Experience and learn about our coastal environments with the entire family during one of our excursions. Each excursion is led by our Alabama Aquarium educator and gives you the chance to be a marine scientist for the day. You’ll learn about the area’s history, economic impact, and ecosystem benefits.

Grab a pair of old tennis shoes for the Salt Marsh Excursion. This coastal wetland is critical to our estuary ecosystem. You will have the chance to use seine nets and sieve boxes to get an up-close look at hermit crabs, snails, and small fish. All animals are released back into the marsh. The upcoming dates are July 6, July 13, July 20, or July 25.

The Beach, Dune, and Maritime Forest Excursion takes you on a journey through the maritime forest to the water’s edge. Learn about the plants that Indians and colonists used, and keep an eye out for coastal animals such as the osprey, alligators, and dolphins. The upcoming dates are June 22 or June 28.

The Salt Marsh and Beach, Dune, and Maritime Forest Excursions cost $12 per person, begin at 9:45 a.m. and return at 12:15 p.m.

For those interested in learning more about Mobile Bay, the R/V Alabama Discovery Excursion is the perfect fit. During the two-hour boat trip, you will learn about the diverse environment and animals around Mobile Bay. Our captain will do a short trawl to produce a sampling of animals that live in Mobile Bay.

For the boat excursion only, children younger than eight years old are not permitted. The R/V Alabam Discovery excursion cost is $30 per person and the hours are 2:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. The upcoming dates are June 23, June 30, July 14, and July 21.

For each excursion, you will meet at the Alabama Aquarium. To learn more or to reserve a spot, email excursions@disl.edu or call (251) 861-2141 ext. 7545.