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| PHOTO BY BEACHNRIVER KAYAK RENTALS (Foley, AL) --- Paddling still, clear rivers and creeks is what BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals specializes in offering. Kayaking guests enjoy the cool, shaded canopy on a hot Al Gulf Coast day. |
Kayaking uses paddle power so it is one of the most ecologically sound ways to enjoy the area's rivers, lakes and bayous.
Negotiating a kayak is fairly easy to learn --- especially if you are considering a paddle on one of Gulf Shores' creeks and still, calm rivers --- like the Bon Secour River.
But with all the new choices listed in travel guidebooks and on signs along the highway touting "Kayak Rentals" how do you know which kayak rental will be a good "fit" for you, your friends and family?
Following is a list of
"Five Important Questions You Must Ask Yourself Prior To Choosing A Kayak Rental Excursion In the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach/Foley/BonSecour Area":
Do You Plan To Set Aside At Least A Half-Day Or Full Day To Kayak?
Are You Comfortable Launching Where You Must Be Transported By Boat Or By Vehicle To Your Destination?
Do You Mind "Sharing" Your Adventure With Strangers (Or A Guide) Or Do You Prefer To Paddle Alone With Your Chosen Family and Friends?
Do You Smoke And Won't Consider Paddling Fun Without A Cooler Filled With Alcohol?
Are You After An "Adventure" Or Just Want To Tick Off A "Bucket List?"
If you answer "No" to Question #1 "Do you plan to set aside a half-day or so to paddle?" then a kayak rental that offers an hourly rate will be your best choice.
In Gulf Shores you may want to check out the Gulf State Park at Lake Shelby where you will paddle the lake, or the "Down Under Dive Shop" were you will launch into a Lagoon. If you have no fear of alligators you will feel perfectly fine paddling in both bodies of water. You must keep in mind you will paddle in open water where there is no shade or respite from the sun.
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| PHOTO BY BEACHNRIVER KAYAK RENTALS (Foley, AL) --- As beautiful as this photo looks, it was taken on an overcast day. Paddling the Little Lagoon in Gulf Shores will offer no respite from the sun. You must be aware that this Lagoon links to the same body of water as Lake Shelby at the Gulf State Park and alligators are often seen traveling the waters. |
If you choose to paddle in Orange Beach, consider launching from behind Tacky Jacks Restaurant or from the backyard of the owner of "Paddled-By-You." Both locations will take you through a canal-like body of water near busy marinas and public launch sites launching boaters. Most likely you will get a map to paddle to one of the "Islands" where you can lay out to bask in the sun along with throngs of other boaters/ kayakers prior to returning to the launch point.
I would describe this kayaking experience as a very "social" kayaking adventure.
The water is very choppy due to high boat traffic. There is a strong undercurrent. Winds can be high because you are out in open, unprotected water. You will need to pay close attention to other boaters, tour boats, pirate ships, sailboats and zooming personal watercraft.
Why not follow up with a meal or beverage from Tacky Jacks Restaurant? You will have earned it!
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| PHOTOS BY BEACHNRIVER KAYAK RENTALS (Foley, AL) --- Kayakers can launch from this point and head North under the bridge to a couple of islands that become extremely crowded during peak summer months. To paddle these waters near this Intra-Coastal location you must consider the wind, wakes and be adept at dodging large boats, tour boats skeedos, sailboats and even Pirate Ships! |
You can also rent a kayak hourly from Zeke's Marina and SanRoc Cay Shopping Center into a bay. We've never witnessed anyone launch from either of these locations, but the launches are located where large fishing boats depart and arrive. Although there is a portion of the water that is "No Wake," since you are in wide open "big" water, you will feel the wind and wakes from the large boats. There are restaurants located at both sites so you may feel inclined to paddle after a meal, then follow up your excursion with stiff drinks.
Rates range from $10 to $15 for "by-the-hour" paddling.
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| PHOTOS BY BEACHNRIVER KAYAK RENTALS (Foley, AL) --- It will be important to note that launching from Tacky Jack's in Orange Beach will put you immediately in a body of water that is very popular with boaters, skeedos. You must be mindful of large wakes, wind and possible strong undercurrents. |
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| PHOTO BY BEACHNRIVER KAYAK RENTALS (Foley, AL) --- As you can see double ocean kayaks are lined up ready to rent at SanRoc Cay in Orange Beach. You will paddle in big, open water and feel the wakes from tour boats and other boaters even if you paddle in the "No Wake Zone." |
Kayak Rentals by the hour is the perfect choice for folks who just want to "Tick Kayaking Off From A Bucket List."
If you are really feeling adventurous you'll rent from "Ike's" in Gulf Shores and paddle the Gulf.
