Dauphin Island Sea Lab Beach, Dune and Maritime Forest Excursions

Location:  Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab

For All Ages (Children 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult)

Program Cost:  $12 per person. Space is limited, and reservations are required. Please note that your reservation will not be secure until you purchase your tickets through a link you will receive by email using a code provided in the same email. There’s more to a barrier island than sand and water – the beach is a thriving habitat with a dynamic dune system and fascinating plants and animals, and higher elevations are covered by lush forest. We’ll walk through the maritime forest, then on to the dunes and beach.

You will learn about plants that Indians and colonists used and the benefits of an intact dune system. You’ll see many coastal animals; occasional highlights include osprey, alligators, and dolphins. You’ll dig for mole crabs that live in the surf zone and chase scuttling ghost crabs. We’ll bring hand nets and critter containers so we can get an up-close look.

What to wear:  Comfortable walking shoes for the beach and forest. Light-weight clothes for hot summer temperatures. If you’re eager to get wet, feel free to dress accordingly, though getting wet can be avoided.

What to bring:  hat, sunscreen, water bottle, bug spray, change of clothes and shoes, bag for wet items

For questions and reservations: E-mail summerexcursions@disl.org or call (251) 861-2141 ext. 2127.

Please conduct a health assessment on everyone in your party before leaving home on the morning of the Excursion. If anyone is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please cancel by phone, and we will issue a full refund. Everyone will be screened for symptoms upon arrival. We will not take a party if anyone in the group is symptomatic, but we will issue full refunds. Please help us safeguard everyone's health.