock on one weekend per month. Now there’s double the opportunity for the public to join in exploring the amazing Mobile-Tensaw Delta from the Five Rivers facility. A number of special cruises are planned for the fall to celebrate this new partnership. In addition to the customary Friday sunset cruises, Saturday morning and afternoon “Delta Discovery” tours, and Sunday afternoon excursions, some new offerings will be added to the schedule. These include a two and a half hour “Secret Delta Tour,” 90-minute “Animal Ambassador” and Birding cruises, and several new three-hour trips.

You can take a voyage to the legendary Twelve-Mile Island, site of the scuttling of the Clotilda, on one, and venture up the Tensaw to the site of where the famed “Ghost Fleet” was once moored, on another. In September, they are offering a unique journey of discovery into the Mobile Bay area’s past on a special “Revolutionary War on Mobile Bay” cruise. Later this fall, they will be offering some cruises combined with dinner at one of the fabulous seafood restaurants on the Causeway, as well.

For a full schedule of upcoming cruises and tickets from both the Blakeley and Five Rivers docks, as well as a complete listing of all park cruise offerings, visit blakeleypark.com .

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9 Amazing Adventures To Experience In America’s Amazon

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Only a stone’s throw (if that far) from the major Gulf Coast city of Mobile, there is a true wilderness area that many people outside of Alabama do not know exists. It is one of the largest intact wetland wilderness areas in the country — the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta.

Author and journalist Ben Raines coined the name “ America’s Amazon ” for this unique wilderness wonderland.

He nailed it.

The delta encompasses 260,000 acres of breathtaking cypress and tupelo swamps and is the most diverse river system in the country where alligators — hundreds of them — lurk just below the surface. Hundreds of miles of marshes, wetlands, bayous, and sloughs vein their way to the Gulf of Mexico and play host to more species of fish, turtles, snails, crawfish, and mussels than any other river system in North America.

Countless species of birds find this wet, often humid climate much to their liking as do black bears and wild boar.

And then there is the history. Deep within the wilderness, in the absolute middle of nowhere, there are ancient Native American mounds where a civilization once thrived thousands of years ago, the area where the last major battle of the Civil War was fought, and the wreck of the last slave ship, the Clotilda, to arrive in America .

The delta is a fascinating area and despite the ominous sound of its moniker, it is a wondrous place that everyone can explore. Here are eight adventures where you can experience America’s Amazon for yourself. 

1. Five Rivers Delta Resource Center

To really appreciate the uniqueness of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, you need a little perspective before you start exploring. Begin your adventure by paying a visit to the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort.

Known as the “Gateway to the Delta,” this beautiful state-run facility offers panoramic views of the lower delta from the boardwalks that ring its three buildings. Inside, you will find exhibits that introduce you to the delta, its plants and wildlife, and the human history that fostered the growth of Alabama’s port city.

The center also features a comfortable theater where nature-related and historical documentaries run throughout the day, or you can select a title and they will play it for you.

Pro Tips: The center is open daily from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and admission is free. The third Sunday of each month, Five Rivers hosts the Animal Ambassadors program where you can meet live critters that live in the delta. Check their online schedule for dates and other upcoming events.

2. Mound Island

The Mobile-Tensaw River Delta has seen its share of human history over the centuries. One site is hidden away in the absolute middle of nowhere, an island that was once inhabited by humans over a thousand years ago — Mound Island . 

Native Americans arrived on the island around 1000 AD and built towering dirt mounds by hand, one basket of dirt at a time. Some were as tall as 45 feet tall, where the tribal chief would live, and shorter mounds like mound B , where religious leaders lived and held rituals. While the mound was shorter, it was still impressive. It was as long as a football field. In all, 18 mounds were built on the island.

Pro Tip: Visiting the mounds is a fascinating trip back in time with a mile-long walk through the Amazon-like environment. To get there, however, you have to either kayak or take a tour boat. I’ll talk more about these options in a moment, but your best bet is to take a tour boat where historians bring the story of the mounds alive and can better point out what you are seeing. 

3. Historic Blakeley State Park

A little south of Mound Island in Spanish Fort is Historic Blakeley State Park . At one time, Blakeley was a bustling port city that was actually bigger than its cross bay rival, Mobile. In the mid-1800s, the town was ravaged by a yellow fever epidemic and it was left to be reclaimed by nature. 

In 1865, this same area was the last bastion of hope for the Confederacy to retain their last remaining port city, Mobile , on the Gulf Coast during the Civil War. On April 9 th , as General Lee’s army was surrendering to General Grant at Appomattox Courthouse, the Battle of Blakeley was fought, making it the last major battle of the war.

Today, a myriad of hiking and biking trails weave their way through the battlefield and some of the best preserved breastworks and redoubts with interpretive signage describing the events of that day. Information for a self-guided tour is available online. 

Pro Tip: Admission is $4 for adults; $3 for children 6–12, veterans, and active duty military; and kids under 6 are free. 