To explore any of the many rivers and backwaters, you may consider having kayaks/SUP's delivered from "Gulf Shores Beach Rentals" "Go Go Kayaks" or "Alabama Paddlesports" to your lodging --- if allowed. It will be best to confirm lodging rules and storage requisites beforehand. To our knowledge all kayaks are Ocean, Sit-On-Top style. Most rentals offer seats for an additional fee.
Consult a map of public boat launches and put-ins and check, check and CHECK off each tour you complete! Remember: Respect Private Property = R.P.P. and "Leave No Trace"
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If you have planned to set aside a half-day or day to paddle, there are a few options where your kayaking adventure will include a ride in a pontoon boat or being dropped off via vehicle at your launch site.
According to web info, the "Coastal Kayak Excursions" owner/Captain offers a tour on a pontoon boat in a Bay where you will be dropped off at one of the "Islands" to paddle around. Reservations are needed for half or full-day rentals. This adventure is guides you to where there is heavy boat traffic with strong winds and a stiff undercurrent. As mentioned earlier, these "island" locations are a main attraction and can be heavily populated with partying boaters. These are considerations if your group has elderly or young children.
"Wild Native" of Mobile, AL ---5 Rivers and now of Gulf Shores, just introduced a kayak adventure on the Bon Secour River where you park your vehicle at Happy Harbor at Oyster Bay off County Rd.6 (Gulf Shores) and board a shuttle vehicle driven by an employee to an unspecified launch-site up river (most likely Foley). The rate includes the vehicle transport and a $10 meal voucher to eat at the Happy Harbor Restaurant. The website suggests the tour is a guided 3+ hour tour with self-guided tours available. You will paddle in Double Sit-Inside-Kayaks on the return to the restaurant unless you pay extra for a single kayak.
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| PHOTO BY BEACHNRIVER KAYAK RENTALS (Foley, AL) --- It is not unusual to see alligators in Mobile Bay, the 5 Rivers, Lake Shelby, the Little Lagoon, the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge, Oyster Bay in Gulf Shores, Phlash Island and in other warm canals and bodies of water along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Although all kayak rentals should disclose there is a possibility to see an alligator BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals has not found one while paddling the Bon Secour River for the past 14 years. We cannot say the same was true while paddling 5 Rivers area of Mobile, Bay. This photo was taken by the Wade Ward Park in Gulf Shores. |
Reservations are required. Rates for these types of trips range from $45 to $65 for up to a half day of paddling. Web info does not state whether these excursions include tax. You should allow for tipping when budgeting these excursion.
It is important to know when choosing your kayaking adventure: All property along the Bon Secour River is privately owned and there are NO PUBLIC KAYAK LAUNCHES ON THE BON SECOUR RIVER. This also means authorities WILL be contacted if you are caught trespassing! Check this link for a list of public boat and kayak-trail launches in the Orange Beach, AL area.
More information is listed on the Beach Is Calling Blog dated March 17, 2015 entitled: "Where To Kayak in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach" http://www.gulfshores.com/blog/2015/03/17/where-to-kayak-in-gulf-shores-orange-beach/
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| BEACHNRIVER KAYAK RENTALS (Foley, AL) --- Shoes, cares and stress typically melt away by the time first-time guests see the white-sand "beach" launch at BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals. River Rick aids all kayakers into their boats and helps them get their "sea-legs" before sending down the Bon Secour River. |
Newly offered are seasonal "Self-Guided/Guided" tours of equally clear, still, shallow neighboring creeks and rivers.
Since the rate of $35 for singles and $75 for double kayaks includes a put-in from 7 a.m., you can choose to paddle in larger, unprotected, sunny portion of the Bon Secour River exploring any number of the creeks and bayous along the way, so long as you return to the property before 3 p.m. you will more than likely return before the daily, seasonal pop-up storms!
If you opt to bring along a separate cooler, you may choose to purchase fresh (frozen) shrimp from a number of shrimpers along the river. You must keep in mind you may not park on any road or gravel or upload our kayaks at any home, on any privately-owned land or at any business along the Bon Secour River. All shopping transactions must be carried out while you remain in the kayak.
BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals can accommodate up to 50 kayakers and is prepared to host private parties, scout functions and other large group functions.
Reservations are required and Strict Rules must be followed. "No alcohol, no smoking and no cussing is allowed ... and we're not kidding. "
What sets the BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals excursion apart from other kayak rentals?
- You will launch from our beautiful, shaded grounds.
- Our rates are comparatively the lowest offered.
- You will deal with owners from the time you make your reservations until the time you are escorted to your vehicle waving goodbye.
BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals located off the Bon Secour River in Foley is the only kayak rental option where you park in shaded on-site parking entering onto a shaded property offering a launch into a clear, shallow creek you can feel safe sinking your feet into.
