Gulf Coast Wildlife: Where To Go & What To See in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

The white sugar sands

The attractions at the Gulf Shores have been built to occupy and excite visitors of all ages, but what drew people to the shores originally was the incredible natural beauty of the area. The sparkling waters create the perfect home for a huge range of wildlife, and nature lovers can feel right at home in this area.

The Refuge

One of the best places to see wildlife in its natural environment is the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. It is an area of 6,700 acres that was established to provide a safe home for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles, and even the endangered Alabama beach mouse, among other various creatures. Despite its relatively small size compared to other wildlife refuges, Bon Secour regularly elicits wonder and awe in its 100,000 annual visitors.

Monarch Butterfly Migration

The majestic monarch butterfly migration showcases the vibrant colors of butterflies like never before. Similar to birds, monarch butterflies migrate south for warmer weather during the winter months. Every September and October, you can witness the butterflies crossing the Alabama coast, including Orange Beach, as they embark on their 3,000-mile journey to more suitable climates. In March and April, they make the return trip. Don't miss this remarkable sight—check out our Gulf Shores and Orange Beach rentals to ensure you experience it.

Biodiversity

The Gulf Shores is home to four distinct ecosystems, each with its own contribution of wildlife. It is no wonder that the Shores has such remarkable biodiversity, and is home to 4,500 different species. Of those, 144 can only be found in the state of Alabama, and another 100 are deemed globally rare. Exploring the wildlife at the Gulf will produce an experience that is unparalleled in any other region.

Dolphin Experience

If you're hoping to get up close and personal with the animals, you can't miss Alabama's dolphin experience. You and the family can book a dolphin cruise to seek out these gentle creatures. The dolphins are safely in their native habitat, and you can watch how they interact with each other and with the visiting boat. The Gulf is home to 20 species of whales and dolphins, and even one species of manatee, so there's no limit to what you can see.

Orange Beach and the Gulf Shores provide an incredible opportunity to commune with nature while enjoying a spectacular vacation. The unique natural environment combined with the various enterprises that have sprung up to help visitors explore every facet of the Shores makes it easy to turn this getaway into an unforgettable experience.