4. The Last Slave Ship 

The story of the slave ship, Clotilda , sounds almost improbable. Even though importing slaves had been outlawed in the United States, in 1860, Thomas Meaher made a bet that he could bring new slaves into the country without being detected. He did so on the schooner Clotilda, the last slave ship to arrive in the country.

Meaher brought 110 captured Africans up the Mobile River into the delta at night where the slaves disembarked as he set the ship on fire in an attempt to destroy the evidence. 

Over a century later, the wreck of the Clotilda was discovered and efforts from local officials and descendants of those slaves are underway to protect and preserve this incredible piece of American history.

Pro Tips: Special trips to the wreck of the Clotilda are scheduled through Historic Blakeley State Park. Visit their event calendar regularly to catch the next scheduled trip.

5. A Birder’s Paradise 

With the vastness of undisturbed wetlands, marshes, and rivers, you could imagine that the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta is a birder’s paradise — and you would be right. 

The Audubon Society rates the delta as one of the most productive wildlife habitats in the country. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in the delta 

The birding list is impressive. You may spot mottled duck, Baird’s sandpipers, and swallow-tailed and Mississippi kites. The list goes on and on. 

The Alabama Birding Trail has established several stops around the delta where you can check off a few species from your list. 

Pro Tip: Bird watchers and those interested in wildlife should set aside the last weekend of September to attend the annual Alabama Coastal Birdfest . The event is based at the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center which hosts a number of birding and wildlife presentations as well as countless field trips into the delta.

6. Exploring By Tour Boat 

As mentioned earlier, most exploration of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta is by boat. One of the best ways to experience it is by making a reservation aboard the Delta Explorer . 

The cruises are based out of Historic Blakeley State Park and offer a wide variety of excursions to suit everybody’s interests. Try the Delta Adventure Cruise where you may encounter black bear, bald eagles, osprey, and of course, alligators. There are also tours of historic Civil War sites along the delta’s banks, cruises to Mound Island, lunch cruises, and an evening cruise to experience an incredible sunset.

Pro Tips: Local historian and author John Sledge leads fascinating and informative trips into the delta each spring and fall. Visit the Delta Explorer website for his latest historic cruise.

7. Kayaking The Wilderness 

A true adventure awaits you as you paddle your kayak through the dark and mysterious bayous of the delta along the Bartram Canoe Trail .

The trail consists of 200 miles of marked routes through groves of Spanish moss-laden oaks and mysterious cypress and tupelo swamps all under the watchful eye of American alligators sunning themselves on logs and along the banks.

The canoe trail also features floating and land-based camp sites that you can reserve to spend a night under a brilliant starry sky with the sounds of the delta surrounding you. 

Pro Tips: Even though the canoe trail is well marked, it is still easy to get off track and lost in the endless bayous. If you are not an experienced paddler, it is best to sign up for a guided tour with one of the area’s reputable companies like Wild Native . 

8. Exploring By Air Boat 

Time to get your heart pumping as you zoom across the marshes aboard an air boat into coves that boats can’t get to. A ride in an air boat is plain fun and you can still see the many species of wildlife that call the delta home. 

Sign up for a boat ride with Air Boat Adventures or Airboat Express . 

Pro Tip: Make your reservations well in advance of your visit to assure the boats are running and there are seats available. 

9. Camping At Meaher State Park

A cozy state park is located on the Mobile Bay Causeway that bridges the eastern shore of Mobile Bay to the city — Meaher State Park . 

The park is located on the southernmost end of the delta and sports 61 RV and several camping sites, as well as four fully-outfitted cabins overlooking the bay. The park also offers incredible sunset views over Mobile Bay.

The great thing about Meaher is that it is centrally located, so it’s easy to not only explore the delta but the many attractions in downtown Mobile (including Mardi Gras ) and along the eastern shore in the charming towns of Daphne, Spanish Fort, and Fairhope . 

Pro Tip: Make your reservations well, and I mean well, in advance of your trip. Campsites are scooped up as fast as they become available.

If you want to explore more of Alabama , check out these articles:

• 7 Moving Experiences Along The U.S. Civil Rights Trail In Alabama
• 9 Remarkable Experiences Travelers Shouldn’t Miss In Alabama
• 6 Beautiful Waterfalls To See Near Huntsville, Alabama

• Space Oddities: Forgotten Stories from Mankind's Exploration of Space
• Everyone's Gone to the Moon: Life on Earth and the Epic Voyage of Apollo 11
• A Travel Lover's Guide to Mobile and the Alabama Gulf Coast
• Hidden History of Mobile
• Baseball in Mobile

Recently retired, Joe plans to continue his love of traveling while sharing his adventures and exploration of the U.S. and the world with TravelAwaits readers.

Meaher State Park

5 Rivers Delta Center

Where the Mobile, Spanish, Tensaw, Apalachee and Blakeley rivers flow into Mobile Bay stands an incredible facility for outdoor recreation, conservation and land stewardship in Alabama:  5 Rivers Delta Resource Center . It's the ultimate place to begin your adventure into over 250,000 acres of scenic waterways, woods and wetlands. Or, simply soak up the natural beauty and history of the region with plenty to do and see at the facility itself.