Because of the owners' love of flowers you will find an abundance of birds, flowers, butterflies and life buzzing all around the launch site. The air is heavily scented with a mix of sweet floral aroma and faint brine. The atmosphere is calm --- with a quiet ambiance of the sounds of nature sprinkled with the sounds of happy children squealing.
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| PHOTO BY BEACHNRIVER KAYAK RENTALS (Foley, AL) --- Every single sprig of Liriope, every shrub, every flower was planted within the past five years so guests at BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals will feel a connection to nature. It is not unusual for children to chase butterflies, smell flowers and see bunnies or ducks pass by. |
For example, you can paddle, swim, picnic in your kayak for a full eight (8) hours for the inclusive rate of $35 per single, Sit-On-Top kayak --- the easiest and most comfortable kayak to negotiate in and out of the water. Paddling Sit-On-Top Kayaks also means you also have the freedom to move your limbs (and cool your toes as you paddle.)
BeachnRiver Kayak Rental's double Sit-On-Top Ocean Kayaks include comfortable adjustable seats for no extra charge --- and based on total weight can hold two adults and a child for $75 inclusive. There is even ample room for freedom of limb movement and to strap an ice chest behind!
Because BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals only allows "invited" guests onsite --- and we do not launch our kayaking guests from other business properties --- we offer you the most secure environment for your vehicles and belongings. We constantly monitor our grounds for added peace of mind.
We require all our potential guests review website posted information --- from what to expect on a typical three hour tour -- to Rates, Rules, Days and Hours of Operation and even "Suggested Items to Bring" PRIOR to phoning for reservation information.
Our "Liability Waiver" and "Rules Contract" are conveniently online to download so you can complete, sign and arrive with them ready to kayak within 10 to 15 minutes of your arrival.
Why does all this matter you ask?
All these steps add to "peace of mind." It is better to peruse the information at your own pace in the cool, comfort of your air-conditioned lodging than out in 80 degree or higher temps. Wouldn't you agree?
You will arrived dressed appropriately, prepared to paddle and will have little need for explanations other than description of landmarks for turnaround on the return trip.
BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals is "off-the-beaten path" from busy Gulf Shores attractions, but because we offer limited launch times from 7 a.m to 10 a.m., if you paddle until you must return at 3 p.m. you will also avoid busy traffic drive times --- assuring plenty of time to return to your lodging to take in other activities.
As owners of the highest-rated, most popular, family-friendly Kayak Rental business in the Gulf Shores area for the past four years, BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals has become acutely aware of what our "exclusive" paddling guests desire.
BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals' Exclusive Guests Desire:
- Tranquility --- This says it all. Because of our advanced ages and laid-back lifestyle, the "feeling" starts as soon as you arrive onsite.
- Freedom --- You want to spend a day paddling with whom you choose, exploring where you choose, for as long as you choose.
- An Environment Free from Smoking and Alcohol Consumption --- You chose our business because this agrees with your sensibilities. You sign a contract. We expect you to honor it.
- "Down Home" Friendliness and Hospitality --- Because you are a special, "invited" guest, we treat you as such and give you undivided attention. We are old-fashioned. You won't catch us texting or answering reservation bookings in your presence. We don't even own a cell phone!
- Integrity --- We care about the river we live on and want our business to have a negligible to zero impact on our river and on our neighbors.
- A Family-Friendly Setting To Launch and Return To --- You will feel like you've returned to a long-lost relative's home.
- Fairness --- BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals does not offer discount coupons or other gimmicks to attract guests. You chose our business because you are special. You will pay the same "special" rate as all our special guests.
- Clean, Well-Kept Equipment --- Your boat, paddles, vests, seats are washed after each use. Paddles are routinely sanitized. Vests are re-freshened.
- To Read, Review Info As Much Info Possible From The Comfort of your Home/Lodging: We care so much about your comfort we REQUIRE you to review all pertinent info PRIOR to making a reservation! Should you choose to come prepared with Waivers of Liability and Rules Contract already signed with personal identification and proper cash ready, you will enjoy the most comfortable experience. Getting in the water will only be a matter of minutes and we, as hosts, get to spend more time making you comfortable in the boat instead of handling money and doing legal paperwork.
- A Good Reputation --- You can feel good about kayaking with BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals. We have many excellent reviews and testimonials posted on our website. Read guest reviews on TripAdvisor.com and on Facebook.
As mentioned above, there are plenty of kayaking choices in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach and Foley/Bon Secour area. To insure our guests to the Alabama Gulf Coast enjoy the best type of kayaking experience possible during their visit, we compiled this info as a service to make it easier to determine which kayak rental option will best fit your personal style.
CALL TODAY! We'd love it if you'll choose to kayak with BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals where you can "Discover your inner 'Huck Finn,' 'Captain your own Eco-Kayak Tour,' and 'HAVE A BEACHIN' GOOD TIME!'"
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