As part of my hosted media visit to Mobile, Alabama, my group had the opportunity to go airboating on the delta, and if you ever visit the city, this is definitely a must-do!
After a hearty breakfast at Bob’s Downtown Diner in Mobile, we were taken just south of the city to meet up with our tour guide at Airboat Express.
Mobile sits on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, which is the second largest river delta in the United States. It encompasses approximately 260,000 acres in a 40-by-10-mile area that opens into Mobile Bay.
The Tour
The six of us did the 1 hour Eco Tour, which was a great mix of adventure and learning about the environment.
The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is home to a wide variety of habitats, including flood plains, cypress-gum swamps, and marshes, which host some of the most diverse wildlife in Alabama.
Our tour took us through the marshes, and our guide, Geoff, did an excellent job of pointing out the various birds, snakes, and alligators near us. At one point, he slowly motored the boat within 5-10 ft of an alligator, and it cautiously eyed us above the water level as we snapped away with our cameras. Sizing us up…maybe judging us…before choosing to swim away.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUAhnjAje9l/
We also got up close with some Cypress Trees, rising above the water in their majestic glory. Geoff also pointed out the trunks of some fallen trees just below the water, silently contributing to the delta eco-system.
Geoff then brought us to a section of reeds, where he proceeded to show us parts of them were edible by slicing off the bottoms and presenting them to us to try. I didn’t really notice much of a flavor, but it was watery like celery.
The Adventure
After we’d gotten the educational part of the tour out of the way, Geoff proceeded to rev the engine on the airboat. We flew over the water at top speed, slicing around corners, and occasionally spinning in 180 degree turns. Sitting on the outside of my row, I ended up getting a little wet, but on the hot sunny day, it felt good.
Out boat hit one last straightaway through the marsh, and our ride came to an end. Surprisingly, I managed to hold on to my phone throughout the wild finish, an here is the video I shot (warning, I’m near the engine so it can be a bit loud):
The Bottom Line
I enjoyed the tour. It was the perfect blend of nature, education, and adventure. It was suitable for all ages (we had a 10 year old with us) and abilities (those in a wheelchair will have to be able to maneuver over and step down in to the boat).
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUAgy5njjSK/
The Details
Airboat Express is located at 3733 Battleship Pkwy., Spanish Fort, AL 36527 (next to the Original Oyster House). Prices for our 1 Hour Eco Tour tour were $35 for adults and $25 for kids, which is a good value for the experience, I think. There is a four-passenger minimum, and it operates seasonally February through mid-November.
For more information, visit them at airboatexpress.com or at visitmobile.com.
Disclaimer: I was on a hosted media trip by Visit Mobile. As always, my opinions are honest, and my own.
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Airboating is on the bucketlist for sure. It will definitely worth experiencing. Imagine a friendly airboat racing wth a couple of others that are also on tour, that would be so much fun to do.
That looks like it would be a fun experience!! I’d be scared we’d be stranded out with gators somehow. Yes my mind always goes to the worst possible scenario lol
That’s definitely worth experiencing with the whole family! It looks like you had a great time with the tour as well. I’d love to experience this someday soon!
When I lived in Florida I wanted so badly to go on an air boating trip but never took the time. Looks like I missed out on a grand time. Next time I visit I will definitely go.
That’s such a thrilling adventure! I hope I can try it too someday. It must feel surreal to be up-close with those crocs!
An airboat tour sounds really fun. A nature tour like this would get my husband excited. I guess I have to say yes to my cousin’s invite to visit Alabama.
I have been to Mobile three times and had great times. I never went in the summer when we could do airboating though. Sounds fun!
Looks like you guys had a lot of fun. I have seen airboat tours on some of our visits to Florida and Louisiana but we’ve never done it. May have to try it next time. Thanks for sharing.
I have always wanted to go in an airboat. I am hoping to be in Alabama this winter. I will have to look into going airboating.
That looks like so much fun! We’ve been to Mobile a couple of times, but we’ve never made the time to take a tour of the delta portion of it. Thanks for sharing this!