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Delta Wildlife Eco Boat Tour

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Delta Wildlife Eco Boat Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Welcome to Airboat Express, the original Airboat Tour Company in Alabama. We are the only airboat tour company with a perfect safety record and commercial liability insurance. Our tours provide an unforgettable experience for the whole family! Learn about the wildlife in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta while having a fun airboat ride the whole family will enjoy. Our airboat tours are the best that Alabama has to offer! Our tours allow you to experience the Delta in a much closer and personal way. Airboats don’t require deep water which allows us to go places other boats with outboard motors can’t go. Get to know the Delta and see why it is honored as a National Landmark! Airboat Express is the perfect way to see the Delta and learn about the flora, fauna, and wildlife. Take a tour with us and we will show you why the Delta is Alabama’s most beautiful natural resource and hidden beauty.

Welcome to Airboat Express

This website is dedicated our families who have remained supportive and loyal. We are blessed to have you!

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Exciting Mother's Day Dinner Cruises May 10 to 12. Mom5 for Early Bird $5 off

Elegant Dining Cruises In Mobile Al

Riverfront dinner cruises in mobile, al.

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Perdido Queen Cruises

Dining cruises in mobile, al, mobile, alabama cruises, dining cruises, pirate adventure cruise, group bookings, birthdays and corporate events, dinner theater: disco themed comedy murder mystery, live music cruises, waterfront riverboat tours.

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Mobile Dinner Cruise

Spend a beautiful evening on the water in Mobile, Alabama.  Dinner is catered and served at your private table.  Enjoy live entertainment and spectacular views as you cruise Mobile River.  Mobile’s iconic floating venue is the best place to show your out-of-town guests Mobile AL spectacular riverfront and city lights.

Private Cruises & Weddings

Private cruises, celebrate any and all occasions on perdido queen cruises.

Help us welcome the Perdido Queen Dinner Cruise to the Alabama Gulf Coast. This is the only dinner cruise in Mobile providing an entertaining and unique way to enjoy our beautiful, scenic waterway. Ideal for anniversaries and special occasions or just a night out with the family or that special person.

Take downtown Mobile dining to a new level! Enjoy dining on the water while cruising along the Mobile waterfront. Dinner is served at your private table and includes two entrees with plenty of sides and salad to select from. During your cruise, the vessel is heated or cooled for your comfort. Perdido Queen dinner cruises feature live entertainment , providing space for dancing and dining. Or, join us for a murder mystery cruise for a night of fun competition and laughs with friends.

Cruises operate rain or shine. Reservations are required and suggested to be made early to guarantee seating for the date you wish to attend. Avoid the lines and forget about a wait! Parking is available on the south side of the convention center.  Covered parking is available under the convention center. Train: In case of a train stopped on the tracks, please park on the south side free parking and use the stairway crossover by the convention center to avoid the railroad tracks.

Customers Love Cruising With Us!

A must do when visiting Mobile. Great views of the bay while watching the sunset. Live music, good catered food, great mixed drinks and friendly staff that makes sure you’re being well taken care of. Thanks for offering this new outing in Mobile and we’ll definitely be back!

If you like being on the water, this is a must do. Between the live music, great service, and beautifully lit skyline, it is a wonderfully unique experience. I am a sucker for photos and I loved the unique view it offered of the USS Alabama.

Cruised with friends celebrating their anniversary. In spite of the fog, we had an enjoyable evening. The crew was friendly and helpful. The food was delicious. Cash bar was reasonably priced. The musicians were talented and engaging. Lots to see along the waterfront. I would go again.

We cruised during the week and it was very enjoyable, peaceful, and quite relaxing. Food was good. Drinks were awesome. Live music had us all dancing. The crew was super friendly!! Highly recommend. We'll be back!!

Mobile Riverboat Dinner Cruise

• Recurrence: Recurring every week day
• Location: Alabama Cruises - Perdido Queen Cruises
• Address: 1 S. Water St., Mobile, AL 36602
• Phone: (251) 948-6611

Explore the beautiful sights of Mobile AL's riverfront aboard our two level steel riverboat, The Perdido Queen.  Take in spectacular views and enjoy fresh air as you enjoy live entertainment, dinner and a full cash bar.  We offer a variety of entertainment choices including Live Music and Comedy Murder Mystery Cruises.   Live Music cruises are available Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and feature local band, Remix, offering the best dance hits of the 60's, 70's and 80's.  On our live music cruises we offer the choice of indoor seating with all around window views or upgrade to VIP top deck dining!  We also offer private sections for private parties and private cruises.  Murder Mystery Dinner Theater is a night of fun and excitement brought to you by the cast of Bay Cities Improv.  Sit back and enjoy or participate in live dinner theater and compete to solve the crime as you cruise on our authentic riverboat!  Comedy Murder Mystery Shows are offered on Thursday, Friday and Sunday.  Our boat offers an all inclusive experience perfect for date night, anniversary and birthday celebrations, team building, corporate events, family and friend outings, rehearsal dinners and so much more.  Mobile was born to celebrate, and we are happy to celebrate with you!  Book your cruise today at mobiledinnercruise.com or 251 948 6611